NEW ORLEANS, April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- It's festival time and the 18th annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) once again brings together the best in local food with over 1000 wines this May 19 - 23, 2009. Inspired by world-class, local ingredients and culinary talent, NOWFE will present wine dinners, food and wine seminars, and many special events during its five-day extravaganza.

"Wine is the heart of NOWFE, and food is the pulse," states Joyce Godbold, NOWFE Executive Director. "Our ever-popular wine and food program is what NOWFE is all about- showcasing our acclaimed local chefs, and visiting celebrities, while creating exciting discussions about the latest trends in the wine world." On Wednesday, May 20th over 30 chefs from some of New Orleans most celebrated restaurants will create 5-course wine dinners (for a full listing of participating restaurants and wineries please visit http://www.nowfe.com); followed on Thursday by our premium wine tasting-- Vinola, The Royal Street Stroll Sponsored by Rouses, and our newest event FEASTiVAL-- featuring wine notables and celebrity chefs including Paul Kahan, Michel Richard, Marc Vetri, Neal Fraser, Rick Browne and Hosea Rosenberg. The Grand Tastings (Friday, May 22nd & Saturday, May 23rd) feature over 1000 vintages, 75 New Orleans restaurants, and Top Chef Season 5 Winner Hosea Rosenberg along with fellow Season 5 contestants Leah Cohen, Jamie Lauren and Jeff McInnis who will also present signature dishes at the Grand Tasting. Specialized and intimate wine and food seminars will take place throughout the week. For a full listing of Food and Wine seminars please visit www.nowfe.com.

"Where else in the world are you able to taste 1000 wines, eat over 50 dishes, meet renowned winemakers and chefs, shop with a glass of wine on a world famous street, and catch beads within a few blocks of each other?" asks Greg Reggio, NOWFE President. "New Orleans has so much to offer, and NOWFE captures the essence of it all with our events, seminars and unbounded enthusiasm."

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has donated over one million dollars to various charities.