State Profiles: Louisiana Wine Country

Louisiana is a perfect example of how the economic impact of wine isn’t only about production, but even more about consumption. In fact, the retail sector alone accounts for 93% of the jobs and 76% of the total economic output in the “Direct Impact” category, which includes winery, vineyard, wholesale, retail, and other subcategories. The state may have only 9 wine producers, but it has some of the world’s finest restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, making it a significant “wine state”.

In terms of grape production, the humid subtropical climate makes it challenging, though there are a few varieties that do well. There is one AVA, the Mississippi Delta.

Amatos Winery, on Black Cat Rd in Independence, is most famous for its Strawberry wine, but produces many other fruit wines—Blackberry, Blueberry, Orange—as well as Red and White Muscadine wines.

Landry Vineyards, owned by Jeff and Libby, first opened as a Native Louisiana Winery in 2002, but Hurricane Katrina convinced the family to move to northern Louisiana’s hill country where their 50 acres includes 16 acres of Blanc de Bois, Lenoir/Black Spanish, and Crimson Cabernet varieties. They produce 24 different wines, and about 17,000 cases. Their property also includes three Grape Escape Cottages and full hookups for RVs.

Great Grapes: Blanc du Bois

Developed at the University of Florida’s Leesburg Research Station, Blanc du Bois ripens in early July and does well in tropical humid climates like Florida and Louisiana. It can resemble Muscat and Riesling, is sometimes used in sparkling wine blends, and regularly wins awards in competitions.