In a city known for its rhythm, resilience and rich cultural legacy, the Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Festival has carved out a space that feels both celebratory and deeply meaningful. More than a weekend of exceptional wine, cuisine and music, Vintage901 is a living reflection of what happens when culture meets intention, when gathering becomes giving and celebration becomes service.
Founded by Stephanie Ferreira in 2016 as a heartfelt tribute to a loved one, Vintage901 has grown into one of Memphis’ most distinctive festivals, not simply because of what it offers, but because of what it stands for. At its core, Vintage901 is about community, culture and purpose; a triad that defines both the spirit of the festival and the city it calls home.
The Grand Tasting has something for every wine-loving adult.
The festival culminates with its highly anticipated Vintage901 Grand Tasting on April 18, an experience that draws wine enthusiasts, food lovers and the community together under one roof. But to think of it as just a tasting event would miss the larger point. Vintage901 is curated with care, designed to elevate not only palates but perspectives. It invites attendees to savor global wines while remaining rooted in local impact.
This year, the Wine Coach Laurie Forster and Jimmy Stovall, CEO of Corky’s BBQ, will have a Corky’s & Corks: The Ultimate BBQ & Wine Pairing sampling four wines. In another session, Bubbly Bash: Sparklers from Around the World, Laurie will share the differences in sparkling styles of wine.
Another major draw to the Grand Tasting is Kurt Mullican, owner of Grey’s Fine Cheeses. Participants will learn what cheeses pair well with select wines. And Sheronda Peeples with Party Peeples Mobile Catering Services will provide chef demos on-site.
The Grand Tasting is at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, 3800 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Vintage901 is committed to this diverse Memphis community.
What distinguishes Vintage901 most is its nonprofit mission. This is not simply a festival that entertains, it invests. Proceeds and partnerships support a range of nonprofit organizations, extending the festival’s reach far beyond the event itself. In this way, every glass raised becomes part of something larger, a quiet but powerful act of giving back.
This year, Vintage is partnering with The SOW Project. This organization offers a culinary program teaching workforce-ready skills, financial literacy and offering under/unemployed Memphians opportunities.
There is something especially fitting about this model in Memphis, a city where music, history and community are inseparable. Vintage901 reflects that same interconnectedness. The music is not background, it is a heartbeat. The food is not just nourishment; it is storytelling. And the wine becomes a bridge between cultures, inviting conversation and connection.
Stephanie Ferreira’s vision is evident in every detail. She has created more than an event; she has cultivated an experience that feels both elevated and accessible. There is an intentional inclusivity to Vintage901, a recognition that wine culture can and should be welcoming.
The Grand Tasting captures this balance beautifully. Guests move from station to station, sampling wines while engaging with sommeliers, chefs and fellow attendees. Conversations flow as freely as the wine, and by the end of the evening, strangers often feel like neighbors. That’s the intent and experience realized at Vintage901.
Yet beneath the elegance of the event is a steady commitment to purpose. Vintage901’s support of nonprofit organizations is foundational, ensuring its impact is both immediate and enduring.
Vintage901 is celebrating 10 years with Cheers!
Things We Can Say “Cheers” To:
- Cheers to Community: Bringing people together across neighborhoods and experiences
- Cheers to Culture: Honoring traditions of wine, food and music
- Cheers to Purpose: Supporting nonprofits strengthening our city
- Cheers to Leadership: The vision of Stephanie Ferreira and her team
- Cheers to Connection: New relationships and shared moments
- Cheers to Giving Back: Every sip contributes to something greater
- Cheers to Memphis: A city where culture and community thrive together
In many ways, Vintage901 mirrors Memphis itself, a place where creativity and community are deeply intertwined. It honors the city’s legacy while also pointing toward its future.
For those attending on April 18, the Grand Tasting offers more than an evening of indulgence. It offers an opportunity to participate in something meaningful.
Vintage901 reminds us that festivals can do more than entertain; they can inspire, connect, and give back.
To learn more about Vintage901 and to purchase a ticket for the Grand Tasting, visit www.vintage901.org
