The Independent Caveau NOLA — Restaurant in New Orleans

This is my happy place. Jim and Joanne are just the best and have incredible knowledge of all of their carefully curated products, but with zero pretension or hard sell. Upon entering the modern building is the retail section with some of the finest wines, artisan food products and a selection of cured meats and cheeses that is unmatched in the area. Those wines can move further back into the bar area for a small corkage and delicious cheese/meat boards can join. There are typically by the glass pours each day until closing. Any of the bar options can go with you outside to the pleasant backyard. Informative and fun wine classes are taught upstairs in the same unpretentious manner. Do yourself a favor and go immediately. You will...

I took the WSET Level 2 in-person course at the Independent Caveau NOLA and was extremely pleased with the management, level of teaching, and the overall result. The Independent Caveau has three functions: wine school, wine shop and wine bar. It's a great atmosphere and the teaching facilities are good. The teachers were communicative, available, and knowledgeable in their respective subjects. This was a four-week class, so the volume of information was intense. But it was taught in a logical and approachable manner. Importantly, I've surveyed wine schools in the US (and France) and the Independent Caveau was the most affordable school I found. I am considering taking...

One of the best wine purveyors in our region, perhaps No. America. Selection of cheese and charcuterie are equally high quality and Jim is super knowledgeable about all of it. They serve by the glass, or bottles with small ($10) cork fee from retail at the indoor bar (pictured) or outside in a spacious and comfortable stone garden. Don't let the out of the way address fool you, this is the best wine bar in New Orleans. Jim's wife, Joann also runs classes on wine at many levels. Don't miss the Independent if you care...