OK. I was asked for an update. Here it is.
Officially: New Orleans Swamp 'N Grape Stomp.
July 11-13 and your stay in N’Awlins can be extended on either end of the weekend.
Hotel: New Orleans Riverside Hilton. Group rate: $90 per night. Perfect location for all things New Orleans. Right on the river, a short walk to the French Quarter. Full workout facility, including indoor tennis, and many other amenities.
Updated commitment list:
Jazin (2)
Ojeffso (2)
Pinot Envy (2)
Winetex (2)
Seaquam (2)
Enoselsa (2)
Eric White (2)
GFleener (2)
Wineaux (2)
KofH-QofH (2)
Winemakers (2)
Revlis (2)
Doc (2)
HighDesertWine (2)
Vino Me (2)
Futronic (1)
Lafon Rochet (2)
That’s 33 officially in.
There will be 10 New Orleanians attending who love wine, but do not participate on the forums. The list will grow exponentially if I spread the news.
The list of likely and probably and hopefully has grown to include:
Tyee (2)
A-Team2 and Toetag (2)
JosephJr. (4)
SKJ (2)
LCC (2)
And Plusvini (2), although he seems to be doubtful.
We're pushing 50 give or take. So this is getting serious. Just remember: The party's over when we hit 70. That's all we can fit at Gabrielle on Friday evening. The Sunday party can grow.
Anybody out there who is even thinking about it should send the King an e-mail at KingandQueenofHearts29@hotmail.com. So now's the time to do serious considering, especially with airfares on sale. Don't get caught with your face pressed against the windowpane.
Will have all the information, including how to book, very shortly.
We'll need to have a cutoff date for attendees sometime in April – although from the looks of things it might come sooner rather than later. I need to know how many spaces I need to fill -- if any -- at Gabrielle on Friday and how much food to order for our Sunday tasting.
The Hilton is cooperating greatly with the Sunday event, giving us the space – it looks out onto the Mississippi River – and will be allowing us to bring all the wine and cheese in without charging. We’ll be paying for set up, servers and some food.
I’ve been asked to estimate costs. Guessing a little bit here, but:
Hotel x three nights = $300
Friday dinner x 2 = $150
Sunday grand tasting x 2 = $50.
Note: This does not cover Saturday evening dinner expenes and any wine you bring, including the magnum needed to gain admission to the Sunday tasting.
Went to lunch at Gabrielle on Friday and Greg Sonnier said he will work up a menu and price for me next week. The dinner will include some wines (Crocker&Starr and Star Hill [great pinot noir] and I might add another. We’ll see.) I also encourage everyone to bring a bottle on Friday in just for the hell of it, like we did in NYC, and open it at his or her discretion. And we’ll need some dessert wines.
Made arrangements today to purchase Riedel bordeaux stems for dinner on Friday and everyone will get to carry his or hers out and hopefully keep it in one piece until Sunday. The glasses will be included in the cost of dinner. Obviously we aim to please.
Saturday night is open dining. I can help with reservations if needed. The King and Queen will be dining at Clancy’s. That much is a guarantee. Winetex is a Clancy’s devotee as well. We plan to gather at Mid City Rock ‘N Bowl for post-dinner repartee. There will be live music and I’m going to talk to the owner (he’s a college fraternity brother) about setting aside some space for us there.
Finally there will be hotel booking news coming via e-mail, likely Sunday, perhaps Monday.
Stay tuned.
This is going to be some kind of weekend. I guarantee it.
KofH

DaveL, sounds like you guys are in for an amazing time. Unfortunately, I can't commit right now for a summer trip. I know I may get closed out, but I'd rather not take a space and back out on you. I would know sometime in the spring (April) if I can make it.

And as for your New Orleanian friends, you need to show them how to type vinocellar.com into their browsers. We could use some more soldiers from the Dirty South.

jb

The Hearts: I also sent you an EMail, but will Post here also:

I know that you now have us down for a definite “MAY BE”. That definite "MAY BE" is 90% (definite "MAY BE"). I am going to start looking for Tickets & stuff & Babysitting (that’s a tough 1). But, assume us as IN. There is ONLY a 10% chance of backing-out by the cut-off date (as the Baby is the key, as usual). Thank You.

jb, we're all trying to get people here. I wish there was abetter way. I just keep posting over on WS to have my tagline appear as regularly as possible.

So TJ;that's why you post on the WS site!


You are one twicky wabbit

i try!

Ready to roll with hotel reservations. E-mail the above address if you care to receive info on the how-tos.

How many are committed now? Just wondering...

I'm out of town for 12 days with basketball and golf so can't give you a firm number.
We've picked up five this week, so creeping up on 60. The cut-off for dinner at Gabrielle is 64, so it may be shutdown sooner than expected. If that happens I create a waiting list.
There also are a few who have expressed interest, but have not given a firm commitment.

Wuh...Hold on then. I am IN definitely. Making reservations this weekend. So, please + 2 people for all the planned events. Thank You.

And, thank you for doing so much work on this. Not easy (with lives being so busy & all).

Please confrim this...here!!!

L-C-C,
Another confirmation.
Tried to take an accurate head count, leaving the fence sitters out.
The number I come up with, counting New Orleanians who will participate is 52. Think that's likely a few short. So there are about 10 places available for Friday. We can have as many as we want on Sunday.
That's all for now.

just in case there was any doubt, katy & i are definitely in now. i made our air & hotel reservations today.

I also suggest contacting them directly (as soon as possible). I think that remaining spaces are filling up fast.

lcc,

i did just that before i posted here & i believe i have already been counted, since i committed to this event months ago & i seem to be included in the head count in the initial post of this thread. but, better safe than sorry. i hope you make it as well .

I am there. Reserved the Air this week for a good price (thank you jazin). Will reserve the Hotel next week for a good price (thank you, the Hearts).

If you have any interest and haven't received the latest mailer, contact KingandQueenofHearts29@hotmail.
Deadline is May 4.
Direct questions to that e-mail address as well since I'm not here that often.
We've lost Doc, who will be in Russia but hope to pick up Cave Girl and Cave Man.