New Orleans is a city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant traditions. One aspect of its culture that stands out is its connection to witchcraft and folklore. The city is steeped in stories of witches, voodoo queens, and supernatural occurrences. The practice of witchcraft has a long history in New Orleans, dating back to the days of its French and Spanish settlers. These early settlers brought with them their own beliefs and traditions, which eventually intertwined with the culture of the city. Today, witchcraft in New Orleans is a blend of various traditions, including European witchcraft, Voodoo, and African-American folk magic.
Napa Valley’s Amulet Estate Introduces ‘AE’ with Inaugural 2021 Vintage Release
St. Helena, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – Napa Valley Cabernet producer and winery, Amulet Estate, announces new companion label ‘AE’ with the release of the 2021 Amulet Estate ‘AE’ Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $85). Grown in partnership with famed wine growers, the Bettinelli family, ‘AE’ is a collection of wines celebrating Napa Valley, one of the most famous wine growing regions in the world, intentionally produced and priced to remain under $100 a bottle.
“We’re thrilled to introduce ‘AE’ with this elegant Cabernet,” said Nathaniel Dorn, partner in Amulet Estate. “Napa Valley would not be the same without these legendary growers, their contributions to the Valley are endless—together, we wanted to make a quality, single-vineyard Cabernet that was accessible to a wide range of consumers. After spending the majority of my career in hospitality, it was important for us to craft a wine that could support our friends throughout the industry, be served ‘by the glass’ at restaurants across the country, and offer an exciting introduction to Napa Valley Cabernet and Amulet’s portfolio of wines.”
The 2021 ‘AE’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced exclusively from a single vineyard site in Yountville AVA, and farmed by the Bettinellis, a multi-generational farming family. The inaugural vintage was crafted using traditional farming techniques with minimal intervention that allow the wine to bloom, and highlight the gravelly loam, cortina soils, and surrounding terroir—which echoes Amulet Estate winemaker, Shawn Johnson’s, approach in the cellar.
“My family has been farming here in Napa Valley for five generations,” said Giancarlo Bettinelli, owner of Bettinelli Vineyards. “And I hope Napa Valley continues to be on the world’s stage as a leader in growing and producing fine wines, but also wines that can be accessible for everyone to drink, discover and enjoy. I’m thrilled to have a top quality wine like this out in the market—a fine representation of what Napa Valley does best.”
With the inaugural ‘AE’ release, Amulet also produced 2021 ‘AE’ White Wine (SRP $85), a field blend of sauvignon vert and semillon, sourced from the Proof vineyard, one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley planted in the 1870s.
To learn more about ‘AE’ and Amulet Estate, visit the Amulet Estate website. To purchase the 2021 Amulet Estate “AE” wines, visit the store. For wholesale and trade inquiries, please contact [email protected].
About Amulet Estate
A nod to the pioneering spirit of early Napa Valley viticulture and a deep respect for the land, Amulet Estate brings forth a portfolio of wines that share the best of Napa Valley’s diverse terroir. Amulet acquired an estate property at the base of Napa Valley’s famed Howell Mountain in 2016. The portfolio of wines consist of a singular Chardonnay and vineyard-designate bottlings driven by Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to its estate vineyard in St. Helena AVA, Amulet sources from carefully chosen vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley—aiming to produce some of the finest, collectible wines in the world. For more information, visit amuletestate.com.
COAST Presents: Wine Dinner with Amulet Wines
Enjoy a wonderful spring evening at Ocean House with an exquisite multi-course wine dinner in COAST. The chefs of Ocean House have crafted a spectacular menu, with each course expertly paired with wines from Amulet Estate in Northern California’s wine country. The evening’s special guest will be Shawn Johnson, winemaker of Amulet Estate.
Space is limited. Open to guests 21 years of age and older. Please note: tickets purchased for this event are non-refundable and 100% pre-payment is required.
ABOUT AMULET ESTATE:
Since acquiring the estate and vineyards in 2016, CEO, Nathaniel Dorn and Winemaker Shawn Johnson have had a goal to create world class wines that reflect the profound expressions of The Napa Valley; and build a boutique winery “a gathering place” that reflects both our family values and the best of Napa Valley. More than a talisman, the true mark of the Amulet Estate portfolio is a nod to the pioneering spirit of early Napa Valley viticulture and a deep respect for the land. Sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites, each single vineyard varietal is an elegant expression of Napa Valley terroir. Five wines comprise the Amulet Estate portfolio, consisting of a singular Chardonnay and four vineyard-designate wines of Cabernet Sauvignon that were specifically chosen to share the vastly different terroirs of The Napa Valley.
ABOUT SHAWN JOHNSON:
Shawn grew up with roots in Texas and the Central Coast of California. He studied Business Management at California Lutheran University before moving to the Napa Valley to follow his calling— viticulture and winemaking.
From 2002 to 2012 he learned the craft from some of the most respected winemakers in the Valley. Shawn created a personal and unique style, which translated into the production of a series of highly regarded wines from 2014 to 2017. He joined Amulet Estate in 2018, just in time to oversee the inaugural vintage of our portfolio of terroir-driven single vineyard wines.
Shawn believes in cultivating wines in the vineyard first, with an emphasis on improving the health of the soil through organic farming. He crafts fresh, layered, structured wines with minimal intervention that showcase terroir over technique—sharing fundamental values with the ethos of Amulet Estate.
Amulet Estate
More than a talisman, the true mark of the Amulet Estate portfolio is a nod to the pioneering spirit of early Napa Valley viticulture and a deep respect for the land. Sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites, each single vineyard varietal is an elegant expression of Napa Valley terroir.
Two pillars of our history: family and an unwavering dedication to our craft, remain deeply rooted traditions and continue to transcend the philosophy of our winery.
Blessed with close proximity to America’s most celebrated vintners and growers, we strive to embrace the values inherent in our community. Since acquiring the estate and vineyards in 2016, it has been our goal to create world class wines that reflect the profound expressions of The Napa Valley; and build a boutique winery “a gathering place” that reflects both our family values and the best of Napa Valley.
Our portfolio extends far beyond our estate and into many other distinctive and historic vineyards.
Five wines comprise the Amulet Estate portfolio, consisting of a singular Chardonnay and four vineyard-designate wines of Cabernet Sauvignon that were specifically chosen to share the vastly different terroirs of The Napa Valley.
Our approach to winemaking and hospitality encourage continued growth and graceful evolution.
Our attention to detail in the vineyard coupled with a gentle winemaking philosophy allow us to produce wines with elevated purity that reflect the place the grapes were grown. We invite our guests to enter the gates and immerse themselves in what we do everyday and taste the fruits of our labor. Keeping our minds and eyes on what’s to come, appreciating the past as a compass to guide us forward, our vision for Amulet Estate and our portfolio is an outcome of merging classic and familiarity in progressive movement.
CloseWinemaking
Our portfolio of four vineyard designate Cabernet Sauvignon showcase the vastly different terroirs of The Napa Valley alongside a singular Chardonnay from Platt Vineyard, one of the most thoughtful vineyards on the Sonoma Coast.
Close- Amulet Estate
- Amulet Estate
- Amulet Estate
Today, witchcraft in New Orleans is a blend of various traditions, including European witchcraft, Voodoo, and African-American folk magic. Voodoo, in particular, plays a significant role in New Orleans' witchcraft and folklore. Voodoo is a religion that originated in West Africa and was brought to New Orleans by enslaved Africans.
It is a complex system of beliefs that incorporates elements of African religions, Catholicism, and spiritualism. Voodoo practitioners, known as voodooists or rootworkers, use rituals, spells, and charms to connect with the spirit world and bring about positive outcomes in people's lives. The city is also famous for its voodoo queens, who hold a central position in the practice of voodoo. These powerful women are believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit world and to possess supernatural powers. One of the most well-known voodoo queens was Marie Laveau, a free woman of color who lived in New Orleans in the 19th century. She was known for her healing abilities, her extensive knowledge of herbs and remedies, and her role as a spiritual leader in the community. In addition to witchcraft and voodoo, New Orleans is home to a rich folklore tradition. Stories of ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural beings are common in the city. One popular tale is that of the Rougarou, a creature that is said to terrorize the swamps and bayous surrounding New Orleans. According to legend, the Rougarou is a werewolf-like creature that hunts down those who break the rules of Lent. New Orleans' witchcraft and folklore experiences can be explored through various means. Visitors can attend voodoo rituals and ceremonies, visit voodoo shops and museums, and participate in haunted history tours. These experiences offer a glimpse into the mystical world of witchcraft and allow visitors to learn about the city's unique traditions. Overall, New Orleans' witchcraft and folklore experience is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and spirituality. The city's rich tradition of witchcraft, voodoo, and supernatural folklore adds an enchanting element to its already vibrant culture. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, exploring these aspects of New Orleans' heritage can provide a captivating and immersive experience..
Reviews for "The Magic and Mystery of New Orleans' Witchcraft and Folklore Scene"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the New Orleans witchcraft and folklore experience. The guide was not knowledgeable at all and seemed to be just making things up as he went along. The tour was disorganized and we spent more time waiting around than actually learning about the history and culture of witchcraft and folklore in the city. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
- John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the New Orleans witchcraft and folklore experience, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The tour felt rushed and superficial, with the guide barely scratching the surface of the rich history that exists in the city. The information provided was basic and could easily be found in a quick online search. I was hoping for a more in-depth and immersive experience, but unfortunately, that was not the case.
- Emily - 1 star
I would not recommend the New Orleans witchcraft and folklore experience to anyone. The guide was unprofessional and seemed more interested in pushing merchandise and promoting certain shops than actually providing an educational and engaging tour. The information provided was inaccurate and seemed more like fictional stories than actual folklore or historical facts. Save your money and find a different tour that offers a more authentic and informative experience.
- Michael - 2 stars
The New Orleans witchcraft and folklore experience was a letdown. The guide was unenthusiastic and seemed to rush through the tour, leaving us with little time to truly appreciate or understand the significance of the locations we visited. The stories and legends shared felt superficial and lacked depth. Overall, I felt that the tour was a missed opportunity to dive into the fascinating world of witchcraft and folklore in New Orleans.