Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Wineries & Vineyards
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Landry Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Landry Vineyards was established in 1999 by Jeff, Libby and their four sons; Ethan, Kohen, Noah and Micah along with the loving labor of family and friends. The first grape vines planted were two acres of a white European American hybrid grape, Blanc Du Bois, with plans for 2003 expansion including a red grape, Cynthia/Norton. Landry Vineyards was licensed as a Louisiana Native Winery in 2003. The first vineyards were established in Folsom, La. where the winery was also located. Soon after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Landry's used the storm opportunity to relocate to higher ground. They now reside in the beautiful hill country of West Monroe, La on a 20-acre site including a new winery, vineyards and beautiful tasting room. The Landry family strives to produce quality Louisiana wines that are distinctive to the region while complimenting the rich flavorful Cajun Foods of our French Acadian Heritage. Landry Vineyards wines may be purchased in 450 stores throughout Louisiana, from our website or by visiting Landry Vineyards in West Monroe, Louisiana.
Reviewed By char1scott - Mobile, United States
I wasn't sure what to expect when sampling Louisiana wine. The vintages were delightful! The vineyard is a lovely setting to spend an afternoon. The staff is welcoming and helpful in choosing what to sample or purchase. It's a curvy drive to get there but well worth your time. Yes, Louisiana wine is for real. Enjoy it!
2. NOLA Tropical Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
NOLA Tropical Winery offers a wide variety of tropical fruit wines, fruit infused wines and wine smoothies. We offer complimentary tasting of all our wines. Write a review on TripAdvisor and receive 10% off your purchase (excludes half and whole case deals).
Reviewed By 795joannec - Clearwater, United States
We stopped in this mall after our paddleboat cruise on the Creole Queen because it was literally right there and who can pass up a mall? We were the only ones in there and then others showed up and we had a mini party. We tried every wine. The lady working was terrific. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name, maybe Phyllis. We bottle several bottles of wine. They aren't cheap, but we felt better for boosting the economy. Highly recommend the Roman Candy chocolate rum. We drank that on the way back to our house.
3. Dubois Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
4. On Cloud Wine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By LTKH1 - Crawfordville, United States
Throughly enjoyed my visit to Cloud Wine Winery. Excellent customer service and enjoyed sampling the wines.
5. Pontchartrain Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Z7861QRdebbief
We love going to the vineyard especially on Sat evening for Jazz'n in the Vines. It is so relaxing just to set in the vineyard and listen to music and drink the wine. A great way to spend a Saturday evening. We have been going for a few years now and enjoy it every time.
6. Milicevic Family Vineyard
