While viticulture can be more challenging in some states, and knowing almost every state grows grapes and produces wine, I enjoy discovering the wines of each state in the union. Such is the case in Louisiana, a state I recently visited. Grape growing in Louisiana presents both challenges and exciting opportunities, and Landry Vineyards is a prime example of how winemakers can succeed in the state’s warm, humid climate.
Located in West Monroe, Landry Vineyards cultivates hybrid grape varieties specifically suited to the region, such as Blanc Du Bois and Lenoir, which offer natural resistance to disease and humidity, including Pierce Disease. Through careful vineyard management, innovative growing techniques, and a dedication to showcasing Louisiana’s agricultural potential, Landry Vineyards has helped establish the state as a player in Southern winemaking.
Table of Contents
History of Landry Vineyards
Jeff and Libby Landry established their winery in Folsom, Louisiana, in 1999. Joining them in the vineyard venture were their four sons, Ethan, Kohen, Noah, and Micah. They started by planting two acres with the French-American hybrid wine grape, Blanc Du Bois. In 2002, they licensed the winery under the name Landry Vineyards.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana, the Landrys decided to move their winery north to West Monroe, Louisiana, where they believe the soil, hills, and climate are better suited to grape growing. The difference occurred during veraison because of decreased precipitation. They bought a 50-acre property that now features a winery with a tasting room, 16 acres of vineyards, cottages, and camper sites.
Jeff Landry
Jeff Landry is a self-taught winemaker. His background is in control systems engineering, which applies control theory to design and manage systems that operate as desired, integrating concepts from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering. Jeff’s love of farming came from his grandparents, who were farmers, and his father, who loved home gardening.
Grape Growing in Louisiana
Pierce Disease is the biggest issue with grape growing in Louisiana. In the Southeastern United States, anything below 1500 feet in elevation is susceptible to Pierce disease, making all of Louisiana susceptible. In Louisiana, non-Pierce-resistant vines typically die within a few years. Add the humidity and climate, and planting Vitis vinifera is not recommended. Many Hybrids do well with proper disease management practices.
Landry Vineyard Grapes
The vineyard is planted with Blanc Du Bois, Lenoir, also known as Black Spanish, Norton, and Muscadine.
Blanc Du Bois is a French American hybrid grape created by John A. Mortensen at the University of Florida in 1968. The grape is light green, round, nice acidity, and has large seeds. The grapes are picked early at 17 brix because Jeff has found that the ideal flavors develop early and, coincidentally, are prone to late-season rot. At Landry, it is used for dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and even Madeira-style wine, which they named La Heat Blanc Du Bois.
Lenoir is an American Hybrid with thick skin and large clusters of small-to-medium berries. At Landry, they use it for Rosé and a port-style wine called Louisiana Heat Lenoir.
The Landrys named these wines La Heat because of a law that forbids the use of Madeira on the label, just as Port and Champagne are prohibited.
Muscadine is considered the grape of Louisiana because it thrives in the state’s hot, humid climate and is native to Louisiana and the southeastern United States. It does especially well in North Louisiana, where the rain typically diminishes in mid to late summer, making it as good as it gets in Louisiana for grape growing! The indigenous grape is large, round, and has thick, fleshy skin. At Landry, they use the Muscadine for some of their semi-sweet. For locals, the flavor of these Muscadines brings back southern memories. Because of their nostalgic qualities, Jeff named these wines Sweet Dixie (white), Country Blush, Redneck Red, and Peach Muscadine.
The Landry’s used to grow Crimson Cabernet, a hybrid grape variety, a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Norton. The grape produces red wine that is typically bold with dark fruit flavors and a robust, tannic structure. Unfortunately, these vines died. Wines made from Crimson Cabernet are still available.
After losing the Crimson Cabernet, Jeff decided to plant Norton, also known as Cynthiana, another grape native to North America and the state grape of both Missouri and Arkansas.
Blanc Du Soliel is a relatively new hybrid grape making its way onto the wine scene. This Pierce Disease-tolerant hybrid was developed by Florida A&M in 1999 for Texas and other southern states. This white grape resulted from a cross between Stover and Blanc Du Bois. The Landry’s plan on planting 350 plants next spring.
Landry also sources grapes from Lodi, San Benito County, and the Central Coast. Those grapes are used in the Landry Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage Red Blend, Sangiovese, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Mourvédre, and Pinot Noir.
The Wines
Landry Vineyards’ Flagship and best-selling wine is the Blackberry Merlot. This wine is semi-sweet with blackberry notes and a hint of effervescence. For me, with my California palate, it makes an excellent dessert wine or the base for a summer Sangria.
The following wines were my favorites:
The Blanc Du Bois dry version revealed aromas of grapefruit and pineapple. On the palette, I found fresh flavors of stone fruit and grapefruit. The mouthfeel was viscous. The grapes are picked early, and the wine ages in stainless steel. For those who like unique whites, this wine is worth trying.
Rosé of Lenoir, which the Landry’s also pick early to drop some of the acid. It is a semi-dry wine with a hint of sweetness. I found a Rosé with some depth.
Bayoutage is Landry’s version of a Bordeaux blend or a Meritage. The name Bayoutage is a play on Meritage. Taking the “tage” from Meritage and adding Bayou for where the Landry’s come from, they came up with Bayoutage. Consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Verdot, the wine delivers rustic notes of dried herbs.
Louisiana Heat Lenoir Port Red is the Landry’s version of a Tawny Port. Created from Lenoir grapes, the wine is heated to 107 degrees for 6 months to simulate the journey across the equator in the hold of a sailing vessel, then aged in their hillside cellar for some undetermined number of years, depending on when they want to bring the wine to market. The heat caramelizes the sugars, and the barrels impart a unique nut-forward character. Think of a Madera Tawny.
Louisiana Heat Blanc Du Bois is created similarly to Lenoir, but with a white grape. The result is more nutty flavors in a light tawny port.
Visiting Landry Vineyards
In the fall, Landry Vineyards hosts a Grape Stomp event with live music for all ages. Everyone has fun sticking their toes into a barrel of grapes. Those who wish to place their grape-soaked footprints on a Landry Vineyards T-shirt keepsake.
The winery is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.
To enhance visitors’ experience, Landry Vineyards offers live music, three cottages, and several RV hookup sites for overnight stays overlooking the vineyards.
If you have never tasted wines from Louisiana, Landry Vineyards is a good place to start. Visiting Landry Vineyards offers more than just an introduction to Louisiana wine—it provides a glimpse into the state’s emerging wine culture. From the Landry family’s dedication to cultivating grapes suited for Louisiana’s climate to their winemaking techniques and the guest experience, the vineyard embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality. As I continue my journey to explore wines across the country, Landry Vineyards stands out as a reminder that exceptional wine can come from unexpected places—and that each bottle carries the story of the land and the people who steward it.
Note: As is common in the travel and wine industry, this writer received hosted wine samples. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.
Feature Photo: Landry Vineyard View. Photo Courtesy of Landry Vineyards and by Neal Hollimon