About Carnivale du Vin - $12 Million Raised Since 2005 and Growing!

Gala & Wine Auction

Chef Emeril Lagasse and friends celebrate exquisite wine, delectable cuisine, and one of Wine Spectator’s “Top Ten US Charity Wine Auctions” to benefit Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Carnivale du Vin is the Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s signature annual fund raising event.

The annual celebration brings together the best in celebrity chefs and winemakers who serve a once-in-a-lifetime dinner to our esteemed sponsors and guests. The night features a live auction with rare wines and unique travel and lifestyle experiences. The evening is topped off with musical entertainment that keeps the crowd dancing ’til after midnight.

Each year, our friends, guests and sponsors show how much they care. An ever growing community of wine and food lovers lend their time, personality and energy to create a special Carnivale experience. Through their stewardship and support, new opportunities for the arts, education and life skills development are sprouting for future generations.

To learn more about our efforts, please read about Emeril Lagasse Foundation.

Emeril and Mario toast in 2009 at The Venetian.
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Emeril Lagasse Foundation

Inspire, Mentor, Enable

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation was established in 2002, as the realization of Chef Emeril’s dream to improve the quality of young people’s lives. Continuing its work in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas, ELF grants funding to children’s charities to assist in improving education, life skills development, hospitality and culinary training and cultural enrichment.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has donated capital funds to develop the following models for excellence in culinary arts enrichment and education:

  • New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) – High School Culinary Arts Program
  • St. Michael Special School – Emeril’s Culinary Center
  • Edible Schoolyard at Green Charter School – Outdoor Classroom
  • Lynn Meadows Discovery Center – WINGS Performing Arts Center & Kitchen
  • Cafe Reconcile – Emeril Lagasse Foundation Culinary Learning Center
  • Make a secure online donation to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
Emeril and "A Dish That Makes a Difference" Contest Winners
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Event History

A Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auction

Past Top Auction Lots

  • Wine Pairings Dinner at the Home of Chef Emeril Lagasse – An intimate dining experience in the private Lagasse home with featured vintners.
  • Ultimate Birthday Celebration with Sammy Hagar & Emeril Lagasse – A stay at the exclusive One & Only Palmilla resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with dinner at Sammy Hagar’s beachfront home, and access to his concert from a private balcony at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. Lots of Cabo Wabo tequila included.
  • All Star Krewe Dinner – An incredible dining experience donated on the spot by members of the 2009 Krewe du Vin. Private dinner prepared by Chefs Charlie Trotter, Norman Van Aken, Mario Batali, Gale Gand with Master Sommelier Larry Stone.
  • A Few Bites of the Big Apple – A night of gourmet eats at the home of Emeril Lagasse, with a progressive tasting dinner hosted by Mario Batali at Eataly food emporium. Private jet and luxury accommodations included.

Past Krewe du Vin Participants

Altamura Winery • Au Bon Climat • Bastianich Vineyards • Bonny Doon Vineyard • Chef Daniel Boulud • Broadbent Selections • Cabo Wabo Tequilera • Chef Kim Canteenwalla • Caymus Vineyards • Chappellet Winery • Chef Sam Choy • Domaine Serene • Chef Olivier Dubreuil • Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery • Chef Gale Gand • Gemstone Vineyard • Grace Family Vineyards • Chef Michael Jordan • Chef Thomas Keller • Kosta Browne Winery • Chef Michael Mina • Chef Tom Moloney • Morlet Family Vineyards • Drew Nieporent and Chef Stephen Lewandowski • Chef Bradley Ogden • O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery • Pahlmeyer • Chef Charlie Palmer • Patz & Hall • Chef Luciano Pellegrini • Pride Mountain Vineyards • Chef Wolfgang Puck • Chef David Robins • Quinta do Crasto • Qupé Wine Cellars • Chef Kevin Rathbun • Robert Foley Vineyards • Rubicon Estate • Schrader Cellars • Chef Nancy Silverton • Chef Kerry Simon • Chef Joachim Splichal • Spottswoode Estate Winery • Chef Rick Tramonto • Chef Charlie Trotter • Chef Norman Van Aken • Williams Selyem

All Star Krewe dinner.