PURCHASE TICKETS LOCALLY AT WINE LOFT 225.223.6109

Savor the weekend at The Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary festival and celebrate the "Good Life on the Gulf Coast. Each year the Southern Breeze Wine + Culinary Festival visits several Gulf Coast cities, celebrating the lifestyle and culture of this unique region. Traveling to Baton Rouge on April 4-6, festival guests will spend three days experiencing what it means to "laisez les bon temps rouler."Located on the grounds of the Old State Capitol building, the wine festival event blends premium wines, gourmet food, and Gulf Coast culture into a sophisticated, educational, and entertaining weekend-long event.

On Friday night, from 7 - 10 p.m., the festival will offer the opportunity for guests to experience the culinary delicacies of the region's most renowned chefs at one of our exceptional Winemaker Dinners. Top restaurants throughout the region will showcase their legendary chefs' forte, allowing diners the option to savor the finest fare in Baton Rouge. Throughout each course, guests are educated about the complementary pairings that bring out the distinct flavors in each culinary delicacy.

The Grand Wine Tasting on Saturday, from 2-6 p.m, guests will sample unique, boutique wines from around the world that are not readily available in stores, but will be available for purchase on site. Four expert wine seminars will be offered throughout the day; two presented by Michael Bryan, executive director of the Atlanta Wine school and two by Chef Creehan. The day will be filled with gourmet food, live music, fine wine and much more to complement this amazing afternoon.

Sunday will offer much local flair with the Walkabout Brunch from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., where guests will indulge in sample delicacies from local restaurants, each paired with a champagne or sparkling wine. Ending the weekend, guests will vote in the "People's Choice" award in a culinary competition where special awards are given. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.southernbreeze.com/winefest.

Join us April 2-4, 2008, for the the first Southeast Regional Culinary Tourism Symposium co-hosted by the Baton Rouge Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Held in conjunction with the Southern Breeze Wine & Culinary Festival, the symposium will be an intensive 2-day exploration and celebration of culinary tourism. Surely an event not to be missed! For more information, please visit www.culinarytourism.org.