I spent three action-packed days in New Orleans a few weeks ago judging the first New Orleans International Wine Awards competition. 12 judges from across the US spent time in the Bayoux Wine Warehouse judging 540 wines from around the world. We were divided into 4 groups of 3 which meant tasting 140 wines or so in one day. That was a LOT of spitting. My panel judged dry roses, Cabernet's over $30, Rhone Blends, Malbecs, Vermouth, Ciders and 41 Chardonnay's under $30.

The Tuesday night reception was impressive. We were treated to wine, champagne and a buffet of delicious food in the "apartment" of a New Orleans couple. The 9000 sq foot apartment in the French Quarter included 5 original Andy Warhols, fine art, a courtyard with a pool. What a treat.

My new wine friends Doug Frost MS, MW and Heidi Peterson Barrett (YES- THAT Heidi Peterson Barrett, famed winemaker of iconic bottles including Screamin' Eagle and now La Sirena) spent our "off time" exploring New Orleans. We learned and laughed at Mardi Gras World - a warehouse campus where artisans build and store many of the characters, decorations and Mardi Gras floats. We were enthralled by the architecture and history of Lafayette Cemetery #2 where the above ground mausoleums date back to the 1700's. There is a huge push to preserve and restore and RESPECT the grounds which is often used as a back drop for many TV shows and films. We took in the wild and crazy people and places on Bourbon Street, and admired art in numerous galleries including one showing the latest work of Francoise Guillot - who was married to Picasso and also Jonas Salk. Her work at 95 is still fresh and inspiring - and if you've seen the National Geographic TV series "Picasso" you already know that much of HER work inspired Picasso.

Parts of the city are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina but the admiration, and respect for the history of the city is everywhere. As is the hospitality. Everyone, even the UBER driver went out of their way to make us feel special and welcome and spoiled.

Dinner on Wednesday night was at Antoine's. We ate in the private REX room, where pictures and items of all the REX Kings of Mardi Gras are kept. We dined on china that was used when FDR visited the restaurant in the 40's. The meal was New Orleans finest - shrimp remoulade, crab salad, local fish and beef, and Baked Alaska and flaming coffee, plus wines from around the world. Southern Hospitality at its finest. If you follow me on INSTAGRAM you can enjoy more pictures, videos and adventures.

Oh yeah - we judged wine, too.

Best of Class Winners included :

BEST RED - Allen Wines, "Audacieux", 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, Block 17

BEST WHITE - Merritt Winery, New York, Gewurztraminer

BEST SPECIALTY - Atwater Estate Vineyards, Finger Lakes, New York "Rose of Cabernet Franc"

These wines may be hard to find in the midwest but if your holiday journeys take you to any of the coasts you should be able to find a bottle or two in local wine stores.