On the Circuit: Wine, Women & Shoes

Nashville’s most fun, festive and fashionable philanthropic tradition proved once again why it’s been crowned Best Women’s Event in Nfocus’ 2025 Readers’ Poll. 

The 14th annual Wine, Women & Shoes transformed the Music City Center’s Karl Dean Ballroom into a dazzling celebration of style, community and purpose while raising more than $850,000 to benefit YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s domestic violence services.

From the moment guests stepped off the escalator onto a floral-filled step-and-repeat, the energy was unmistakable. Six hundred mothers, daughters and lifelong friends, spanning ages 21 to 80, arrived promptly for an unforgettable afternoon.

After check-in, guests were welcomed with their first toast at the ever-popular Champagne wall before diving into the lively marketplace. The Walls of Wine sold out within 90 minutes, featuring bottles valued from $25 to $400, while shoppers browsed beloved vendors, including Kendra Scott, The Vault Luxury Resale and the YWCA Dress for Success pop-up boutique. A new Girls Inc. Charm Bar quickly became a crowd favorite, where attendees selected custom charms assembled by Girls Inc. alumni and volunteers.

The fun continued with makeup touch-ups and a roaming selfie photographer, who delivered instant, framed photos to guests’ phones. 

Beloved local journalist Vicki Yates co-emceed with her daughter, Torri Yates-Orr, and welcomed event co-chairs Roxianne Bethune, Laurie Miller and Meredith Risner to the stage. Supported by longtime presenting sponsor Regions Bank and key partners including AllianceBernstein, Bass Berry & Sims, Old National Bank, MARS and Fifth Third Bank, the afternoon blended glamour with generosity.

Live auction highlights ranged from luxury international trips to a Country Music Royalty Experience featuring Chris Stapleton. 

Then came the powerful mission moment. In just 15 minutes, guests donated $200,000 to support survivors through the 70-bed Weaver Domestic Violence Center, Abbie’s Safe Home pet shelter and Re-New at the YWCA.

YWCA President & CEO Sharon K. Roberson reminded attendees of the day’s deeper purpose: “Thank you to the survivors. You are the teachers who show us how to do this work better every day.”

With Toni F. Davis winning Best in Shoe honors for her unforgettable peacock booties and Dwanna Hughes claiming the coveted Key to the Closet prize, Wine, Women & Shoes once again proved that an afternoon of fashion and fun can create life-changing impact, one step at a time.