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Vintage901: A New Showcase of Memphis’ Food, Wine, and Culture

Memphis is a destination that has made a significant impact on American culture as we know it. The city was prominent during the Civil Rights movement and is the birthplace of blues music. Visitors to the city will love the historical attractions, unique community gatherings, world-class BBQ, and more.  

 

Vintage901 is entering its first year, and event runners are looking to set a new standard for Tennessee food and wine themed events. The goal of this event is to showcase great food, wine, and music while bringing a variety of people together to share their individual stories. The event lasts three days and each day presents patrons with a new experience. Laurie Forster,  a contributor to networks like Fox News and NBC because of her knowledge of wine, will be the Grand Sommelier. Music acts including Monty Alexander (Friday), Willie Ziavino and the C.O.T. Band (Saturday afternoon), Nick Black (Saturday evening), and Stephen Lee (Sunday) will be performing individually. Vintage901 is also an event that serves the community, supporting the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. We got the chance to interview event founder, Stephanie Ferreira, to speak about this first-time showcase of wine and food.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

SF: This is the first year for Vintage901, and we’re excited to bring this type of wine event to the Southeast! The event will take place March 10-12 and our goal is to invite people of all backgrounds to the table to share experiences and stories over good wine, food, and music. We’re hoping to draw as much ethnic, age, and socioeconomic diversity as possible. We invite couples, friends, and individuals to come together to meet new people around the Vintage901 table. Our focus is intimacy, so we’re limiting the number of tickets available.  We will expect over 900 total people for the whole weekend, including over 700 just for Saturday.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

SF: Each day of Vintage901 will represent a different, unique experience.

 

Friday’s Opening Toast and Perfect Pairings will be hosted in Downtown Memphis at Halloran Centre for Performing Arts from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event’s Grand Sommelier, Laurie Forster, will present the opening toast at the start of a three-course dinner designed to experience the perfect pairings. Dinner will be provided by Restaurant Iris, with food prepared by national award-winning chef Kelly English. Entertainment will be provided by international jazz sensation, Monty Alexander.  

 

Saturday Afternoon’s Grand Tasting will feature a wine tasting with selections prepared by Grand Sommelier Laurie Forster. Laurie has been featured on Today, Fox News, Dr. Oz and more because of her extensive knowledge of wine. Food demonstrations, food trucks, and vendors will be onsite in Midtown Memphis at the Creative Arts Building on Tiger Lane. Entertainment will be provided by Atlanta salsa group Willie Ziavino and the C.O.T. Band.

 

Saturday Evening's Wine Flights and Bites will feature tapas and wine pairings at Belle: A Southern Bistro in Downtown Memphis. Entertainment will be provided by Memphis’ own Nick Black, one of the most recognizable names in the area’s pop and soul music scene.

 

Sunday’s Sparkling Brunch is the closing event for Vintage901. It will feature a sparkling wine pairing brunch from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at the FedEx Centre at Shelby Farms Park in Cordova. Memphis Stax Academy Jazz Instructor Stephen Lee and his trio will perform.

 

The entertainment for Vintage901 represents what our city is, eclectic. The sommelier, Laurie Forster is fun and witty and an absolute genius when it comes to wine. The musical artists play blues, soul, rock, jazz, salsa and everything in between. This weekend lineup has something for everyone.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

SF: We have partnered with the Doubletree Hotel in Downtown Memphis for Vintage901. If guests book their stay at Doubletree Downtown, they will receive special room rates. Just ask the concierge.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

SF: The Downtown Memphis neighborhood is walkable, vibrant, and fun. There is plenty to do and see within walking distance of the hotel. Other attractions outside of downtown are just a short Uber, Lyft, or cab ride away. If guests want to leave downtown, we encourage them to check out the attractions in Midtown Memphis and Soulsville. These three neighborhoods represent much of what our city is about.

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

SF: Giving back to our community is important to Vintage901. Proceeds from the event will benefit Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, and the wonderful work they do in providing support to women and children in need in our community.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

SF: Why wouldn't this community look forward to Vintage901? The combination of culture, community, and purpose in one weekend is exciting. To have this type of social experience over wine and food while enjoying the sights of Memphis and the sounds of great musicians makes it possible to achieve the biggest goal of all. The magic of the people who attend, they are Vintage in the 901.


For more information about Vintage901, please visit the event website.