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Stoney River's Orin Swift Wine Dinner

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 17:01 GMT by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine
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Stoney River’s “Orin Swift Wine Dinner”: A Night of Southern Flavors, Fine Wine and Community Spirit

For anyone who thinks Nashville’s culinary scene is all about hot chicken and hot new restaurants, the Stoney River’s “Orin Swift Wine Dinner” is a gentle reminder that the city also loves a good glass of wine paired with a thoughtfully crafted menu. Launched by the city‑loving “Nashville Lifestyles” website, the event promises a taste of Southern hospitality, a sip of local terroir and a chance to connect with neighbors, all in one evening.

What the Dinner Is All About

The “Orin Swift Wine Dinner” is named after Nashville’s own winemaker‑sommelier, Orin Swift, who has made a name for himself as a champion of Tennessee’s burgeoning wine scene. For this particular dinner, Swift will lead the guests through a short, conversational wine‑pairing session, explaining how the subtle flavors of each vintage complement the dishes on the menu. The evening is designed to be approachable – you’ll hear how the wines were made, where the grapes came from, and why certain spices make the Southern dishes pop.

Beyond the tasting, the event is a celebration of Nashville’s local food network. Each course is sourced from a local vendor, and the wine selection is a curated line‑up of Tennessee‑grown labels – all chosen by Swift himself. The dinner also serves as a fundraiser for Local Food Bank Nashville, a charity that distributes fresh produce to underserved communities. Ticket proceeds go to the charity, so guests will feel good about supporting both good wine and good causes.

The Menu & Pairing Details

The dinner features a four‑course menu (plus dessert) with wine pairings for each course. While the exact dishes change each year, the “Orin Swift Wine Dinner” typically includes:

Guests will enjoy a 45‑minute wine‑talk in between courses, led by Orin Swift himself. Swift’s style is educational but relaxed: he talks about the climate that shapes Tennessee grapes, how barrel aging affects flavor, and why certain spices or ingredients pair so well with particular varietals. Attendees can even ask questions during the session – it’s a friendly, informal setting rather than a lecture.

How to Get Tickets

The dinner is a ticketed event, available for purchase via the Nashville Lifestyles website’s event page. As of the time of writing, the price is $120 per person, which includes the meal, wine pairings, the wine talk, and a small gift bag of local goodies (think artisanal jams, a mini bottle of one of the wines, and a handwritten recipe card).

Ticket sales are limited to ensure a cozy, intimate experience, so early bird reservations are strongly recommended. For those who can’t make it, the event also offers a “virtual tasting” option: guests receive a curated wine‑and‑food package in the mail and can watch a livestream of Swift’s wine talk. The virtual tickets are $70 and include a digital recipe card for the menu.

Venue: Stoney River, Nashville

The dinner takes place at the Stoney River, a trendy spot that blends rustic décor with contemporary chic. The venue sits in the heart of downtown, close to the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The space itself is a former warehouse turned into an open‑air patio with a fire pit, string lights, and plenty of greenery – a perfect backdrop for a wine‑and‑dine evening.

The Stoney River is part of the Nashville Lifestyles “Wine & Dine” series, which also includes other events such as the “Nashville Harvest Wine Night” and the “Southern Comforts Wine Pairing.” The venue has hosted a variety of events, from live music nights to charity fundraisers, and it’s well known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.

Why It Matters

The “Orin Swift Wine Dinner” isn’t just about a good meal and a fine glass of wine. It’s a microcosm of Nashville’s evolving food culture: locally sourced ingredients, a focus on sustainability, and community building through shared experiences. By supporting the Local Food Bank, guests help feed families in need, while still enjoying a high‑end culinary experience.

Moreover, the event offers a platform for small‑scale producers to get noticed. A significant portion of the menu’s ingredients come from local farms and producers, many of whom are first‑time partners with the Stoney River. The wine list features labels from the Tennessee Wine Association, including a small but growing number of vineyards like The Vine Works and Riverview Vineyards. By bringing these producers to a larger audience, the dinner encourages Nashville’s wine industry to flourish.

How to Learn More

If you’re intrigued by the event, there are several resources you can check out:

1. Stoney River’s Official Site – for venue details, parking, and other events they host.
2. Orin Swift’s Blog – a deep dive into his winemaking philosophy, available at orinswift.com.
3. Local Food Bank Nashville – to see how your contribution will be used.
4. Nashville Lifestyles Event Calendar – for similar wine‑and‑dine events.
5. Tennessee Wine Association – for more information on local vineyards and the state’s growing wine culture.

Each of these links offers a deeper look into the world that the “Orin Swift Wine Dinner” is trying to highlight: local flavor, thoughtful pairings, and community impact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to expand your palate, a foodie keen to sample Nashville’s finest local ingredients, or simply someone who enjoys a good cause, the “Stoney River Orin Swift Wine Dinner” is an event you shouldn’t miss. By booking a ticket, you’re not just treating yourself to a gourmet evening—you’re investing in the city’s culinary future and supporting families in need.

Tickets sell fast, and the next scheduled dinner is slated for October 12th (exact date subject to change). Check Nashville Lifestyles for the latest updates, and get ready to savor the flavors of Nashville, one glass at a time.