Name 10 things that come to mind when you think of New Orleans and Indianapolis? I guarantee wine is not on the list. Wine probably wouldn’t be on the list even if you expanded it to 100. Add the Super Bowl in the mix and wine has the potential to become a small afterthought in the midst of the beer, bourbon, Hurricanes, and absinthe – where does the wine fit in?

The Super Bowl draws an audience of over 175 million people worldwide. 50 million American’s are enjoying Super Bowl parties. Common party food is pizza, wings, chips, nachos, BBQ, and of course BEER. This year an All-American city known for its Hoosiers and Indy racing goes against the deep south known for its French architecture, jazz and blues, and rich spicy food. What about the wine scene in each city?

Indianapolis is a city built on farming, industry and transportation. New Orleans is a city built on water trade, arts, and oil refinery. New Orleans holds a special place in all our hearts after the devastation experienced during Hurricane Katrina. Indianapolis is an often overlooked American city, except during football season, high school basketball, and the Indianapolis 500. What about the wine scene in each city?

Wine in the Super Bowl Cities

Saints and Wine
A Google search of vineyards and New Orleans is indication that this is a city, although steeped in French and Spanish history, not rich in wine making. The wet humid climate and the moist soils make New Orleans a difficult place to grow grapes. Pontchartrain Vineyards makes a valiant attempt with Cynthiana (bold red similar to a Cabernet Sauvignon) and Blanc du Bois (dry and fruity white). Although greatly outnumbered, a handful of wine bars serve the community. When visiting bourbon street, take a detour for some fine wine at:

Wine Institute of New Orleans
610 Tchoupitoulas St., 324-8000
www.winoschool.com

• W.I.N.O.’s Enomatic system, a self-serve draft dispenser, features 120 wines available by the ounce, but $17 Opus One shots add up.

Wine Loft
1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, (985) 674-5988
www.thewineloftofmandeville.com

• Small plates of New Orleans-style delicacies provide the unique stamp on the Mandeville location of this national wine bar chain.

Wine and food are inseparable. Food and New Orleans are synonymous. With New Orleans vibrant French and Spanish history, wine is still a thriving community. Louisiana residents consumer 2.3 gallons of wine per year (about ½ as much as California).

Saints Food and Wine Pairings
New Orleans food is rich, bold and spicy. Many of the dishes contain sausage and seafood. A common pairing may be an off dry Riesling, Burgundy Aligote or Beaujolais, and a sparkling wine (Brut style). Sausage based dished may pair well with Pinot Noir or a hearty Cabernet Franc. It may be best to avoid fatty (oaky buttery) Chardonnay and high alcohol Zinfandels.

Colts and Wine
Wine in Indiana? Does it grow among the corn? Indiana is home to 52 wineries, many of which call the Indianapolis and Southern Indiana area home. Indiana’s oldest and largest winery, Oliver Winery produces over 270,000 cases per year with a range of sweet white, sparkling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. While most of their grapes are brought in from other regions, Oliver is also home to 15 acre Creekbend Vineyards. If you find yourself in Indianapolis for a sporting event enjoy one of these fine wine bars:

The Corner Wine Bar
6331 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis – (317) 255-5159
www.cornerwinebar.com

Deanos Vino
1112 Shelby Street Indianapolis, IN 46203
www.DeanosVino.com

Indianapolis Food and Wine Pairing

Indianapolis is an All-American city with great steak houses, big burgers, and hearty meat and potato meals. A classic pairing is Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine is a part of every culture and city in America. Wineries exist in every state in the country. I hope you enjoy the game, enjoy some wine, and enjoy your time with family and friends. DRINK.HAPPY!