Bacchanal Wine

What to know

Bacchanal Wine is an 'experience laboratory' located on the far edge of the Bywater neighborhood in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. Founded in 2002 by Chris Rudge, a former sommelier from Florida, the venue blends the intimacy of a curated wine shop with the energy of a massive outdoor gathering. Inside the daytime wine shop, visitors can browse approximately 300 bottles of wine, with a heavy emphasis on Old World styles and traditional, minimal-intervention winemaking. This curated selection provides the foundation for the evenings' festivities, where the shop transforms into a hub for what is described as the 'biggest backyard party' in the city. As a strictly 21+ establishment, the venue maintains a rigorous admission policy. Guests must present a valid ID for entry, and the shop does not accept photos of IDs for verification. This ensures the atmosphere remains adult-oriented, as the age restriction applies to all guests, including children accompanied by parents or babies in strollers. The experience is defined by the collision of food, music, and culture. By combining a retail wine cellar with an expansive outdoor space, Bacchanal creates a unique evening environment that deviates from the traditional bar experience, emphasizing a communal, festive spirit in the heart of the Ninth Ward.

Visitor tips

• Bring a valid physical ID; photos of IDs are not accepted for entry.
• Note that the venue is strictly 21+; no children or babies in strollers are permitted.
• Plan your visit for Friday or Saturday nights to experience the peak energy of the backyard party.
• Avoid visiting on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Mardi Gras Day, as the venue is closed.

Nearby context

Situated on the far edge of the Bywater neighborhood, Bacchanal Wine serves as a landmark for the edge of the Ninth Ward, offering a contrast to the more central New Orleans social scenes.