First artisan sparkling conference for Louisiana

The first US convention for grower Champagnes and artisanal sparkling wines will take place in New Orleans next year.

The first annual Independent Champagne and Sparkling Wine Invitational (ICSWI) has been announced for 16-18 April 2010.

The conference will combine educational seminars and tastings of small production sparkling wines from Champagne, Prosecco, Franciacorta, the US and other regions.

Organiser Alva Johnson said the goal is to share the small-production sparkling wines she describes as ‘sweet little gems’.

These are often overshadowed by the grandes marques Champagne houses,

The ICSWI Board of advisors includes Laura Maniec MS, Charles Curtis MW, Fred Dexheimer MS, and Lisa Granik MW, who are expected to present seminars on food and sparkling wine pairing, mixology and more.

Culinary support will be provided by New Orleans’ Commander’s Palace restaurant.

Johnson says that New Orleans was selected as the site for the conference because ‘there are only a few other cities that have the decadence that New Orleans offers.’

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Written by Tim Teichgraeber in San Francisco