Ah, what a delightful evening it was at the Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed and Breakfast and Event Venue on July 15, 2023 at 6;30pm. The enchanting event was aptly named ‘A Taste of France’, and was brought to us with panache by the team at Two Travel Gurus. This was a wine tasting event like no other, an affair that I was beyond thrilled to be a part of.
From the moment our guests arrived, the ambiance of the place was warm and welcoming, every bit as lovely and charming as one would expect from the s
toried Louisiana Cajun Mansion. There were approximately 75 wine enthusiasts in attendance, all equally eager to savor the delightful evening prepared for us. The setting was intimate, yet buzzing with the excitement of those adore a good glass of wine and relish the opportunity to delve deeper into its subtleties.
ABOUT THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES:
Dwayne Coots is a highly experienced master of ceremonies with over 40 years of experience s a radio announcer, entertainer, and involvement in the music industry. He brought a unique set of skills and expertise to the France Wine Tasting event.
Furthermore, Dwayne Coots’ involvement in the music & announcing industry adds an extra dimension to his skills as a master of ceremonies. He has a deep knowledge and appreciation for music, which can be integrated into the event to enhance the ambiance. He played appropriate music selections that complemented the wine tasting experience, adding another layer of enjoyment for the attendees.
Overall, with his extensive experience as a radio announcer, entertainer, and involvement in the music business, Dwayne Coots is well-equipped to serve as the master of ceremonies for the France wine tasting event.
ABOUT THE WINE SOMMELIER:
Our Sommelier for the evening was Glenn LeBlanc, who set the tone of the event with his charming wit and infectious enthusiasm. With over 40 years of experience, he has developed expertise as a wine sommelier, viticulturist, and winemaker.
As a wine sommelier, Glenn Leblanc has honed his skills in the art of wine tasting, selection, and pairing. He has developed a deep understanding of various wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques.
Experienced as a Viticulturist, he has judged vineyards and wineries in France through the French consulate and is recognized for his expertise and invited to contribute his opinions and evaluations in prestigious wine competitions or events. Furthermore, Glenn’s expertise extends to winemaking in France, Italy, Washington State, Oregon, and California .
As a winemaker, he is involved in the production process, from grape harvest to fermentation, aging, and bottling.
Nick Lopez, Donnie Broussard and Jason Broussard are highly trained in wine tasting events and pouring. Working well with Sommelier Glenn LeBlanc is an additional advantage as they can provide our guests the most professional service.
ABOUT THE WINES FROM FRANCE:
Glenn walked us through a selection of five French wines, each with a unique character and story. From the crisp and delicate notes of Olema Rose Cotes de Provence, Joseph Drouhin Macon Villages, Le Garenne Sauvignon Blance, to the rich and full-bodied nuances of Domaine de Billards Saint-Amour and Joseph Drouhin Santenay.
The way Glenn described each wine was poetic. He painted a vivid picture of the regions they were from, the soil, the climate, the vines. The wine didn’t just taste like wine anymore, it was like a bottled essence of France. Each sip took everyone on a journey across French terroirs, and you couldn’t help but fall in love with every story Glenn unraveled.
HEAR WHAT ONE OF OUR GUESTS HAD TO SAY:
Ron Gaubert, of Lafayette Louisiana had an absolutely marvelous time at the wine tasting event at the Cajun Mansion. The selection of wines was exquisite, showcasing a variety of regions and flavors that truly broadened my palate.
It was an educational journey as well, learning about the intricate process of winemaking and the unique characteristics of each variety. Ron says, “I was particularly impressed by the knowledgeable hosts from Two Travel Gurus who made the experience both enlightening and entertaining. ”
He continues to say, “I highly recommend these events to anyone interested in exploring the world of wine in a magnificent setting. It’s an experience not to be missed, and I look forward to attending more in the future.”
ABOUT CHEF BLAINE:
Chef Blaine’s passion for cooking and his ability to cater to different groups and events without professional culinary training is a testament to his talent and dedication. Being from Broussard, Louisiana, Chef Blaine has a deep appreciation for Cajun and Creole cuisine, which are popular in the region.
Chef Blaine’s mastery of Italian, French & Portuguese cuisine would involve understanding the principles of region.
For example, Italian cooking includes fresh and high-quality ingredients, simplicity in flavors, and the balance of different components in a dish. On the other hand, French cuisine is known for its elegance, precision, and intricate techniques. Lastly, Portuguese cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, hearty stews, and savory pastries.
Cooking for special groups such as men’s clubs, wine tastings, and in-home events requires versatility and creativity in menu planning. Chef Blaine’s ability to adapt his cooking style and create tailored experiences for these groups is admirable.
Overall, Chef Blaine’s story is inspiring, and his ability to cater to diverse groups and events with his self-taught culinary skills is a testament to his talent and passion for cooking.
ABOUT THE HORS D’OEUVRES:
Matching the exquisite wines, we had a culinary experience brought to us by the skilled Chef Blaine. His spread of French hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie was out of this world.
We had everything from tender Shrimp canapés, Beef Bourguigon, truffle-infused pâté, a selection of French cheeses, and french dry meats.
Every item was carefully curated to enhance the flavor profiles of the wines. I must say, the goat cheese with the Sancerre and the duck liver pâté paired with the Domaine de Billards Saint Amour Wine were matchings made in heaven!
BACK OF HOUSE:
The staff who worked back of house with Chef Blaine played a crucial role in ensuring the success of our French wine tasting event. There were numerous individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. The Staff, often unsung heroes, contribute their skills, expertise, and dedication created a seamless experience for the guests.
Our team included sous chefs, dishwashers, kitchen assistants, and other bussing & kitchen staff. They collaborated closely with Chef Blaine to prepare and present the culinary delights that complemented the wine selection.
Their responsibilities included plating, ensuring food quality and consistency, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen. Without the efforts of these staff members, the event would lack the culinary excellence and attention to detail that make it truly memorable. Their commitment to their craft and collaboration with Chef Blaine were instrumental in making your French wine tasting event a success.
ABOUT THE GURUS:
We are “the Gurus“, (Sandra Booher & Nancy Lopez) behind the Two Travel Gurus French Wine Tasting event. It was held for the our local “Social Club”. As businesswomen with a passion for travel, we enjoy organizing activities that celebrate our shared interests.
The French wine tasting was a delightful experience for all the attendees. Our Social Club is an exciting platform for like-minded individuals to come together, comradery, travel experiences, and build a community of like minded people. It’s a fantastic way for the group to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts, exchange tips and recommendations, and possibly plan future trips together.
Our passion for the social community and travel commitment while creating a social club demonstrates our dedication to exploring the world and fostering connections with others who share their love for adventure.
We make time for our clients personal interests while also nurturing, supporting and engaging in the community.
CONCLUSION:
As the evening came to a close, a sense of satisfaction lingered in the air, punctuated by the sound of clinking glasses and delighted chatter. ‘A Taste of France’ was more than just a wine tasting event; it was an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of France, a celebration of good food, great wine, and wonderful company.
Here’s raising a toast to Two Travel Gurus, Glenn LeBlanc, Chef Blaine, and the team at the Louisiana Cajun Mansion for crafting such a magical experience. À votre santé!
