Atelier Vie Distillery Tour (Absinthe & Spirits) — New Orleans, Louisiana

Discover the Atelier Vie Distillery Tour in Louisiana

The Atelier Vie Distillery Tour in New Orleans offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most distinctive craft distilleries, specializing in absinthe and European-style spirits. This guided distillery tour takes visitors inside a working production space where traditional methods, copper stills, and carefully selected botanicals are used to produce absinthe, gin, brandy, and specialty spirits. Ideal for spirits enthusiasts and culture-focused travelers, the experience blends Old World technique with New Orleans character.
Why it’s special:
Atelier Vie is one of the few distilleries in the U.S. producing traditional absinthe. Visitors experience authentic, small-batch distillation in a historic New Orleans setting, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and flavor authenticity.

History & Story of Atelier Vie

Atelier Vie was founded in New Orleans’ French Quarter with a mission to revive classic European spirits using traditional distillation practices. Drawing inspiration from historic absinthe houses and brandy distilleries, the founders established Atelier Vie as both a working distillery and an educational destination. Today, the distillery is known for its absinthe verte, absinthe blanche, and other carefully crafted spirits made on-site.

What You’ll See & Do on the Atelier Vie Distillery Tour

• Tour a working absinthe and spirits distillery

• Learn how absinthe is distilled and flavored with botanicals

• See copper stills, fermentation vessels, and bottling equipment

• Discover the history and myths surrounding absinthe

• Learn about proofing, aging, and blending techniques

• Enjoy a guided tasting of Atelier Vie spirits (21+ only)

Hands-On Elements: Guided spirits tasting for guests of legal drinking age.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the distillery and tasting room.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottle sales, branded merchandise, and specialty spirits available for purchase.

Pricing of Atelier Vie Distillery Tour

• Guided distillery tour with tasting included

• Adult price: $15 per adult

• Advance booking recommended due to limited group sizes

Visiting information

Tours last approximately 45–60 minutes and are offered as guided experiences Thursday–Sunday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The tour is intended for adults; guests must be 21+ to participate in tastings and must present valid ID. Accessibility is generally good, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Exact Distillery & Tour Hours:

• Tours: Thursday–Sunday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM

• Tasting Room & Retail:

  • Thursday–Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

Nearby

• French Quarter

• Jackson Square

• New Orleans Jazz Museum

FAQs About Visiting the Atelier Vie Distillery Tour

Do I need to reserve a distillery tour in advance?
Reservations are strongly recommended, as tour sizes are small and often sell out.

What spirits are included in the tasting?
Tastings typically include Atelier Vie absinthe along with rotating gin, brandy, or specialty spirits.

Is absinthe consumed traditionally during the tour?
Yes, guides explain traditional absinthe preparation and serving methods during the tasting.

Can I purchase bottles after the tour?
Yes, visitors can buy bottles and merchandise directly from the distillery.

Is this tour suitable for non–absinthe drinkers?
Yes, the tour is educational and includes other spirits beyond absinthe.