Rouge et Blanc 2024 Preview

by Angie Kay Dilmore

What’s New at Rouge et Blanc 2024

Each year, the Banners at McNeese team strives to plan and execute the best wine tasting bash in Southwest Louisiana. They keep the party interesting by ensuring each rendition is a unique and exciting experience. “Rouge et Blanc is our region’s premier food and wine event,” says Brook Hanemann, Banners at McNeese director. “It honors local culinary artists, supplies irreplaceable funding for the arts, and it’s swanky and fun!”

The theme at this year’s Rouge event is an exciting “Vintage Vieux Carre: Old French Quarter Elegance.” Patrons will step back in time to a bygone era, surrounded by sumptuous old world French Quarter flair, all nestled beneath the sprawling oaks of the McNeese Quad. “The venue will be adorned with lush flowers from SWLA’s premier designer Chris Allen of Paradise Florist, hanging chandeliers, and posh nooks and crannies with velvet lounges where you can savor an array of wines and delectable dishes from our local star chefs,” says Hanemann. “Stroll through our garden spread as the melodies of French Quarter-style music fill the air, transporting you to a place where history, revelry, and elegance intertwine. Let the spirit of the Vintage Vieux Carre captivate your senses and inspire your generosity and support of the arts here in SWLA.”

While Rouge et Blanc patrons may come for the experience of the party, the wines are certainly a main attraction. Randy Partin, assistant director at Banners, says the variety of wines each year is comprehensive and represent vineyards in the U.S. and from around the world. ‘With over 300 labels offered over the past two years, there has not been a single wine repeated. Every year offers something different.”

Hokus Pokus will be the exclusive retailer at this year’s event. “We are excited to be working closely with them this year,” says Hanemann. “Our goal is to create links for direct wine purchases on the Hokus Pokus website. We intend to open sales a week prior to the event and keep them open a week after the event. We listen to patron requests and do our best to constantly upgrade the Rouge experience according to the tastes and needs of our patrons. One request we have gotten repeatedly is that we extend the time available for ordering. This model also helps those who cannot attend this year but still wish to earn Imbiber access for next year.”

Sommelier Clair Bankston has once again joined the Banners team to further elevate the Rouge et Blanc experience. “As promoters, advocates, and producers of the arts, Banners staff have a great love and appreciation for the art of winemaking but that does not make us experts on the subject!” says Hanemann. “Clair helps us craft the Rouge experience in several meaningful ways. Most notably, she choreographs an intentional flow to the Rouge layout. Patrons may choose to enter and seek out their favorite distributors first; or they may follow the path our sommelier creates which leads them from bubbly to fortified in a way that will prevent patrons from blowing out their palates by starting with something heavy.”

Patrons also love Rouge et Blanc for the fabulous food offerings. Food from 20 or more local establishments will be onsite, from savory to sweet. The full list will not be finalized until early August, but expected vendors include the following: Area 337 / Encanto; Big Easy Foods; Coushatta Casino; Fontenot Beef; Paul’s Rib Shack; Hi-Licious Street Kitchen; Newal’s Kebab House & Grill; Main Squeeze Juice Co; Mac Box; Villa Harlequin; Crust Pizza; Chicken Salad Chick; Coffee 30; Restaurant Calla; 121 Artisan Bistro; The James 710; Luna Bar & Grill; 1910; Zeus; Toga Grill; and CAMPP at MSU. That’s a lot of great food! Like last year, a “Best Bite” prize will be awarded.

Hannemann says they limit the number of Rouge tickets sold to enhance the experience of the ticketholders. “We don’t want people waiting in long lines. We curate the event to be lively but also easy to navigate and enjoy. Gold members get the special perk of having a full hour with exclusive dedicated access. This will be our second year offering this powerful perk. Last year it was a huge hit.

Need more reasons to attend Rouge et Blanc? Hanemann says we live in a culturally rich region that is home to amazing arts and artists, but we do not yet have the infrastructure to support full time professional artists and arts support systems in the way that we deserve. “Rouge helps make that possible. It is vital to the health of diverse arts within our community. In short, it is a must-attend event because without it, our region would lose the main lifeline that funds year-round outreach and multi-discipline world class programming in our five-parish area. And besides, what better way to be a philanthropist than to Party with a PURPOSE in style?!”

Sourcing the Vino

Distributors Come to Rouge et Blanc from Across the Country

The wines offered at Rouge et Blanc come to the event via distributors who curate their products from around the world. The list of wine distributors and the varieties of wines they will bring had not been finalized at the time of this writing, but the following distributors are Rouge et Blanc veterans and are expected to return this year.

Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) boasts roots extending before Prohibition. RNDC is one of the nation’s leading wholesale beverage alcohol distributors, specializing in wine and spirits. The privately-owned company is the second largest beverage alcohol distributor of premium wine and spirits in the U.S. and operates through 42 U.S. office and warehouse locations across 34 states and the District of Columbia. In 2021, the company was ranked 25th on Forbes’ list of America’s largest privately held companies.

International Wine & Spirits is one of the largest, fastest growing, privately held wholesale, wine, food, liquor, beer and mixers distributors in Louisiana and distributes to businesses in almost every parish in the state. Family-owned and operated and based in New Orleans, La., the company was founded in 1980 by Ferdinando and Ivana Taviani. Their portfolio includes wines from locations such as France and Italy, complemented by a variety of exceptional wines from Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, among others.

Southern Glazers is the largest wine and spirits distributor in the United States with operations in 44 states and Washington, D.C. It was the 10th largest private company in the United States in 2022. Southern Wine and Spirits was founded in 1968 in Miramar, Fl. by Jay W. Weiss, Harvey R Chaplin, and Howard Preuss. In 2016, the company merged with Glazer’s, changing the name to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, forming the biggest wine and spirits distributor in the country. Southern Glazer’s represents approximately 1,500 wine, spirit, beer, and beverage suppliers from around the world.

Based in Chantilly, Va., Select Wines, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is a premier distributor and wholesaler of craft beers and fine wines. They work with over 200 brands from around the world. While their market focuses on Northern Virginia, they are traveling all the way to Louisiana to share their wines with Rouge patrons!

Mystic Vine showcases the true essence of fine wine and spirits. For over 10 years, the company has provided Louisiana restaurateurs and retailers premium access to small, independent, and character-driven wines and wineries from across the globe. Their roots go deep in Louisiana as does their commitment to providing stellar service, consumer education, and the evolution of the fine beverage business. Mystic Vine is the import and wholesaling arm of an old legacy and family-run company, Si Sherman Inc., founded in central Louisiana in 1940 with the repeal of prohibition.

Neat Wines is a premier wine and spirits distributor based in New Orleans, focusing on high quality, handcrafted products. Owned and operated by industry veterans, their goal is to provide their colleagues in the industry access to highly sought-after, small production wines and spirits from around the world.

Fleur de LA Imports, based in Covington, La., imports and distributes a pronounced portfolio of wines & spirits from prestigious wine regions and distinguished distillers from all around the world.

Located in Hammond, La., Artisan Fine Wines represent growers and producers committed to creating quality wines that are true to their roots. Their wines are distinctive, each telling the story of its unique environmental origin.

Uncorked Fine Wines is a fully integrated wine and spirits wholesaler and importer based in Bedford, New Hampshire, distributing within the heart of New England. Since their inception in 2012, they’ve built a portfolio of over 600 award-winning wines and are continually looking for new products to introduce to their growing, discerning clientele. Uncorked recognizes that good wine is not limited to specific regions or countries. They can be found in places where you would not expect to find them and made from grapes with which you may not be familiar. Uncorked is committed to introducing patrons to fabulous grapes, wineries, and harvests—ultimately just wonderful wine in your glass!

Want to ensure you can enjoy your new favorite wines all year long? The best way to make that happen is to purchase wines at the Rouge et Blanc event, while
1. They are still available,
2. They’re still in stock, and
3. The names are still fresh in your mind.
Better yet, consider becoming a Rouge et Blanc Imbiber.

The IMBIBER Program

The Ultimate Rouge et Blanc Experience

“Real connoisseurs don’t drink wine: they taste secrets!” – Salvador Dali

So you’ve attended every Rouge et Blanc event for a decade or more and that four-hour tasting extravaganza is one of the highlights of your social calendar year. Are you ready to take your Rouge experience to the next level? Become an Imbiber!

There are many perks to being a Rouge Imbiber and Gold ticket holder. First, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase tickets early next year, so you’re guaranteed a spot at the party.

Avoid those longer lines and enjoy earlier access to the booths, as Gold ticket patrons enter the event through the VIP gate and receive special goodies like an extra-large wine glass – the perfect Rouge souvenir. Imbibers are also eligible to purchase a reservation for one of four VIP tables (while they last).

To become an Imbiber, patrons must purchase $250-$499 in wine during the Rouge et Blanc event cycle. For even more perks, purchase $500 or more in wine to qualify as an Imperial Imbiber.

Patrons with Imperial Imbiber status qualify to attend the excellent Saveur du Lac pre-tasting event, a same-day high end sampling of wines over $75 in retail, paired with a gourmet taste of some of the best in Southwest Louisiana cuisine.

Special ticket bundles are also available to purchase for Imperial Imbibers, which include early pre-sale access to extra Red tickets for friends and family who’d like to attend. If you want to promote the arts in SWLA while also indulging in unforgettable spirits and vibrant social connection, grab your tickets today.

Tickets go on sale to the public on August 16 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, contact Banners at McNeese office via banners@mcneese.edu, (337) 475-5997, or see their website, www.banners.org.

The PURPOSE Behind the Party

Everyone knows Rouge et Blanc is one of the best annual events on the Southwest Louisiana party scene. But do they know WHY Banners at McNeese works so hard to plan this amazing event year after year?

The answer is simple – so that Banners, a financially self-sustaining organization within McNeese State University, can continue to provide the community with access to exceptional arts and humanities programming and education through arts integration that is unique to the area. Banners’ programs focus on lifelong learning and an appreciation of cultural diversity, working to enhance the quality of life in the communities of Southwest Louisiana.

When you purchase a ticket to Rouge et Blanc, you support community services provided by Banners. For example:

Banners Cultural Season

Through their Cultural Season, Banners presents a series of performances each spring. Those performances include classical and jazz music, readings, dance companies, illusionists, academic lectures, film, world music, and more. Each Season’s line-up is chosen by a group of volunteers who review possible artists and choose the best options for our community. Their volunteers also participate as ticket takers, hospitality providers, outreach assistants, and photographers.

Banners Engages

One of the most important responsibilities of Banners is to engage local students in educational programming through arts and humanities performances. Banners Engages includes live presentations at no cost to public and parochial schools, appearances at Parish Public Libraries, demonstrations to students of McNeese State University, and other community venues. This program works to increase the number of students who experience live cultural programming, increase the number of hours of arts and humanities programming, and supplement the curriculum with prepared materials. It helps to ensure that children develop creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Studies have also shown that children involved in the arts are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, be elected to class office within their schools, and win awards for school attendance. Each year, more than 17,000 students reap the benefits of having Banners educational outreach performances as part of their learning environment. With approximately 60 outreach programs annually, Banners brings arts and humanities to K-12 schools throughout Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parishes and the students of McNeese State University.

Banners Partners

Banners is honored to partner with local leaders, sponsors, educators, organizations, and artists to help raise the quality of life for our citizens through interaction with the arts. By joining forces with area donors and philanthropists like Reed Mendelson Jr, we can offer free arts access to first responders, educators, military, seniors, and youth. We partner with state and nation-wide organizations to create positive change in our arts landscape such as the creation of new legislature creating our state’s first ever arts license plate which in turn provides a new revenue stream for the arts in Louisiana.

When you support Banners at McNeese by attending Rouge et Blanc or purchasing a season subscription, you help to make a lasting impact on our rich culture, making SWLA a great place to visit and live.

Party Responsibly

The Rouge et Blanc staff and Thrive magazine want you to have a great time at this annual premier party. But we also want you to be safe. We strongly encourage you – if you’ve been enjoying the wine all afternoon — please don’t drive yourself home. There are plenty of other options.

— Have a designated driver in your group.

— Arrange to have a friend or family member drop you off at the event and pick you up when it is over.

— Hire a chauffeur. Many young drivers appreciate the opportunity to earn a little extra cash.

— Make it fun by asking friends to join you in hiring a limo service.

— Call a cab. Yellow Cab offers a Safe Ride Home rate within the Lake Charles city limits; 337-433-8282. Or check online for other taxi options – there are several.

— Vouchers for Uber and Lyft will be available on-site for patrons of the event (limited quantities). Use the app on your phone, an Uber or Lyft driver will deliver you back home ($15 vouchers – rider is responsible for any overage). Also, QR code on signage throughout the site make ordering an Uber or Lyft easy.