On one of my visits to the Northshore, a local resident asked if I had been to Wine Country. Yes, I answered; I have visited Napa, California. She was referring to the area in Louisiana known for succulent grapes. Wines are created in the Pelican State? I was a bit skeptical, so off I went to Louisiana’s fabled Wine Country in Bush. Bush is a small town located 17 miles northeast of Covington. With all my travels to the area, I had never even heard of this town. Well, suffice it to say, it just may be the Northshore’s best-kept secret.
Am I in Napa? Tuscany? Nope, it’s the other wine country, Bush, Louisiana!
Winery #1
I first visited Pontchartrain Vineyards. I expected there would be a few wines, but to my surprise the winery boasts a selection to suit any taste. Much to my delight, the tasting room was open (typically they are open Thursday – Sunday). For only five dollars, they serve a flight of wines to taste. I prefer reds, so I gravitated to their Dah Red and Dauphine labels. I purchased one bottle of each, and ended up signing up for their wine club. The club is a fantastic deal if you are like me and enjoy trying new wines normally not sold at the grocery store.
An added feature of Pontchartrain Vineyards is Jazz’n the Vines, a fall and spring season outdoor music series at the vineyard. Now this sounds like my kind of party—relaxing in the fall and spring weather, enjoying a picnic dinner and listening to great music. There are upcoming nights this season, so click here for details.
Winery #2
Next up was Bush’s second winery, LA Serendipity Vineyards. This winery is only 10 years old, so the collection is not as extensive as Pontchartrain’s. There are not specific wine tasting hours, however since it was a Sunday afternoon, I was able to taste their Blanc, a light, fruity white. As the vineyard expands, they will offer additional blends.
As I checked into my hotel, I opened one of the bottles I purchased at Pontchartrain. Was it even more delicious than the one I sampled? Perhaps, but even better was I was enjoying a glass of vino from Louisiana’s Wine Country. No whining here!