We arrived about 1pm on a Friday, thinking their shop would be open. We were wrong. Only saw 2 men working in the vineyard. Nothing opened. Suggest scheduling your visit ONLY around their Jazz 'n Vines events. Thought it very odd that no local restaurant or stores carried their wines.
Always a good time on Jazz'n the vines as the entertainment is good and the wine is very good. Bring your chairs and tables and food to go with the wine. No outside alcohol is allowed.
We saw an advertisement for the Pontchartrain Vineyards while we were in Covington LA and also another business recommended the vineyard. We don't normally drink wine but decided to take the drive. It was just a short drive through some beautiful scenery. They had wines you could sample in different variations and then later in the evening they have a Jazz concert. Pretty neat. Glad we went and enjoyed our first time.There was no cost to go to the vineyards and was not much to do unless you like to sample wines. The best part, besides the wine tasting was the relaxing concert along with a smooth drink to relax with.
My husband and I stopped in for a tasting during our anniversary weekend. Pontchartrain Vineyards is a very small winery, producing only 5 wines, and it's location is rather remote. Though the wines are all very unique, fruity, and even spicy (I recommend the Port of New Orleans), the service is not. Our host was not very knowledgeable about the wines, which is frustrating with such a small winery. The tasting portions were also smaller than normal, which allowed us maybe 2 small sips to really get a feel for each wine. They did offer some delightful jalapeno cheddar cheese straws, a good compliment to spicy wines, and bottle of water. The only reason we would return is to buy the wines we specifically liked, and they offer a case discount and a military discount (I believe it was 10 or 15% for both) which you cannot find in the store. The tasting fee was also minimal, though I do not remember exactly how much. The "shop" offers a modest selection of various wine accouterments, books, snacks and knickknacks, but at boutique prices. The dirt drive leading back to the winery is better navigated with a truck than a car, and there is no clearly defined parking area, and no pavement, so not ideal if you have a wheelchair. My recommendation is attend Jazz'n the Vines, or a local wine seller to buy their wines, and save yourself the gas money.
Terrible signage, passed it up and when we finally saw a sign it was hidden. Not much selection. Been to many wineries and this one had no class or atmosphere.
Manager of the wine tasting was very personable and knowledgeable. Tasting was reasonable and all the wines were good. About an hour drive, but worth it.
Great wine, great talk, and great company. The wine tasting is a great deal and is a lot of fun! The Jazz in the Vines entertainment is also very fun.
First of all, we were surprised at how beautiful the drive was to this winery - everything was green and lush and we passed very large, gorgeous homes with horse farms along the way. I didn't feel like I was even in Louisiana!We were given tastes of 6 different wines for $5/tasting (my husband and I split a tasting) - 3 whites, 2 reds, and 1 port. We each purchased a glass of wine to drink there and then purchased a bottle of the 2011 Roux Saint Louis (white) to take with us. We also liked the port, and we usually do not like ports. The young lady that helped us was very accommodating and friendly.This wasn't the best winery we have been to, but we enjoyed our tasting experience here and would return again if in the area.
My wife and I drove in from Baton Rouge and attended the "Jazzin the Vines" Concert Series on June 21st, Unfortunately this was the last of the Spring Series but was most enjoyable! Although we had visited the winery on several other occassions this was our first time to attend one of the outdoor concerts. Price was very affordable as well...Admission for two (2) and a bottle of wine for $25. Normal Hours - non event @ no charge. We had a ball! The weather was "questionable" as we got there a little early but the rain seemed to pass around us with no problem for the folks that attended. Things actually cooled off a bit and there was not the first bug bite to be had. The group was a Latin / New Orleans Funk sound and it was hard not to move your feet or get up and dance. A wonderful food truck was on site for those that needed some additional goodies...Roux Chow from the area with great offerings and super nice people. Adults young and old as well as a few kids had a Great Time. There were wine tastings available outside with about ten (10) different types to sample with bottle sales at the table next door or inside the regular tasting room. We enjoyed several types from whites to reds all at very reasonable prices and the best part is....it was there and already chilled if necessary and ready to consume plus supporting a local business! No, this is not a California Vineyard but pretty amazing to be here in south Louisiana and a short drive from just about anywhere. The people on site could not have been any more friendly and I can not wait until the Fall Series starts and have another good enjoyable evening with wife, freinds and family. Bring your folding chair, a small table and cooler for a very relaxing, enjoyable way to pass the evening. Hope to see you there in the Fall....I will be back!
Worth the drive to check out this winery. Their Red Zinfandel has a peppery finish that is surprisingly fun. We tasted six different wines, red, whites, and a port, all were hits with my wife and I. The gentleman manning the tasting room was very knowledgeable and friendly, really made the outing enjoyable.