As Memphis continues to build its reputation as a destination for culture and cuisine, one organization is marking a milestone that reflects both growth and purpose.
Vintage901® will celebrate its 10th Annual Wine, Food and Music Festival, culminating with The Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 18, from 5–9 p.m. at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center.
What began in 2016 as a tribute to a loved one has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit experience that blends wine, food and education, creating space for both enjoyment and advancement.
“Over the last decade, Vintage901® has cultivated culinary experiences that provide wine and food education,” said Stephanie Ferreira, founder of Vintage901®. “We look forward to the next 10 years of community, culture and purpose.”
But beyond the tastings, organizers say the festival’s impact lies in what it builds.
“For us, it’s not just about what’s in the glass,” Ferreira said. “It’s about exposure, education and expanding what people believe is possible, whether that’s developing a more refined appreciation for wine or pursuing a career in the culinary arts.”
That mission comes to life in a meaningful way this year through the integration of The Sow Project, a workforce development initiative of the Center of Culinary Cultivation. The training and talent of scholarship recipients from the program will be a highlight of the anniversary celebration.
“The most exciting addition to our programming this year is our scholarship recipients for the Sow Project preparing the menu and some of the food for the Grand Tasting,” Ferreira said.
The Sow Project is designed to provide a pathway for students who may not pursue traditional four-year degrees but are eager to build sustainable careers. Through a paid culinary apprenticeship, participants receive hands-on training, mentorship and guaranteed job placement, along with financial literacy and support services that prepare them for long-term success.
“From the start, we were on a mission regarding educating students graduating from high school that are not interested in four-year degrees,” Ferreira said. “We saw (an) opportunity in aligning students interested in culinary careers with the resources to train and develop their skills.”
That alignment speaks directly to what Vintage901® represents for Memphis.
In a city rich in culture and creativity, the festival serves as both a platform and a pipeline, connecting experience with opportunity. It introduces attendees to global wine traditions, culinary techniques and industry professionals, while also cultivating local talent prepared to participate in and shape that world.
“Memphis deserves experiences that are both culturally rich and intellectually engaging,” Ferreira said. “We’ve worked to create something that welcomes people in while also challenging them to learn, grow and see themselves in new spaces.”
The Grand Tasting will feature curated wine selections, chef demonstrations, educational classes and live entertainment, all led by a host of national and local wine experts, cheese specialists and culinary professionals who will both educate guests and deliver an elevated tasting experience.
“This event is for the connoisseur as well as the curious,” Ferreira said. “If there is interest in learning more about how food and wine complement each other and having an appreciation for lifestyle moments, this is your event.”
As Vintage901® celebrates 10 years, its impact extends beyond a single weekend. Through initiatives like The Sow Project, it is helping shape a workforce, expand perspectives and create access to industries that have not always felt within reach for some.
In doing so, it reflects a broader vision for Memphis, one where culture, education and opportunity are not separate experiences but connected pathways for growth.
Tickets for the Vintage901® 10th Annual Wine, Food and Music Festival are available at www.vintage901.org/events.
