Some traditions are worth keeping, especially when they involve a glass of wine, a stroll down Main Street and a really good reason to celebrate.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, Wine Down Main Street returns to historic downtown Franklin for its 25th anniversary, bringing together wine lovers, foodies, shoppers and philanthropists for what has become one of Middle Tennessee’s most anticipated nights out.
From 7 to 10 p.m., Franklin’s Main Street will transform into a lively tasting experience, with more than 20 locally owned shops opening their doors to guests. Along the way, attendees can sample wines from around the world, enjoy bites from area restaurants and listen to live entertainment.
For Denise Carothers, Chief Development Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, the longevity of the event is something worth celebrating all on its own.
“Twenty-five years is a pretty incredible milestone,” Carothers says. “What started as a great night out has grown into a tradition that brings the community together year after year, all while making a meaningful difference for local kids.”
And if the name Wine Down Main Street sounds familiar, there’s a reason. The event has earned a reputation as “The Best Night Out All Year,” a title that is perhaps easier to understand once the evening gets underway.
Guests can wander from shop to shop, glass in hand, discovering new wines and enjoying the personality of downtown Franklin along the way. The event’s partnership with Lipman Brothers, Nashville’s oldest and largest distributor of wine and spirits, brings an especially curated selection of wines to the celebration.
“You don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy Wine Down Main Street,” Carothers says. “It really is about getting together with friends, discovering something new, enjoying great food and music, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”
That last part is what makes the evening more than just another night on the town. Every ticket purchased helps support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, which provides after-school and summer programs for young people ages 5 to 18. The organization’s programs focus on everything from academic support and character development to mentorship and creating safe, positive places for kids to spend their time.
“It’s a wonderful example of how a community can have fun and give back at the same time,” Carothers says. “The proceeds help us provide programs and opportunities that can truly change the trajectory of a young person’s life.”
That mission gives the evening a little extra sparkle. Guests may arrive looking forward to discovering a favorite new wine or sampling something delicious, but they leave knowing their night out helped create opportunities for young people across Middle Tennessee.
And there is plenty to look forward to beyond the wine. The combination of locally owned businesses, restaurants, live entertainment and Franklin’s historic setting makes the event feel distinctly local — and distinctly Franklin.
For those who have attended before, the 25th anniversary is an opportunity to return to a favorite tradition. For newcomers, it may be the perfect year to see what all the fuss is about.
“After 25 years, Wine Down Main Street really has become part of the fabric of this community,” Carothers says. “We’re excited to celebrate that history and, at the same time, look ahead to all the young people we’ll be able to impact in the years to come.”
The event is rain or shine and is open exclusively to guests 21 and older. A valid photo ID is required for entry, and children, infants and pets are not permitted.
So, gather your friends, put on something you can comfortably walk Main Street in and raise a glass to 25 years of a Franklin tradition that proves a great night out can do a whole lot of good. Because when wine, community and a good cause meet on Main Street, there’s plenty worth toasting.
For tickets and event information, visit WineDownMainStreet.com.