In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana’s southern regions and drove many of its inhabitants to seek refuge and start over in the northern portion of the state. Despite the destruction that has torn apart so many lives, a treasure has been discovered and accepted by the locals of North Louisiana – Landry Vineyards.

Wine enthusiasts Jeff and Libby Landry started a small vineyard in Folsom, La. in 1999. Starting with two acres of white grapes called Blanc du Bois, the couple, along with their four sons, began the process of becoming one of the handful of wineries in Louisiana; using their passion for the product and their local experience to produce and perfect wines that especially compliment many of our regional dishes.

“We loved wine, how it was made and drinking it,” Jeff said. “So we decided why not make it ourselves.”

Growing grapes in Louisiana is far from an easy job, however. The great state of Louisiana is well known for producing a wide variety of items that are used all over the country. It is known for its cotton, sugar cane and sweet potatoes; famous for its cajun culture and affinity for spicy sea food. We even have a thriving film industry. The last thing that comes to mind when you consider what Louisiana has to offer is wine.

In fact, few grapes thrive in our climate thanks to the hot, humid weather. When asked about how growing grapes compares to other states such as California, Landry said that there are only a select few that can actually thrive in this region. Namely grapes that have been bred to resist Pierce’s Disease, a fungal condition the grapes contract that prevents the plants from properly distributing water throughout their system. Landry went on, however, to claim that great strides are being made to produce more hearty grapes that can handle our climate, possibly allowing a wider variety as time goes by.

While the vineyard holds roughly 12 acres of Blanc du Bois white grapes and Cynthia/Norton reds, Landry confessed that only about 50 percent of their wine comes from their own grapes. He went on to explain that they import about half of them from outside the state.

“We use what we can,” Jeff explained, “but we’re not afraid of going out of state to get our grapes. All of our wine is crafted here. We bring something with a small value into [Louisiana] and convert it into something with a much higher value, which contributes to the growth of our local economy.”

But the Landry family isn’t simply interested in just creating fine wine. They want to give back to the community that has welcomed them since their move to West Monroe in 2005, by opening their facilities to the public and creating a venue for concerts and events. The Landrys consistently host concerts on their property with a very small cover charge and invite everyone to come out for family-friendly fun. Occasionally they even mingle work and pleasure by having a grape-stomping party, allowing their guests to feel grapes squish under their feet while they stomp in time to good music. And while you’re there, purchase a bottle of wine to open at home.

If you’re looking for a day trip destination with some friends or perhaps a brief getaway with your significant other, Landry Vineyards invites you to come out and visit their tasting room where they can share their passion for fine local wines with you.

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