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14 Regret, Reimagined 2

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on the cover: Keith McNally photographed at Balthazar in NYC by Corry Arnold

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Regret, Reimagined Let Them Drink Wine! Where the Land Leads Book it to Charleston Tahiti Of Note Where the Land Speaks Bibliotaph Vintage Point Pinky Promise Saint John’s Resort Denim Ascends to Haute Couture The Excelsior Experience A Venetian Reverie Hook ‘em On Point Sophisticated Wedding

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COMPLIMENTARY VALET

PUBLISHER Dave Mahanes EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Melissa Mahanes

______________________________________________ FEATURES EDITOR Carolyn Smith Bryant ASSOCIATE EDITOR Charlie Mahanes CONTRIBUTORS Writers Victoria Chase Bridget Cottrell Matthew Cottrell Tracy Cottrell Vicki Denig Elliot Greene Jay Gulick Dave Mahanes Melissa Mahanes Photographers Charlie Mahanes Melissa Mahanes We want you to be thrilled to receive your issues of Sophisticated Living Nashville— if we have your mailing address incorrect or wish not to receive the magazine, please email us at nashville@slmag.net.

_____________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams, CEO Bridget Williams, President Greg Butrum, General Counsel Jason Yann, Art Director Sophisticated Living® is published by Mahanes Media Group, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorials are the property of Mahanes Media Group, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.

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From the Publisher

Two wonderful women shaped this city in ways that could not have looked more different on paper, and yet somehow their legacies run through the same soil. Martha Ingram arrived in Nashville as a young mother, building a life with her husband and raising their family while quietly absorbing the business world around her. When Bronson Ingram died in 1995, she stepped into his place at the helm of the family company, a role few expected, and fewer still could have filled. She could have simply kept the seat warm. Instead, she willed the Schermerhorn Symphony Center into existence, gave decades to TPAC and Nashville Rep, Nashville Opera and Nashville Ballet, Frist Art Museum, and left a lasting legacy across Vanderbilt that went well beyond a wing or a title. Hers was a philanthropy of stewardship, the quiet belief that what you're given, by circumstance or by inheritance, is meant to be passed on, not kept. Dolly Parton came from the opposite direction entirely, up a mountain hollow in Sevier County, a house with no running water and more kids than beds. She built everything from a voice and sheer will, and then turned around and gave it back. Her Imagination Library put more than three million free books into the hands of children on nearly every continent. When the world needed help most, she wrote a check for one million dollars to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, money that went straight into early research that led to a COVID vaccine. The stories of her discreet acts of kindness are still coming to light. Hers was a philanthropy that remembered exactly what it felt like to have nothing. The reason these two women ended up in the same place was never about where their journeys began. It was the instinct they both carried, the sense that Nashville is a city for those who believe in second chances, in music that has the power to heal, and in giving without expecting it to be returned. One gave from a position of privilege; the other gave from memory. In this way, they both left behind a city that is more literate, more musical, and more complete because of their presence. How rare for a city to have two such different women among its ranks. We will always be grateful for the time, talent, and resources they so generously gave and their lifetimes of service to the arts and culture of Nashville. We are so fortunate that both of these wonderful ladies called Nashville home. Thank you, Mrs. Ingram and Mrs. Dean; we miss you dearly already.

Melissa and Dave Mahanes, Publisher / Editor-in-Chief melissa@slmag.net / dave@slmag.net

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REGRET, REINVENTED Restaurateur Keith McNally opens up about heartbreak, healing, and bringing Pastis to Nashville. Interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant / Photos by Sylvia Paret and Elizabeth Weisman If residents of Music City, USA, were to play word association with the terms "hard-knock life", "runaway", "romance", "tragedy", "regret", and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E", likely their first thought would be a country song. True, this issue's cover story is about a man who has experienced highs and lows and who shares them in a masterfully written opus. Except he's not a country songwriter. Keith McNally is an Englishman whose early life is straight out of Jennifer Worth's book and the BBC series Call the Midwife. He is the son of a dockworker and a housekeeper who fled impoverished East London in the 1950's/60's to ultimately, and unwittingly, build a star-studded empire in the States. The good news is he shares his story with the world in his NY Times Best-selling, Gotham Book Award- winning memoir I Regret Almost Everything. Also, the good news is that Keith McNally, one of the world's most successful restaurateurs, has partnered to bring to Nashville one of his most iconic Big Apple restaurants, Pastis. 14 slmag.net

Carolyn Smith Bryant: Keith, in reading your book twice, I have learned that you hate boastfulness. After the introduction above, I can almost feel you cringe. But you’re not being pretentious if it comes out of my mouth. Keith McNally: I'm more pretentious than I appear. I'm just good at hiding it. CSB: This interview, of all I have conducted, is the most daunting. I was so moved by

I Regret Almost Everything that, to quote the book, I had an 'irrational urge' to contact you, 'feeling a kinship' with you as 'often happens with the best books'. When I finished the book and direct-messaged you on Instagram, you agreed to this conversation within five minutes. I was then seized with concern that, with all the things you 'hate' in your book, such as clichés, exclamation points, euphemisms, emojis, and many seemingly innocuous words, I would not be able to avoid pitfalls. I'm pretty sure that despite your words being fresh in my mind, I excitedly filled my initial note to you with exclamations and emojis. So my question is, what made you overlook that and say yes to Sophisticated Living Nashville? KM: The drawback to making a big point about something - as I did with exclamation marks - is that when I really want to use one (which I do more and more), I'm unable to do so without being labeled a hypocrite. They say it's good to have a taste of my own medicine now and then. (I'm not so sure). I feel very fortunate when people ask about my restaurants or the book I've written, so please don't apologize about it. I particularly like speaking about Nashville, since Pastis is part of the city's restaurant scene. So, when you contacted me, I was more than happy to do it.

CSB: I Regret Almost Everything is raw and relatable. From all the press and posts, it is clear that readers connect to you deeply. For me, it's a little more personal. You identify as a New Yorker, and I am a native New Yorker. You opened your first restaurant, the Odeon, in Tribeca when the neighborhood was an industrial wasteland. My husband and I bought our first apartment a stone's throw from the Odeon and were there frequently. At that time, the triangle-below-canal felt dangerous; yet you and your first wife, Lynn, saw promise in the desolation. You built an oasis, and we all came in droves. In 2004, The New York Times dubbed you 'the restaurateur who invented downtown '. Over four decades later, the Odeon is still serving uptownworthy French bistro fare to an unfussy who's who of night owls. Please refresh the memories of our travel-fluid readership: of the many establishments you have opened, which have been your favorites, and why? KM: The Odeon, Cafe Luxembourg, Nell's, Lucky Strike, Pravda, Balthazar, Pastis, Schiller's, Morandi, Minetta Tavern, Pulino's, Cherche Midi and Augustine. The Odeon and Cafe Luxembourg are still around but they now belong to my ex-wife, Lynn Wagenknecht. The only restaurants that are still open that belong to me are Balthazar, Pastis, Morandi, and Minetta Tavern. A favorite? On a bad night, I can dislike them all equally. CSB: What makes Nashville a good extension of your brand? KM: Nashville's a lively city with a terrific appreciation of food, hospitality and music. Pastis, the most animated of my restaurants, seems to be the ideal fit. slmag.net

CSB: You have two beautiful families with five children: Harry, Sophie, Isabelle, George, and Alice. You have hundreds, if not thousands, of friends and an immense roster of staff, past and present, who embody your restaurants' familial culture. You are beloved. However, there are major events that counterbalance the storybook part of your life and speak to the 'regret' in your title. You and I are conversing via email as a result. What happened, and how did your family at large play a crucial part in recovering and resetting your life? K M : In 2 0 1 6 , I h a d a s t ro k e t h a t paralyzed my right side and left my speech so badly impaired that on a bad day I sound like someone talking underwater. For the first eighteen months after my stroke, I was so ashamed of my appearance that I could barely leave my apartment. I was terrified of seeing anyone I knew. But most of all, I was most ashamed of my children seeing me—especially the youngest two, George and Alice. That's the reason why, in August 2018, I tried to commit suicide. It was only after surviving my suicide attempt and spending nine weeks in a psychiatric hospital with uninterrupted 16 slmag.net

therapy that I no longer felt ashamed about my condition. That's when I began to write my memoir, I Regret Almost Everything. While having family close by was a great help after my stroke, it was work, not family, that pulled me out of despair. During a personal crisis, the importance of work is often undervalued. "Take time off work," people say when one suffers a trauma or is seriously depressed. My advice would be to work more, not less. When all else seems lost, work—of any kind—provides the one thing we need to keep going: a sense of purpose. What gave me a sense of purpose after my stroke was writing my memoir and building restaurants. CSB: Our readers really must read I Regret Almost Everything. It’s not just poignant, it’s amusing. Your clever and contrarian one-liners flip conventional thought upside/ down such as when asked by a psychiatrist if you ever considered suicide, you said, 'yes, often but only before my stroke'. Other McNally quotes include 'experience is a f**king hindrance', 'achievements decrease in value by being talked about', and 'nothing soaks you more to the bone than

water-resistant clothing'. Then there's the witticism from Balthazar's hosts' manual: 'don't go home with a customer for less than $ 500'. Throughout my readings, I couldn't help but compare you to the following literary giant. At the risk of harpooning myself because said giant is Irish, and you are British, I compare your writing style to that of Oscar Wilde. Do you see the stylistic similarity? KM: Though flattered beyond, it's sadly not true. However, there's an aspect of Tom Stoppard's plays that's somewhat epigrammatic that I'm definitely drawn to. CSB: I read that your dear friend, Tom Stoppard, the revered British playwright, had died. So sorry for your loss. Your writing, whatever esteemed author's style it conjures for the reader, is too good to quit now. I know you hate being asked 'what's next,' so I'll ask: has the success of the book emboldened you to pursue other literary avenues? KM: I'm writing a stage play right now, though it's nothing like The Importance of Being Earnest. The opposite, if anything. (By the way, did you know that in the late Victorian period the word 'earnest' was— in Wilde's circle—slang for homosexual?)

CSB: No, I did not. My favorite Wilde piece is The Picture of Dorian Gray. I have always been fascinated by the idea that moral vacuity can't be hidden forever. My hairdresser in New York used to say, 'pretty is as pretty does'. It's the old Golden Rule. Wilde was brilliant, witty, and spoke in opposites. That reminds me of your stories of customers asking you where the bathroom is located and your response “we don’t have a bathroom”, or pricing double espressos less expensively than singles. Your brilliance, wit, and contrarian bent was the point of my comparison. KM: Earlier this year, I reread Dorian Gray and was shocked by how well it holds up. I love the book. Wilde must be the only writer whose seriousness comes across through his love of superficiality. CSB: Speaking of witty writing, you have a long history of friendship with the cast of Saturday Night Live, especially John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. You paint a picture of what an adored fixture Belushi was at the Odeon in the early days, often showing up at 4:00am, when the kitchen was closing, and cooking burgers for the staff. Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, has also become your close friend. I've read that he has optioned your memoir for a

series or movie. If he wanted your help in casting you, who would you suggest? KM: HBO has actually bought the film rights to I Regret Almost Everything, and is currently working out ways of adapting it to a six-part series. Frank Rich, Lorne Michaels, and John Goldwyn are the producers, and we hope to make a pilot next spring. Although we're a long way off from casting, either Ewan McGregor or Andrew Scott wouldn't be a terrible choice. CSB: They couldn’t go wrong auditioning Matthew Rhys or Tom Hardy as well. Na s h v i l l e i s a h u b f o r c re a t i v i t y, a publishing beacon, and a town that revolves around words. What can we do to integrate you into our town? Would you let us host a book signing, a food tasting at Pastis, or a visit to the Opry or the Bridgestone Arena? KM: I’m probably not the best person to decide how to integrate myself into Nashville, so I’ll leave that to the people who know the city better than I do. I’m open to suggestions, however. CSB: I'll get to work on this. Have you spent just about every July on Martha's Vineyard since 1976?

KM: Since 1976, I've spent every July but one on Martha's Vineyard. CSB: You have likely crossed paths with the Nashville contingent who also summer there. Do you think you will ever open a watering hole or eatery on the Vineyard? KM: I'd rather be tortured by the Taliban than open a restaurant on Martha's Vineyard. CSB: Noted. When you were recuperating from your stroke, you had a sweet hospital attendant named Freddie who had his own unique phrases. His 'beyond the sandbar' refers to something unobtainable. Conducting an interview with one of my hometown heroes who also sees my adopted city, Nashville, as a good business fit is thrilling. You have allowed me to toggle between your successes and, in doing so, further ensure that you, your book, and your restaurant Pastis are on Nashville's radar. This almost seemed beyond the sandbar for me as a writer. Then I jumped on a plane and met you at Balthazar and got to sit in the red leather banquette with you, and we committed to doing this. Thank you for making this conversation a reality. KM: You're very welcome, Carolyn. sl slmag.net

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PRESERVING MORE THAN WEALTH

Winston Busby discusses how intentional planning protects people, not just portfolios Interview by Dave Mahanes / Photo by Mary Catherine Maxwell

After years spent advising families and closely held business owners as one of the region’s leading trust and estate attorneys, Winston Busby has crossed to the other side of the table. As Managing Director and Head of Wealth Preservation Services at Oakworth, he now helps clients across the firm’s four markets, including Middle Tennessee, knit together the legal, financial and human threads of a well-built plan. We sat down with him to talk about the move, his philosophy of leadership, and why the most important thing is that he protects more than just money. Dave Mahanes: Winston, you describe your work as wealth preservation, but it sounds like it goes well beyond the balance sheet. What does success look like for the families you serve? Winston Busby: First and foremost, I help clients plan for the people they love and protect what they have built. That includes much more than the financial aspects of their plan. It’s just as important to make sure clients feel confident that their loved ones have guidance and support if something happens. Helping clients feel more informed and prepared for the future is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. DM: Please walk us through the road that brought you here—and what your new role at Oakworth entails. WB: Prior to Oakworth, I served as a tax, trust and estate planning attorney at the law firm of Dentons Sirote, P.C. and as the Chairperson of the Trusts, Estate & Wealth Preservation Practice Group. I also served on the Board of Directors of the Firm. In my practice, I worked primarily with closely held business owners and their families on tax, succession and generational wealth transfer planning, and with fiduciaries in the administration of trusts and estates. At Oakworth, I’ll work with similar clients, collaborating with client advisors across all disciplines—commercial banking, private banking and wealth management—in all four of our markets— Central Alabama, South Alabama, Middle Tennessee, and Central Carolinas. Together we’ll develop thoughtful strategies and support implementation for complex relationships. I look forward to working alongside a client’s outside team members (attorneys, CPAs, and other financial partners) to help achieve the client’s goals.

DM: You spent years working alongside Oakworth as outside counsel before joining. What did you see from that vantage point that convinced you to make the leap? WB: I worked with Oakworth for many years as a partner serving shared clients and experiencing firsthand Oakworth’s commitment to exceptional client service. That approach felt very similar to the way I approached client service in the practice of law. So, at the outset there was a tremendous amount of familiarity there. Oakworth’s dedication to serving clients with care and intention stands out. DM: Now that you’re on the inside, what is it about your new colleagues that make them such strong partners for clients? WB: Oakworth associates embody the values of the organization, including the Golden Rule. When you treat others the way you want to be treated, it guides the decisions you make. It’s also the work ethic our associates bring every day, along with their character, attention to detail, integrity, and professionalism. We are committed to providing thoughtful, customized client service. In my opinion, that is truly a differentiator. DM: You’ve chaired a practice group and served on a board. How has that shaped the way you think about leadership? WB: To lead effectively, you have to show team members you are willing to do the hard work and lock arms to pull in the same direction. That resonates with people. You also must have empathy and compassion. When you work with integrity and are willing to do the work, it benefits the clients you serve and the team members you work alongside. DM: For the business owner or family weighing where to place their trust, what should they be looking for in a financial partner? WB: Partner is the right word. Look for someone who cares deeply about you and your success, and who is committed to helping you work toward your goals. Finding a partner that takes the time to understand you, your family, your business, your other advisors, and your values should be the standard. That is hard to fake and finding a partner that genuinely cares can solve a lot of other issues. DM: Let’s end where clients begin: if you had to distill the Oakworth experience into a single word, what would it be? WB: Easy. We want to make the experience as easy as possible for our clients. We do that through associates who work with great care behind the scenes to provide attentive, high-quality client service, so that the experience is clear and seamless for the client. sl Winston Busby, JD, LL.M. is Head of Wealth Preservation Services for Oakworth Capital Bank. He works with closely held business owners, individuals and families on sophisticated estate, tax and wealth transfer strategies. Previously, he was a shareholder and on the board of directors at Dentons Sirote PC. Winston is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual and may not reflect the views and opinions of Oakworth Capital Bank as a whole. Oakworth Capital Bank (OCB), Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, provides banking, wealth and advisory services. Advisory Services, including investment management and financial planning, are offered through Oakworth Asset Management LLC (OAM), a registered investment advisor. OAM is owned by OCB. Investment products and services offered via OAM are independent of the products and services offered by OCB, and are not FDIC insured, may lose value, have no bank guarantee, and are not insured by any federal or state government agency. Because of the ownership relationship and involvement by OAM associates with OCB, there exists a conflict of interest to the extent that either party recommends the services of the other. For additional information about OAM, including its services and fees, visit adviserinfo.sec.gov.

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LET THEM DRINK WINE!

Antoinette's Wine + Provisions charms West Nashville with a neighborhood wine bar Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos Courtesy of Antoinette’s Lauren Maranto never intended to open just another wine bar. As a certified sommelier and West Nashville resident, she wanted a venue on her side of town that felt inviting, the kind of place where you start with a bottle and end up staying for three hours. The 1930s house was redesigned with help from her husband, Francesco, and her friend and local designer Kathryn Crawford from Second Story Designs. The name Antoinette is personal, based on Maranto's middle name and her grandmother's. This intimacy is reflected throughout the 40-seat establishment, with vintage textiles, playful wallpaper, and a mix of tables, lounges, and bar seating that feels like stepping into a familiar living room rather than a typical retail space. Behind the building, a patio and fenced play area

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provide space for children and leashed dogs, showing Maranto's aim to create a truly family-friendly place. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring a generous selection of orange and natural wines, along with familiar favorites and non-alcoholic options. There are also several boxed-wine offerings by the glass that surprise with their quality, plus clever wine cocktails on tap (try the espresso martini). Most bottles are under fifty dollars, and glasses cost eight to ten dollars, making exploration feel low-stakes rather than precious. In the kitchen, chef Luke Williams, a college friend of Maranto's with time spent under James Beard winner Chris Hastings as well as at Flyte, The 404 Kitchen and Tailor, turns out shareable plates that draw on his and Maranto's

Alabama upbringings and Francesco's Italian roots. The quaint market side of the house rounds things out with grab-and-go snacks, bottles to take home, and the kind of hostess gifts you did not know you needed until you saw them on the shelf. Maranto describes Antoinette's as an extension of her own dining room table. The bar maintains a calendar of tastings, workshops, and chef collaborations, giving you more reasons to overstay your welcome. That shows clearly in how unhurried the experience feels, whether you drop by for a glass after work or settle in for a full supper club-style evening, wine not? sl Antoinette's Wine + Provisions 331 54th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37209 Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 2:00pm-9:00pm, Friday 2:00pm-10:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 11:00am to 8:00pm / antoinetteswine.com

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WHERE THE LAND LEADS A secluded Leiper’s Fork masterpiece blends its landscape with stunning interiors Written by Melissa Mahanes / Interior Photos by Brandon Lee, Haven Media, and Daulton Russell, Realkit, Exterior Photos by David Morrow, Realkit 24 slmag.net

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So m e t h i n g s p e c i a l h a p p e n s w h e n architecture works with the land instead of against it. Just south of Leiper's Fork, where the hills roll gently toward Garrison Creek, a newly reimagined estate does exactly that, and the result is one of the most impressive modern farmhouses we've ever seen. Designed by the well-known Pfeffer Torode Architects, the home was built around a single guiding idea: let the landscape lead. Every room is arranged to highlight a view, every window placed to catch the best light, every doorway crafted to blur the line between indoors and out. It sounds simple. It rarely is, and the skill behind it shows in every corner of the house. The entrance sets the tone immediately. A bold stone porte-cochère offers a proper sense of arrival, along with the shelter and privacy a home this private deserves. From there, the estate unfolds with a rare sense 26 slmag.net

of seclusion without ever feeling closed off. Large windows and generous doorways keep the land in constant view, so even the coziest corners feel tethered to the countryside beyond them. Inside, the materials do most of the talking. Character grade oak floors and hand-hewn ceiling beams bring a warmth that reads as earned rather than styled, while clean architectural lines keep the whole thing fresh and free of rustic cliché. It's a farmhouse at heart, refined at every edge, understated in the way that photographs beautifully and lives even better in person. If one theme runs through the house, it's hospitality, the easy, thoughtful kind. A 540-bottle glass wine cellar with its own tasting bar anchors the entertaining spaces, and the dining areas flow naturally out of the main gathering rooms. The kitchen earns its reputation as the heart

of the home: generous prep space opens straight into the dining room, while a back kitchen and butler's pantry quietly absorb the heavier lifting of hosting. It's a kitchen equally suited to a quiet breakfast or a dinner party of twenty, countryside views included either way. The home's additional living spaces were built with both family and longterm guests in mind. Comfortable bedrooms and welcoming gathering rooms strike a balance between togetherness and privacy, so longer stays never feel crowded. Upstairs, reached by the back kitchen stairs, a cozy media lounge and a private home gym flank a hobby and sewing nook complete with a built-in workstation and smart storage. The layout is flexible by design, ready to become additional guest space or a children's bunk and play area, depending on what the next owner needs.

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Outside, the estate makes full use of its settings. Rolling lawns and sweeping views surround a newly redesigned infinity edge pool, its travertine hardscaping lending the whole scene a resort feel. Covered terraces and patios extend the gathering space well past the pool, equally suited to a quiet morning coffee or a full-scale summer soirée. Beyond the fenced pool area, the grounds open into wide pastures that stretch toward Garrison Creek, room enough for both play and quiet. A fire pit invites evening gatherings under the stars, and a peaceful "She Shed" with 28 slmag.net

raised garden beds offers its own retreat for anyone who loves gardening. It's rare to find a property that feels this spacious and this cozy at once, all just minutes from the center of Leiper's Fork. Perhaps the most memorable surprise sits beyond the main house entirely: a newly built 5,500 square foot Car Barn that turns the estate into a true destination. Designed for serious collectors, this climate-controlled building offers secure vehicle storage and considerably more, including a dual simulator room, a full kitchen, a billiards area, guest quarters, and flexible gathering space,

all under one thoughtfully designed roof. It brings together serious collector amenities and real luxury, landing somewhere closer to a private clubhouse than a garage. What makes this incredibly private Leiper's Fork estate special isn't any single feature. It's how the whole property comes together. The architecture follows the landscape. The interiors are shaped by natural light. Even the Car Barn, as remarkable as it is, carries the same calm, considered design as the main house. The result feels less like a showpiece and more like an invitation: to slow down, gather the people who matter, and take in the best of the Tennessee countryside. sl The property is listed for sale by Kindy Hensler Parks / Compass Mobile: 615.828.4064 Office: 615.383.6964/ Email: kindy@southerntwistnashville.com Website: swww.kindyhensler.com

BOOK IT TO CHARLESTON Charleston's Literary Festival Turns 10, and the celebration is as big as the books Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos Courtesy of Charleston Chamber of Commerce

A special kind of magic occurs whenever a large city and great literature come together. In Charleston, South Carolina, this magic has a name, date, and momentum that has been building over ten years: the Charleston Literary Festival. To mark its landmark anniversary, the festival features a lineup of superstar guests, including more than 45 small-group panels and thought-provoking discussions, with over 60 authors coming to Charleston. The ten-day event runs from November 6 to 15, with all activities held at the historic Dock Street Theatre. The Dock Street Theatre was constructed in 1736 and is generally considered the first building in America designed for theatrical performances. It is appropriate that it has become the spiritual center of a festival rooted in the belief that books have the power to change people, and that the discussions around them are just as important.

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The Charleston Literary Festival was founded in 2017 and is known for organizing high-quality events that lead to conversations changing one's point of view with some of the most renowned authors and thinkers in the world. The festival's origins lie in the Charleston House in the UK—the former home of radical writers, artists, and thinkers associated with the Bloomsbury Group. The festival is dedicated to keeping an international outlook while supporting and contributing to the local community. This transatlantic approach sets it apart from most literary events in America. Although it respects the tradition of Southern literature, it is not merely a regional festival celebrating Southern letters. It is a global discussion held in one of the most beautiful cities on the Eastern Seaboard. The 2026 festival lineup includes Pulitzer Prize winners, New York Times bestsellers, Nobel Prize finalists, and others. As usual, book signings will take place after each session, with authors' books available through the festival's partner booksellers. This intimacy—a short conversation over an open title page, a kind of access that

can't be arranged—is why people return year after year. Previous festivals have featured distinguished figures from fiction, nonfiction, history, poetry, memoir, and biography: Ian McEwan and Geraldine Brooks listed with Patrick Radden Keefe; Joyce Carol Oates alongside environmental visionary Bill McKibben; Pulitzer Prize winners conversing with first-time novelists who just completed their first print run. The 2026 edition will offer the same variety. No matter your literary loyalties, you will find people who share your passion for reading and discover your next great book. For a fully immersive experience, the VIP Literary Weekend Experience is a terrific option. The package spans three days and provides unlimited access to all world-class literary events over one weekend, with a choice of November 6–8 or November 13–15. The advantages go beyond front-row seats: invitations to private parties in historic homes, admission to the exclusive donor lounge at Dock Street Theatre, a private walking tour and garden tour of Charleston's notable streets and places, plus discounted rates at luxury

hotels. This carefully selected access turns a good weekend into an unforgettable one. It is the difference between merely attending the festival and inhabiting it. There is also a thoughtful addition for a particular type of traveler: the Book Club Concierge. Positioned as a premier literary event for book lovers, the festival created this concierge service to fulfill that promise. It is designed for book clubs wanting a proper holiday. The free service handles all arrangements, helping groups create the ideal literary weekend tailored to their reading habits, preferences, and idea of a good time. It is a rare example of hospitality that truly understands its audience. The Charleston Literary Festival attracts readers who take their books seriously but not their interest in books too seriously. The festival's program is carefully curated so that literary quality meets real accessibility. With individual tickets starting at $30, a single afternoon at Dock Street is affordable. The VIP option suits those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Charleston also plays a major role as a co-host. The food is world-class. Hotels range from large historic ones to smaller, fine establishments hidden in the French Quarter. Restaurants take dining seriously. The streets are perfect for strolling. Given that the literary festival takes place in one of America's most beautiful cities during the soft golden light of early November—when sunlight is low, heat has gone, and gardens are still full of color—it is a hard invitation to refuse. After ten years, the Charleston Literary Festival has achieved the same result as the finest cultural organizations: it has become something a city cannot conceive of living without. If you attend just one session or commit yourself to the whole weekend, you will end up with a pile of books, a full head of ideas, and the special satisfaction of having been in a place that reminded you why words still matter. sl The Charleston Literary Festival / November 6 to 15 at the Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Tickets for individuals start at $30 and further information about the VIP Literary Weekend Experiences and the Book Club Concierge can be found at charlestonliteraryfestival.com.

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Private collection

Oil on canvas

Life Celebrated to the Fullest A tradition of fine portraiture since 1942. Mary Overstreet | 615 491 2115 | mary.s.overstreet@gmail.com

View from the Uaina Bar at Le Bora Bora. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

THE RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX SIDE OF FRENCH POLYNESIA Pearl Resorts creates luxury anchored in tradition. Written by Bridget Cottrell Taking a deep breath before releasing my death grip on the deck ladder of my overwater bungalow at Le Tikehau (letikehau.com) and sliding into the pellucid waters of the South Pacific, I recalled resort manager Stéphane Pons’ words a few hours earlier after I’d mentioned spying a shiver of blacktip reef sharks swimming among the support posts: “Don’t worry, they’re the puppies of the sea.” Though I didn’t venture more than an arm’s length from the ladder, as a lifelong galeophobe, it was a transformative moment that capped off an extraordinary visit to three of four Pearl Resorts’ Relais & Châteaux (relaischateaux. com) properties in French Polynesia. From my Midwestern home base, it took roughly 18 hours to reach Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui (us.airtahitinui.com) made the long journey feel surprisingly effortless, flying nonstop from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti's capital. Onward travel among the 38 inhabited islands spread across French Polynesia's five archipelagos is managed by Air Tahiti, whose codeshare partnership with Air Tahiti Nui allows travelers to seamlessly book key bucket-list routes like Bora Bora and Rarotonga on a single ticket.

On the final stretch of the journey to our first stop, a 30-minute boat transfer to Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts (letahaa.com), the anticipation built with the force of a champagne cork that’s ready to pop. The resort’s 59 suites and villas are situated on a secluded coral islet off the coast of Taha'a, a fertile, flowershaped, volcanic island that produces eighty percent of the region’s vanilla and whose pristine lagoon is used to cultivate Tahitian black pearls. The heavily tattooed Tavita, Le Taha’a’s cultural ambassador, wearing a traditional lavalava (sarong) and playing a ukarere (a Tahitian version of a ukulele), and the

affable general manager, Laurent Le Seac'h, greeted us at the pier, where we were quick to note a plethora of original art and sculpture paying homage to Polynesian culture. As a 100% Polynesian-owned hotel collection, Pearl Resorts takes a deliberate and reverential approach to illuminating local culture through art, food, music, and by lightly treading on the environment. Crafting a unique sense of place and minding the minutiae is uniquely aligned with Relais & Château’s championing of exceptional fine dining, rich local heritage, and deeply personalized hospitality in unique, intimate settings across its 580 member properties. slmag.net

This page clockwise from top left: Aerial view of Le Taha’a. Photo courtesy of Pearl Resorts. Marine life milling about below the deck of the End of Pontoon Overwater Bungalow at Le Tikehau. Tavita, Le Taha’a’s cultural ambassador. Photos by Bridget Cottrell

Opposite page clockwise from top left: Overwater bungalows at Le Tikehau, located on Motu Tianoa, a private coral islet in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Entrance to the Royal Suite at Le Tikehau. Photos by Bridget Cottrell. A “Tahitian TV” in the floor of a Pilotis Premium Overwater Bungalow at Le Tikehau ensures that you are always connected to what’s going on in the water. Royal Beach Villa at Le Bora Bora. Photos courtesy of Pearl Resorts

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Le Seac’h escorted our group to a central reception and restaurant building designed to meld with the towering trees. “We want to be discreet in nature, allowing its embrace to help guests disconnect and rendezvous with Polynesian culture,” he explained. Extremely passionate about his work and the first person I’ve met who is fully adept at waxing poetic, Le Seac’h added: “If you have a sensitive soul and are a feeling hunter, you will take something with you when you leave.” That spirit extends to guest relationships, which go far beyond loyalty discounts. Longtime guests have had trees planted in their honor or initials etched into the coral garden so they can track growth with each visit. One repeat guest, Hermès’ in-house perfumer, was inspired to create Un Jardin sous la Mer, a floral-musky eau de toilette. That sense of delight is matched by Pearl Resorts’ gastronomy program, where even a simple pleasure like ice cream is elevated. “It’s not just eating, it’s poetry,” said Le Seac’h of indulging in a sweet treat made with vanilla grown on nearby Taha’a. At the fine dining Tipairua Restaurant, Le Seac’h likens the blind tasting menu to attending a couture fashion presentation. “It’s a show of artistic creation.” At the remote Le Tikehau, dining is an extension of the atoll itself—unhurried, deeply connected to the sea, and rooted in

the flavors of French Polynesia and shaped by French culinary techniques. At Le Bora Bora (leborabora.com), each meal is accompanied by sweeping views of Mount Otemanu and Bora Bora's legendary turquoise lagoon. One of several bespoke dining options, Pearl Resort’s signature breakfast service is delivered to overwater bungalows via a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. Accommodations at Pearl Resorts, representing an interpretation of the traditional fare, the vernacular homes that have sheltered Polynesian families for centuries, are chock-full of Polynesian motifs, tapa-inspired patterns, and handcrafted decorative elements. While the overwater bungalows with their expansive terraces and “Tahitian TVs,” glass panels in the floor at Tikehau and in the coffee table at Le Bora Bora and Le Taha’a, designed to incorporate a peek-a-boo view of the cerulean water from the inside, are rightfully the stars of the show, beach bungalows are equally luxurious with powder-sand beaches and outdoor showers. At each property, the entrance to Royal Villas, luxurious and sprawling multi-building compounds (the largest of which, at Le Bora Bora, is nearly 5,000 square feet with an ocean-front pool) are marked by a bright red Tiki sculpture, created by Tahiti-based artist HTJ, one of the island’s early graffiti pioneers.

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Opposite page clockwise from top left: A sculpture garden at Le Taha’a. Opening the towering tiki gate at Le Bora Bora leads to a lush sanctuary where walking paths meander throuhgh dense tropical vegatation dotted with sculptures. Photos by Bridget Cottrell. Dinner at Tipairua. Photo by Ilya Kagan. Te Reka Ika Restaurant at Le Tikehau features a daily-changing menu based on the day's catch. Photo courtesy of Pearl Resorts. At Le Tikehau, an amphitheatre located on a secluded pink-sand beach under the stars is designed to gather guests around local storytellers who share Polynesian legends and the ancient art of celestial navigation. Photos by Bridget Cottrell.

Water activities formed the backbone of our stay, with the simplest pleasure coming from jumping directly from our bungalow into tepid lagoons. We also snorkeled on-property coral gardens where tropical fish nibbled on coconut flesh right from our hand, and charted a boat at Le Tikehau to snorkel amid majestic manta rays, listen to the deafening calls of thousands of avians who nest at Motu Puarua, and enjoy a beach barbecue lunch where the leftover fish was fed to sharks who seemed to proliferate in the blink of an eye as soon as the first piece of flesh broke the water’s surface. As golden hour approached one evening at Le Bora Bora, we boarded the Okeanos Pearl, French Polynesia's first solar-electric luxury catamaran, and set out on a two-hour cruise to watch the day fade

into a spectacular South Pacific sunset. On dry land there are workshops on Polynesian dance, storytelling and basketweaving, and excursions to nearby islands to learn about the area’s most famous exports: vanilla, pearls and coconut. Quite simply, you could make a day out of appreciating the light. From the cotton candy clouds that glow at dawn's first light to looking up, gobsmacked, from atop the observation tower at Le Tikehau, where the brightness of the Milky Way is a timeless spectacle that has guided Polynesian navigators across these waters for centuries and is a reminder of the scale of the universe. The area’s absolute quiet turns up the volume on a hidden acoustic landscape. On one early morning, I could discern the distant creaking of a sailboat's mast as

Sunset from Le Taha'a's helicopter pad, with the island of Bora Bora in the distance. Photo by Bridget Cottrell

From the observation tower at Le Tikehau, the atoll unfolds in every direction, offering a spectacular panorama of powdery islets and turquoise lagoons by day and a vast starry sky at night. Photo courtesy of Pearl Resorts.

it bobbed to and fro. On my last evening, wanting to soak in every moment, I sat with my feet suspended just over the water, reveling in the ripple of shark fins as they deftly darted in and out of the light beneath my bungalow. While I’ve long championed another French collectivity, St. Barth, as my favorite tropical destination, French Polynesia has since stolen the crown, having all the bougee but with more bounteous beauty. At these resorts, you don’t come for the scene but rather to see and appreciate the land and a culture whose identity traces back to 200 BC, when the Mā'ohi people migrated from Southeast Asia to the South Pacific. Le Seac’h summed it up best one evening, champagne in hand, as we watched the sun fade behind the shadowy peak of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu. “It doesn't matter what you've done with your life, but in this moment, you pause to consider what got you here and think ‘kid, you did good’.” sl

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Of note...

Taking Care of Business Compiled by Bridget Cottrell As summer gives way to school schedules and fresh routines, these beautifully designed furnishings and accessories create inspiring spaces for productive workdays and successful study sessions.

LAGO Air 1912 Bookshelf and Desk ($16,185; lagodesign.com)

Four Hands Weston Rotating Desk ($3,099; fourhands.com)

BDI Linea multifunction storage cabinet ($2,399; bdiusa.com)

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Madheke Calen Desk (from $14,479; madheke.in) Carl Hansen and Son CH621 Swivel Chair ($3,590; carlhansen.com) Carl Hansen and Son CH110 Desk (from $26,410; carlhansen.com) Sarreid Ltd. Gabriella Shagreen Desk ($2,235; sarreid.com) Baccarat Louxor Pencil Holder ($420; baccarat.com) Taamaa Tino Charging Station ($250; taamaa.us) Aerin Charlton Table Lamp ($749; aerin.com) L’Objet Crocodile Letter Opener ($195; l-objet.com)

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 2

3 9.

Circu Merida Corner Bed, Kings & Queens Desk, Baloo Chair, Toy Box and Storage Stairs (circu.net) 10. David Michael Furniture Makassar Desk (davidmichaelfurniture.com) 11. AM Living Keen Desk and Still Chair (amliving.com) 12. Ethnicraft Boomerang Desk ($1,929), Bok Dining Chair ($959) and Roller Max Side Table ($589; ethnicraft.com)

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CARPOOL COOL Edited by Matthew Cottrell

Gone are the days when the family car was just a way to get from point A to point B. Today's luxury SUVs turn the daily drive into a first-class experience. With flexible seating, cargo space for backpacks and sports gear, and technology to keep even the pickiest passengers entertained, these vehicles make family life feel stylish. Throw in sumptuous interiors, whisper-quiet cabins, and performance that makes every errand more enjoyable, and volunteering to drive carpool doesn't sound like such a chore after all.

Aston Martin DBX S

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Aston Martin DBX S The Aston Martin DBX S elevates the marque's award-winning luxury SUV with an even sharper focus on performance, craftsmanship, and distinction. Powered by an enhanced twin-turbocharged V8 delivering increased horsepower and quicker acceleration, the DBX S pairs exhilarating speed with the poised handling expected from one of Britain's most celebrated sports car manufacturers. Lightweight materials, refined suspension tuning, and aerodynamic adjustments further sharpen its dynamic character, while the handcrafted interior surrounds occupants in supple leather, carbon-fiber accents, and bespoke detailing.

BMW iX3 The all-new BMW iX3 is the first production model built on BMW's groundbreaking Neue Klasse platform. Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, the luxury SUV fuses sleek, minimalist styling with a thoroughly modern cabin centered around BMW's next-generation Panoramic iDrive display and intelligent digital technologies. Under its sculpted exterior, an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture delivers faster charging, greater efficiency, and significantly improved driving range, while BMW's signature focus on balanced handling and responsive performance keeps the iX3 distinctly driver-oriented.

BMW iX3

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Cadillac Escalade IQL Built on General Motors' advanced Ultium platform, the extended-wheelbase IQL offers expansive three-row seating, increased cargo capacity, and an impressively quiet ride powered by an all-electric drivetrain. Inside, a sweeping pillar-to-pillar LED display, premium materials, and an available AKG Studio Reference audio system create a first-class environment for every passenger, while Super Cruise handsfree driving technology adds a new level of convenience on long highway journeys. Land Rover Defender Vertex Positioned near the top of the Defender lineup, the new Vertex features distinctive

exterior enhancements, including redesigned bumpers, a more sculpted profile, exclusive finishes, and available 22-inch wheels, giving the iconic SUV an even more commanding presence. Inside, premium Windsor leather, sustainable textile options, state-of-the-art climate control, and the latest "Hey Land Rover" AI voice assistant boost everyday comfort while preserving the Defender's adventure-ready spirit. Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 The latest Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 blends the commanding presence of a flagship utility vehicle with the handcrafted refinement expected of the Maybach name. Powered by a 603-horsepower electrified

Cadillac Escalade IQL

Land Rover Defender Vertex

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Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680

V8, it delivers effortless performance while cocooning passengers in superb craftsmanship, from hand-finished leather upholstery and open-pore wood veneers to precisely tailored rear executive seating. Enhanced personalization through Mercedes-Maybach's MANUFAKTUR program allows owners to specify bespoke paint finishes, interior materials, and design details, making each vehicle uniquely their own. Equally at home maneuvering city streets or arriving at a private estate, the GLS 680 embodies the modern definition of luxury—where advanced technology, exceptional comfort, and understated elegance converge in one remarkably sophisticated SUV.

For When You’re Running Late: Ferrari Amalfi Replacing the acclaimed Roma, the new Ferrari Amalfi represents the next evolution of the marque's front-engine grand touring tradition. Powered by a 640-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, the Amalfi delivers invigorating acceleration while remaining remarkably composed for everyday driving. Its sculpted exterior refines Ferrari's contemporary design language with cleaner, more muscular lines, while the completely reimagined interior places a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship, intuitive technology, and driver connection—including the welcome return of physical controls for key functions. More than simply a successor, the Amalfi is designed to reflect the spirit of la dolce vita, delivering a distinctive balance of supercar performance, long-distance comfort, and unmistakable Italian style for a whole new generation of Ferrari enthusiasts.

Porsche Cayenne Electric With the introduction of the all-electric Cayenne lineup, Porsche is proving that electrification can increase—rather than compromise—the attributes that have made its luxury SUV a global success. Spanning a range of models from refined everyday variants to high-performance S and Turbo derivatives, the Cayenne Electric family is designed to satisfy drivers desiring both utility and pulse-quickening performance. Built on an advanced 800-volt architecture, the lineup delivers rapid charging, extended driving range, and the instant acceleration only electric power can provide, while Porsche's legendary chassis tuning ensures every model retains the finesse and responsiveness synonymous with the crest on its hood. Inside, each Cayenne Electric combines premium craftsmanship with next-generation digital technology, offering spacious accommodations for families without sacrificing the driver-focused experience that defines the brand. sl

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WHERE THE LAND SPEAKS Inside Santa Barbara Wine Country Written and photographed by Jay Gulick When our small group arrived on a sunbaked hill in the sweeping Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, rancher and winemaker James Ontiveros greeted us with a smile and a refreshing midmorning glass of his Native9 Pinot Noir. Wearing rumpled Wranglers, a gleaming, oversized belt buckle and a broad-brimmed cowboy hat, Ontiveros looked every bit the guy who attended Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo thirty years ago on a rodeo scholarship. The Ontiveros family arrived in California from Sinaloa, Mexico during the American Revolution in 1781, making James the ninth generation to farm this fertile valley. In addition to Native9, Ranchos de Ontiveros produces crisp, neutral oak chardonnays under the Rancho Viñedo label. After 30 years in the wine business, Ontiveros is certain that the vintages produced in Santa Barbara occupy a unique and distinguished place in the industry. “There is an energy and freshness in these wines, from A to Zed, that you don’t get anywhere else.” 44 slmag.net

Over three cloudless June days in Santa Barbara, I learned the only thing as vibrant and interesting as the impressive selection of California wines being produced in the region is the passionate and accomplished community of winemakers crafting them—although most of them prefer the focus remains squarely on the wine. “The wine is not about me,” insists Jessica Gasca, founder and winemaker at artisanal winery Story of Soil in Los Olivos. “It’s about the place.” In Gasca’s case, making the wine about the place centers on her conviction that the soil and favorable microclimate in which her grapes are grown allow the land to speak through the elegant, balanced grenache, pinot noir, syrah and sauvignon blanc varietals she produces in small lots sourced from carefully farmed vineyards. Unlike the renowned Napa Valley 350 miles to the north, which produces more than 9 million cases of wine annually, Santa Barbara County produces just 2 to 3 million, depending on the year. Whereas Napa is home to several large corporate owners like Duckhorn and

E.&J. Gallo, Santa Barbara is home to mostly small, independent producers like Gasca, for whom making wine is as much a calling as an occupation. “I really believe wine is more than just wine,” she told me. “Wine is art, science, geology, geography, and philosophy. It’s history but it doesn’t stop there. It’s a glimpse of the past, the present, and the future. It’s cross-cultural. Wine is a connector—connecting us to the land and connecting us as humans when we open and share a bottle.” Known as the “American Riviera” for its stunning south-facing coastline that produces year-round sunshine, its temperate Mediterranean climate, and laid-back lifestyle, Santa Barbara is the epitome of California cool, and its wine community reflects this vibe. Home to seven distinctive American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and more than 300 wineries and tasting rooms, the region benefits from a unique confluence of topographical and climatic factors. This exceptional environment facilitates the cultivation of more than 75 grape varieties, ranging from Albariño to zinfandel. As

Presqu’ile winery. Image courtesy of Pressq’ile.

Phil Carpenter, general manager of the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Association puts it when elaborating on the diversity of the area, “We’ve got like eight world-class winemaking regions in our county.” The Transverse Ranges in Santa Barbara County (Santa Ynez, San Rafael and Sierra Madre) are among the only mountains in the continental United States that run east-to-west instead of north-to-south. This east-west orientation acts as a funnel, allowing cold winds, fog, and the marine layer—a mass of cool, humid air that develops over a large body of water and acts as a container for fog— to flow freely in from the Pacific Ocean. Located 12 miles from the coast, the Santa Rita Hills AVA, with its cool breezes, warm afternoon sun and preponderance of sandy, loamy soil, is particularly hospitable to growing pinot noir and chardonnay. To the north and a little further inland than the Santa Rita Hills, the Santa Maria Valley AVA features one of the longest grapegrowing seasons in the world owing to chilly Pacific winds and fog that settle in the lowlying river valleys. This extended “hang

time” influences the sugar-acid balance of the grapes and helps produce complex pinot noir, chardonnay, cool-climate syrahs, and cabernet sauvignons. Ontiveros explained the interdependent importance of timing and taste to our group by saying, “I want to make wines from physiologically mature fruit, before it gets sugar ripe.” There’s an oft repeated saying in Santa Barbara that for each mile you travel east, away from the ocean, the temperature rises one degree Fahrenheit. Happy Canyon (a nickname earned during Prohibition owing to several remote and joy-inspiring moonshine operations in the area) is the furthest AVA inland and, as a result, the warmest, making it an exceptional place to grow bold Bordeaux varietals like cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc. All the winemakers I met in Santa Barbara, regardless of their place in the enormous 3,800-square-mile county, exp ressed a deeply res pectfu l and symbiotic relationship with the land. None more so than Chad Melville, with whom we met at his family’s eponymous winery in the town of Lompoc. The origin story of Melville Winery begins with Chad’s father, Ron. Following a career in the military, Ron fell in love with wine in the late 1960s, attended viticulture classes at the University of

California, Davis, and bought a vineyard. Melville Winery, under Ron and Chad’s leadership, has been in its current location since 1996 and features 130 acres of organically grown grapes. After touring the vineyard, we sampled a sublime array of Melville’s Santa Rita Hills pinot noir, syrah and chardonnay. During the tasting, Chad told us a story, which quickly took on the quality of a parable. One day, during a bad storm, the Santa Ynez River breached its banks and flooded a large section of the vineyard. Chad was rushing around frantically, trying to stem the rushing water and protect the vines. Ron said to him, “What are you doing?” Chad responded, “Trying to save this fucking place. What are you doing?” “No, you have to let it go,” said Ron. “You have to let it run its course. Then we come in and rebuild.” This exchange between father and son illustrated the greatest lesson Chad told us he had learned in 30 years in the wine business: giving up some measure of control over the process in order to work in harmony with the natural world. “Our business plan, the foundation of everything we do, is tied to Mother Nature. So we need to be able to look her in the eye.”

The author (front right) with winemakers and journalists at Bell’s Bistro in Los Alamos.

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Clockwise from top left: Angela Osborne from A Tribute to Grace Wine Co. Rancher and winemaker James Ontiveros of Native9 Pinot Noir. Winemaker Chad Melville of Melville Winery. Jessica Gasca, founder and winemaker at artisanal winery Story of Soil in Los Olivos.

If Bacchus, the ancient Roman god of wine, were looking for a worthy place to hang his ivy crown in 2026, he wouldn’t find a more enchanting or visually striking venue than Presqu’ile Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Situated high on a hill, with extensive views of the vineyard and ocean in the distance, the modern facility features an energy-saving, gravity-flow design, a butterfly roofline, and an indoor-outdoor orientation that integrates it into the natural landscape. Over a colorful Mezze lunch of gazpacho, stuffed piquillo peppers, salad, chorizo skewers, paella rice, and fresh farmer’s cheese, we sampled aligoté, chardonnay, and gamay varietals and chatted with Presqu’ile’s founding winemaker, Dieter Cronje, and its co-founder and owner, Madison Murphy. Murphy explained that Presqu’ile is a French word for “almost an island” or “peninsula” and was originally a name 46 slmag.net

bestowed on a beloved piece of property the family had owned on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since the 1950s. Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Louisiana compound in 2005, but the family took the name as inspiration for the winery, which they started on the site of a former Gladiola farm in 2007. Presqu’ile has since been named “One of the ten most beautiful wineries in California” by Condè Nast Traveler. We gathered on our last evening around a meal of sea urchin, wild Gulf shrimp with apricots, steak au poivre, and a sinfully rich dark chocolate mousse with toasted rosemary, at the French-inspired, Michelin-starred bistro Bell’s in Los Alamos. Our dinner companions were winemakers Will Henry from Lumen Wines and Angela Osborne from A Tribute to Grace Wine Company, as well as A.J. Fairbanks, estate director at Crown Point Vineyards in Santa Ynez. While the server poured Osborne’s 2023 Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard

Grenache, someone across the table asked her how she described this particular wine (the way it was asked made me think the questioner already knew the answer and just wanted the rest of the table to hear it). Osborne answered in her melodious New Zealand accent, “It’s like a woman riding bareback without shoes on, carrying an incense stick.” It was difficult for me to imagine one of the corporate types up in Napa casually dropping that description on one of their $200-a-bottle Cabernets. When I later spoke to Osborne about the challenging conditions in which the Highlands Grenache is grown, her enthusiasm for the site in the Cayuma Valley was clear. “It’s incredible. The vineyard is a mile high. There’s tumbleweed and coyotes and a shock of green. And there’s a 50-degree daily diurnal shift.” The diurnal shift is the temperature differential between the hottest part of the day and the coldest part of the night, and it is highly prized by those seeking to make bold, complex red wines like Grace’s Grenache. Osborne and Gasca, in particular, made a point of talking about the camaraderie and character of the winemaking community in Santa Barbara. In fact, everyone I met on my visit spoke warmly of their colleagues (and ostensible competitors) and stressed what a supportive place it was to work and live. It seemed the years they had collectively spent at the mercy of Mother Nature had engendered a common sense of humility as well as a deep-seated pride of place. The winemakers of Santa Barbara County are a cheerfully irreverent bunch who venerate the sea, sun, and soil that govern the annual fruit of their labors. This fosters an exceptional spirit of community—one that is even greater than the sum of the impressive, delicious wines they each produce. sl

Bibliotaph

Compiled by Victoria Chase Opens the door to twelve extraordinary residences tucked within the American Riviera’s most coveted neighborhoods. From grand estates and meticulously restored historic homes to contemporary retreats and secluded mountain sanctuaries, the beautifully photographed volume showcases the region’s distinctive architectural character and sophisticated interiors. Featuring insights from the architects, interior designers, landscape designers, and builders behind each project, along with behind-the-scenes stories from photographer Margie Grace Lepere, the book offers a rare look at the creative collaborations that shape these exceptional homes. A stunning companion to Private Gardens of Santa Barbara, it is an inspiring celebration of timeless design, craftsmanship, and the effortless elegance of Santa Barbara living. Holly Lepere - Private Homes of Santa Barbara: The Visionaries & Creators - Hardcover, 256 pages, Gibbs Smith This book uncorks the timeless lessons of the vineyard, showing how the art of winemaking mirrors the journey of personal growth, resilience, and transformation. Blending her passion for wine with candid stories of reinventing herself in midlife, Lauren Brynjelsen explores how every stage of the winemaking process— from cultivating the soil to harvesting the grapes—offers wisdom for living with greater purpose and intention. Complete with curated wine recommendations and vineyard destinations in every chapter, this inspiring guide is a perfect companion for wine lovers, book clubs, and anyone looking to embrace change and savor a more meaningful life. Lauren Brynjelsen - I Learned It Through The Grapevine: Wine, Wisdom, and the Art of a WellLived Life - Hardcover, 224 pages, Resolve Editions.

This richly illustrated biography follows Robert Lee Eskridge's extraordinary journey from the studios of Paris to the shores of Tahiti, Hawai'i, Brazil, and beyond, where he chronicled disappearing cultures through luminous paintings, evocative writing, and fearless exploration. Featuring hundreds of rare images, artworks, and archival discoveries, the book celebrates an artist whose curiosity knew no borders and whose legacy offers a captivating window into a world on the cusp of change. C.J. Cook - Robert Lee Eskridge: Affable Artist, Author, and Adventurer in Tahiti, Hawaii, Brazil, and Beyond Hardcover, 344 pages, South Pacific Dreams Publishing Paul Gauguin’s years in Tahiti (1891–1893, 1895–1901) left an indelible mark on modern art, while his bold, luminous paintings conjured the enduring fantasy of Tahiti as a distant, unspoiled Eden in the Western mind. This lavishly illustrated book invites readers into Gauguin’s world, following his passionate quest for paradise through vivid journeys, artistic breakthroughs, and a life as colorful as his canvases. With celebrated works, thoughtful analysis, timelines, and rich historical background, the volume paints a layered portrait of the artist whose imagination forever changed both modern art and the world’s vision of the South Pacific. Caroline Bugler - Art Masters: Paul Gauguin - Hardcover, 96 pages, Sirius Books slmag.net

VINTAGE POINT Five wines to fall for

Written and photographed by Vicki Denig

Hi there, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist (and Certified Specialist of Wine) based between New York and Paris. Within each issue, you’ll find five recent wine discoveries that have left me craving more—and if you also have a passion for delicious wines from around the globe, I think they’ll have the same effect on you, too! Feel free to follow along with my travel and tasting journeys on Instagram at @vickidenig or at vickidenig.com. Without further ado, check out this month’s five bottle selections.

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Filipa Pato ‘3B’ Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs NV (Bairrada, Portugal — SRP: $28.00) I genuinely believe there’s never a bad time for bubbles, especially if you happen to be on vacation. Over the summer, my family and I headed to Portugal for a family wedding. As someone who always tries to drink locally while abroad, I was thrilled to find this budget-friendly bottle from Filipa Pato on a restaurant list in Cascais. Produced from a biodynamically farmed blend of local grape varieties (70% Bical, 23% Maria Gomes, and 7% Cercial), the wine undergoes primary fermentation with native yeasts in tank prior to aging for 9 months on the lees in bottle. Crisp, refreshing, and slightly creamy, the wine’s notes of green apple, citrus zest, wild thyme, and sea salt paired perfectly with our bowls of linguine with fresh mussels. Punta Crena Vigneto Ca’ da Rena Pigato 2024 (Liguria, Italy — SRP: $30.00) If you find yourself regularly dreaming of Liguria’s colorful coastline, you’re definitely not alone—and this bottle from Punta Crena offers the perfect mental escape. Crafted from the local Pigato variety, fruit for this wine hails from a 2-hectare parcel of terraced vineyards planted between 300 and 900 feet above sea level, where bright red clay soils and salty sea air create a solid backbone of acidity in the grapes. Although lesser known, the Pigato variety is absolutely worth seeking out. Beloved for its signature flavors of grapefruit, dried sage, and Mediterranean scrub-like undertones, the grape offers a savory, equally satisfying alternative to Pinot Grigio and other Italian varieties. I recently enjoyed it with baked clams at my go-to Italian restaurant in New York. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think! Evening Land Vineyards 'Seven Springs Vineyard' Chenin Blanc 2023 (Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA — SRP: $35.00) Although most famously associated with France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc can certainly shine outside of France; enter this zippy, fruit-forward expression from Evening Land Vineyards. Fruit for this wine comes from Seven Springs Vineyard, one of the most iconic—if not the most iconic—sites in all of Oregon. Fleshy and round, the wine’s fuller body is balanced by ample amounts of lip-smacking acidity, resulting in a satisfying, invigorating finish. Notes of crisp pear, yellow apple, beeswax, and chamomile are layered with honey-driven undertones, which bring an innate warmth to the palate—one that screams early fall. Pair this with roasted root vegetables or pork chops for a seasonally delicious pairing. Fun fact: Only 48 cases of this wine were made, though it looks like you can still snag a few directly from the winery’s website. Le Grappin Hautes-Côtes de Beaune ‘Aux Grandes Raies’ 2023 (Burgundy, France — SRP: $45.00) Le Grappin is making waves across Burgundy thanks to their vivacious, fruit-forward wines made with minimal intervention. Overseen by Emma and Andrew Nielsen, two expats from England and Australia respectively, the pair centers their efforts on well-farmed, lesser-known vineyards across the region, including sites in the Mâconnais and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune. ‘Aux Grandes Raies’ is made entirely from Pinot Noir fermented with partial whole clusters and native yeasts, then aged in used, large-format oak barrels before bottling without fining or filtration. The result is a juicy, vibrantly hued wine with high-toned flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and floral undertones. Drink this one slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment—even better if you’ve got an early fall bonfire on deck. Luigi Ferrando ‘Etichetta Bianca’ Carema 2021 (Piedmont, Italy — SRP: $90.00) Followers of this column know that Nebbiolo is a regular fixture in my glass, so this recommendation should come as no surprise. However, contrary to the majority of Piedmontese Nebbiolos that come from Italy’s Langhe area (the overarching region that encompasses both Barolo and Barbaresco), this high-toned, wildly aromatic wine comes from the little-known appellation of Carema, which sits almost directly on the border with the Valle d’Aosta. Fruit for this wine comes from southernfacing, pergola-trained vines planted at the foot of Mont Blanc and is aged for an extensive 30 to 36 months before bottling. Medium-bodied and delicate, the wine offers generous notes of red cherry, violet, dried rose petal, and a touch of tar, with firm tannins and bright acidity leading to a long, persistent finish. Only 4,800 bottles of this precious wine make it to the States annually, so if you see one, be sure to grab it! sl

Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.

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pinky

Promise

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Small in scale but big on personality, these statement-making pinky rings pledge to deliver outsized style

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

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Dating back more than 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, signet rings were used to press a unique seal into wax or clay to authenticate official documents. They went on to be adopted by the Greeks and Romans and later by European nobility, who used them to express hereditary emblems often passed down through generations. Today, signet rings continue to evolve as a bold expression of personal style.

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1. Michael M Orb Stripe Signet Ring. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville, and michaelm.com 2. Ashaha Candy Ring (ashaha.com) 3. Alder Fine Jewellery Initial Ring (alderfinejewellery.com) 4. Lagos Pearl Statement Ring. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Diamond Cellar in Nashville and lagos.com. 5. Chris Ploof (chrisploof.com) 6. Marco Bicego Siviglia Ring. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and marcobicego.com. 7. State Property Alara Tigerlilly Signet (thisisstateproperty.com) 8. Miraki Pavé Heart Signet Ring (mirakijewels.com) 9. Picchiotti RK57 Xpandable Ring (Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and (picchiotti.it)) 10. Ray Griffiths Crownwork Coin Signet (raygriffiths.com) 11. Statement My Way Ring (statement.paris/en) 12. Seal & Scribe Seal Ring (sealandscribe.com) 13. Nicole Couronne Equinox Ring (nicolecouronne.com) 14. MACADAM Quadra Open Enamel Ring (macadamjewelry.com)15. Ophelia Eve Starburst Ring (opheliaevejewelry.com)

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SAINT JOHN’S RESORT An unexpected partnership of a luxury hotel and life-changing humanitarianism Written by Tracy Cottrell. Photos courtesy of Saint John’s Resort One of my many pleasures when planning a trip is the delightful anticipation and preparation for all aspects of my getaway. Most travelers start by exploring the chosen accommodations and amenities, recommended or planned activities, unexpected options, and overall ambiance. Sophisticated adventurers are also looking for hospitable gourmet dining options, memorable cuisine accompanied by 52 slmag.net

unique cocktails, all supported by the epitome of excellent service. Preparations for my trip to Saint John’s Resort allowed me to easily check off all the above, enhancing my anticipation and growing curiosity about this unusual resort with the storied history and present-day humanitarian ambitions. The gated entrance and the resort’s internal roadway usher guests in,

showcasing the gently rolling hills and immaculately manicured grounds. I was immediately struck by the sheer size of Saint John’s Resort campus. Originally built as a seminary in the late 1940’s, the resort features a low-rise Romanesque style with a vibrant red brick facade and Mission-style terra cotta tile roofing. It is not a tall building, but broad, claiming the landscape and highlighting the

contrasting red brick against the vibrant green of the manicured grounds. The historic elegance of the resort and the 200-acre campus welcome guests with open arms, offering the best of the past and all the amenities of the present. My itinerary included enticing activities, but first on my own list was exploration of this unique resort. I was curious to understand how the resort

achieved its humanitarian ambitions. The answer is multifaceted. Ensuring e xc e l l e n c e i n a l l a s p e c t s o f g u e s t experience has been central to the success of Saint John’s Resort. Beyond the robust assortment of amenities, guest satisfaction starts with the resort itself and is achieved by operational focus and excellence. Equally important is successful, happy staff. These are not unique strategies in the hospitality industry. However, directing all net profits to worldwide humanitarian initiatives is exceptional. Saint John’s Resort is owned by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and is par t of its Humanitarian Hotels collection, which also includes The Inn at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Hilton Garden Inn Laramie in Wyoming. Through this philanthropic hospitality model, 100% of the hotels’ net profits support charitable causes worldwide. The foundation has invested more than $100 million across the three properties to create luxury hotels where hospitality serves as a force for good. In 2025, it awarded $10.1 million in grants to 221

nonprofit organizations serving nearly 10 million people across 33 countries. Ever yone connected with this outstanding hotel is delighted and eager to share their firm commitment to making the world a better place. The depth of their success across a range of humanitarian efforts is matched by their commitment to every aspect of the guest experience. This is just the beginning of the many qualities that make Saint John’s Resort truly unique. As I continued to investigate the dignified edifice of Saint John’s, I walked through the lushly carpeted corridors and open spaces; the intimacy of each area was unexpected and luxurious. The omnipresence of an eclectic collection of original artwork on permanent display contributes to the resort's pervasive beauty and reflective ambiance. There is no fanfare about any of the artists, allowing the artwork to speak for itself. Perusal of the collection could last for days but is perhaps more enjoyable in brief visits as guests travel from one part of the resort to the other. My attention was caught by multiple pieces, and I succumbed to the urge to stop and enjoy each one. slmag.net

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Clockwise from top left: Doyles Irish Pub. A carefully curated art collection is a focal point of the property’s massive, multimillion-dollar renovation. The Wine Grotto

Excellent gourmet options are around every corner. Five Steakhouse is directly across from reception and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is sophisticated and the food superb. I particularly enjoyed the Good Morning Smoothies and the Mediterranean Seared Halibut. Doyles offers traditional Irish Pub food and leads enthusiastic games that turn guests into competitive teams, laser-

focused on the win. The Wine Grotto is famous for its wines, of course, but equally renowned for having been the resting place of a deceased Cardinal (religious, not aviary) during the seminary days. The body has since been relocated with all appropriate permissions, but the story makes for excellent cocktail fodder! The undeniable stars of the resort’s campus are the award-winning golf

courses, designed by renowned architect Raymond Hearn. I had the opportunity for a golf lesson while at Saint John’s and will admit I was not enthusiastic. My past attempts to develop any golf skills had been lackluster. The opportunity to try again at Saint John’s won me over. My lesson was a revelation, and I finally understood how enjoyable golf could be. My transformation was attributable solely to my excellent, supportive instructor. I enjoyed the experience immensely. On a tour led by a member of the hotel’s executive staff, details about Saint John’s history, renovations, and operations were shared with great enthusiasm, equaled by a clear dedication to the nonprofit mission. After experiencing the multifaceted Saint John’s Resort and the staff's profound dedication to the mission, the continued success of this unique resort seems inevitable. sl slmag.net

DENIM ASCENDS TO HAUTE COUTURE

Christelle Kocher and Levi's® prove that America's iconic fabric belongs on Paris' most exclusive runway. Edited by Elliott Greene / Photos by Kayla Connors For more than 170 years, Levi's® has defined the language of American style. From miners and movie stars to musicians and modern tastemakers, the brand's denim has become one of fashion's most recognizable cultural symbols. This July, however, the legendary label took an unprecedented step, making its debut during Paris Haute Couture Week through a striking collaboration with French designer Christelle Kocher. The Christelle Kocher for Levi's® capsule marks a compelling intersection of two seemingly disparate worlds: the rugged authenticity of American denim and the meticulous artistry of French haute couture. The 10-look collection demonstrates that the world's most democratic fabric can also become one of its most luxurious. Kocher, celebrated for her signature Couture-à-Porter philosophy and her role as Artistic Director of Maison Lemarié— one of France's storied couture ateliers—approached the project not as a reinvention of denim, but as an exploration of its untapped potential. Working alongside Levi's® designers and textile innovators, she transformed familiar icons, including the legendary 501® jeans and the classic Type II Jacket, into coutureworthy statements through extraordinary handcraftsmanship. The collection is a masterclass in textile manipulation. Featherwork, hand embroidery, sculptural draping, intricate plissé techniques, floral fabric constructions, leather embroidery, lace applications, and resin-coated denim combine to create garments that blur the line between ready-to-wear and wearable art. Rather than concealing denim's inherent character, these techniques celebrate its texture while revealing new dimensions of softness, movement, and refinement. Among the collection's standout pieces are dramatic black denim gowns that flow with unexpected elegance, sculptural feather capes that create ethereal movement, and layered plissé bustiers resembling abstract floral arrangements. One particularly arresting

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ensemble—a full feather gown paired with a coordinating cape—combines denim, lace, resin, and featherwork into shimmering surfaces reminiscent of fish scales, illustrating just how far the humble textile can be pushed without losing its identity. Accessories continue the narrative, with the Levi's® Baby Brooklyn Bag reimagined as a couture accessory and dramatic feather headpieces adding theatricality to the collection's silhouettes. Together, they reinforce Kocher's vision that craftsmanship extends beyond garments to every element of a complete look. For Kocher, the collaboration is deeply personal. "It was a privilege to bring these two teams together and see this collection come to life," she says. "This capsule reflects my life between the United States and France, two countries that fuel my creative energy." That transatlantic dialogue lies at the heart of the project. American denim serves as the foundation, while generations of French artisanal expertise elevate the material through painstaking handwork. The result is neither American sportswear nor traditional couture, but an entirely new conversation between the two.

Levi's® sees the partnership as a milestone in the brand's ongoing evolution. "Bringing Levi's to Paris Haute Couture for the first time is a major moment for us," says Mathilde Vaucheret, Vice President of Europe Marketing & Brand Experience. "With over a century of history behind the brand, partnering with Christelle Kocher felt like a natural fit. She brings a distinctly Parisian perspective with a modern edge that complements our denim heritage. Her Couture-à-Porter vision is the perfect way to elevate the craftsmanship of denim." Presented during Haute Couture Week, the capsule represents far more than a fashion collaboration. It challenges long-held assumptions about denim's place within luxury fashion, proving that craftsmanship—not material alone—defines couture. The collection also signals Levi's® expanding role beyond everyday apparel, positioning the brand within the worlds of performance, red carpet dressing, and cultural expression. At a moment when luxury i n c re a s i n g l y va l u e s a u t h e n t i c i t y alongside artistry, Christelle Kocher and Levi's® have created a collection that honors both. By allowing American denim to speak fluently i n t h e l a n g u a g e o f Pa r i s i a n couture, they demonstrate that innovation often comes not from abandoning tradition, but from viewing it through an entirely new lens. sl Designer Christelle Kocher

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Opposite page: Hotel Excelsior boasts 139 rooms and 19 luxury suites divided between Villa Odak, the original sand-colored villa, and a mid-century modern tower. Adriatic Luxury Hotels’ five-star properties design modern, seasonal menus that feature dedicated vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes across their fine-dining and beachfront restaurants. Vegan dessert from Sensus at Hotel Excelsior. Bathed in golden light, Dubrovnik’s historic rooftops frame the elegant bell tower of the Dominican Monastery, with the formidable walls of Fort Revelin rising above the Adriatic—a timeless portrait of the city’s layered architectural legacy. Photo by Marko Todorovic. This page, bottom: Starting at sunrise, a steady procession of kayakers glides out from the Old Town port, weaving their way between Hotel Excelsior and Lokrum Island.

THE EXCELSIOR EXPERIENCE

At Dubrovnik’s iconic Hotel Excelsior, restorative rituals, Adriatic flavors, and timeless design redefine the luxury of checking in. Written by Bridget Cottrell

In all my years of traveling, it never occurred to me to book a spa appointment on the day of my arrival when it falls well before standard check-in time. That was until it was recommended to me during my visit to Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Although I was still bleary-eyed from an early morning touchdown, stepping into the glass-walled lobby, outfitted with iconic midcentury modern furnishings, and taking in the elevated view of the Adriatic and the Old Town of Dubrovnik had the same effect on me as a double shot of espresso. I left my luggage with the valet and headed straight to the hotel’s 9,000-squarefoot spa and wellness area. There, I slipped into a plush robe and settled into a heated deck chair amid this piscine palace, complete with a 65-foot-long pool, Jacuzzis, a Roman bath, and a Finnish sauna. The soothing sound of bubbling fountains shepherded my speedy slide into a restful catnap before a delightfully restorative massage, instantly establishing a new favorite travel hack for eradicating jet lag and getting in sync with the local time zone. Built in 1913 on a promontory that endows it with beguiling views of the medieval walls surrounding Dubrovnik’s Old Town—instantly recognizable to Game of Thrones fans as King’s Landing—the five-star Hotel Excelsior, part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels group (ALH), boasts 139 rooms and 19 luxury suites divided between Villa Odak, the original sand-colored villa, and a midcentury modern tower. Rooms in Villa Odak deftly toe the line between traditional and modern, with box-trimmed walls and marble bathrooms, while the tower rooms, like the public areas, embrace Bauhaus design with clean lines, warm wood tones, and a neutral color palette. Most accommodations offer sea and city views from a balcony or terrace. slmag.net

Any time I stood on the balcony of my spacious tower room, I found myself transfixed by the scene. Below, a linear arrangement of striped umbrellas at the water’s edge sported a shade of teal discernible among the mosaic colors of the Adriatic. Children splashed in the hotel’s natural seawater outdoor rock pool, carved directly into the limestone cliff and replenished by the sea. Starting at sunrise, a steady stream of kayakers set out from the Old Town port at sunrise and travel between the hotel and Lokrum Island (lokrum.hr/en). The lush, carfree nature reserve and botanical garden is home to the ruins of an 11th-century monastery, an ostentation of roaming peacocks, and an official naturist beach on its southeastern edge. Every summer, all-electric hydrofoil RaceBirds go headto-head along this same stretch of water as part of the E1 Dubrovnik GP (e1series. com/Dubrovnik), the world’s first allelectric raceboat championship. Just steps from the water, Prora Restaurant occupies an intimate alfresco terrace, where tables are nestled beneath towering limestone arches that frame the view. Overhead, unique chandeliers made from r uste d mariners’ cha ins allude to a menu highlighting the best of Mediterranean cuisine, with seafoodfor ward offering s created under the direction of Executive Chef Peter Obad, a native of nearby Konavle. Common across ALH’s collection of Croatian hotels and villas is a strong

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commitment to showcasing local cuisine, olive oil—consistently ranked among the best in the world—and wine. Oenophiles will enjoy discovering new varietals, including the comic-sounding Grk, an extremely rare indigenous white grape that yields dry, robust wines with notes of melon, herbs, and white pepper. During dinner at Hotel Excelsior’s sleek Sensus fine-dining restaurant, I paired Dalmatian pašticada, Croatia’s famous slow-cooked beef stew, with a glass of Plavac Mali, the undisputed king of Dalmatian red wines. At Hotel Kompas’ Suton restaurant (adriaticluxuryhotels. com/hotel-kompa s- dubrovnik), we shared small plates of Dalmatian spe cialties while our ser ver poure d Malvazija Istarska, the flagship white grape of the Istrian peninsula. “It’s like tasting Dubrovnik,” she remarked. One of Hotel Excelsior’s greatest advantages is its location: a five-minute downhill stroll to the Ploče Gate of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Anyone who has spent time traveling through Europe

is familiar with the prevalence of graffiti. Dubrovnik, by contrast, is notable for being exceptionally clean—so much so that exploring the Old Town, whose origins date to the seventh century and whose defensive walls were largely constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries, feels like stepping onto a film set. In addition to Game of Thrones, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Robin Hood (2018) used the historic city as a backdrop. Sadly, the city’s pristine appearance is partly attributable to tragedy. The brutal seven-month siege by the Yugoslav People’s Army in 1991 left more than 60 percent of the buildings within the UNESCO World Heritage Site damaged. To get a bird’s-eye view of the area, you can either take the easy way—the Dubrovnik Cable Car (dubrovnikcablecar.com), located just outside the Old Town, makes for a quick ascent to the summit of Mount Srđ and its 19th-century imperial fortress—or, as I did, hike a zigzagging 3.4-mile out-and-back trail. While the route gains nearly 1,000 feet in elevation, the most challenging part was the

Opposite page: The beachfront at Hotel Excelsior. The indoor pool at Hotel Excelsior. Photos by Bridget Cottrell. Clockwise from top left: The Piano Bar at Hotel Excelsior. Photo by Marko Todorovic. Common across the Adriatic Luxury Hotel porfolio is a commitment to highlighting Croatian cuisine and wine. With more than 5,400 stone steps, stairs are ubiquitous in Dubrovnik, and any street branching off the main thoroughfare quickly turns into a steep climb. Known as Dubrovnik’s "oldest citizens", stray cats are legendary residents within the ancient walls. Brought in the 13th century to combat plague-carrying rats, they now roam the alleys and sunbathe on stone steps as iconic, unbothered felines. Photos by Bridget Cottrell.

seemingly endless series of stairs required to exit Old Town and reach the trailhead. With more than 5,400 stone steps, stairs are ubiquitous in Dubrovnik, and any street branching off the main thoroughfare quickly turns into a steep climb. Similarly, walking the entire 1.2mile loop atop the Old Town’s walls (citywallsdubrovnik.hr) entails plenty of steep, narrow steps but rewards the effort with picturesque vistas and several bars worthy of a pit stop. Don’t miss popping into a bakery for a burek, a flaky pastry made with crisp layers of phyllo dough

stuffed with savory fillings such as minced meat, cheese, or potatoes. For those who count shopping as their cardio, leave the central boulevard and wander through the narrow lanes to discover boutiques offering handmade filigree jewelry, hand-braided Adriatic coral jewelr y, and intricate Konavle embroider y. The latter, traditionally stitched onto women’s folk costumes, is celebrated in the nearby village of Čilipi, which hosts a traditional folk-dance experience every Sunday morning from Easter through the end of October in the

square in front of St. Nicholas Church (visit.cavtat-konavle.com/en). While Dubrovnik’s coastal location made it the premier maritime power of the eastern Adriatic for centuries, today it provides leisure travelers with ample opportunities for aquatic exploration. The concierge at Hotel Excelsior can arrange a yacht charter to explore the nearby Elafiti Islands, where you can bob in the Blue Cave on Koločep Island, relax in the sandy bay of Lopud, and enjoy a seafood lunch on Šipan, one of just three inhabited islands in the 13-island archipelago. slmag.net

Clockwise from top left: Each room at Hotel Supetar Cavtat is unique in its design. Photo by Marko Todorovic The Wine Bar at Hotel Supetar Cavtat. Photo by Bridget Cottrell. Supetar Cavtat is located on the waterfront in the charming village of Cavtat, just over 13 miles from Dubrovnik. Photo by Marko Todorovic. Vapor Restaurant terrace at Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik. Photo by Marko Todorovic

You can also travel by boat to Hotel Supetar Cavtat (adriaticluxuryhotels.com/ hotel-supetar-dubrovnik-cavtat), ALH’s 16-room “boutique villa,” housed in a threestory former private mansion 13 miles from Dubrovnik in the charming seaside town of Cavtat. The nondescript stone façade, built atop the remnants of the ancient city of Epidaurum, belies the playful, art-infused interiors, where each room is unique. The property was awarded one MICHELIN Key in 2025. Scuba divers should note that the surrounding waters are home to one of Croatia’s most notable underwater archaeolog ical areas, with numerous shipwrecks to explore. Another ALH property, the fourbedroom Villa Agave (adriaticluxuryhotels. com/villa-agave), is situated between Hotel Excelsior and Villas Orsula and Argentina. The 96-room Villa Argentina (adriaticluxuryhotels.com/villa-argentinadubrovnik), one of Dubrovnik’s original f i ve - sta r l a n d ma rk h o te l s , re c entl y reopened after a multiyear renovation. Around 14,000 plants, predominantly Mediterranean species, create a verdant oasis on the Garden Terrace, uniting the communal spaces from Villa Argentina’s pool deck to the boutique 13-room Villa Orsula (adriaticluxuryhotels.com/villaorsula), originally built in the 1930s. Like its neighbor Hotel Excelsior, Villa Argentina’s spa is designed as a wellness sanctuar y, with indoor and outdoor pools, comprehensive thermal therapies, a 62 slmag.net

state-of-the-art fitness center, and highly personalized treatments. Dramatically carved into a rugged 100-foot cliff above Miramare Bay, less than a mile from the Old Town, ALH’s Hotel Bellevue (adriaticluxuryhotels.com/hotelbellevue-dubrovnik) is home to Vapor restaurant, consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Croatia. The terrace, which overlooks a pebbled beach, lends the feeling of dining aboard a luxury yacht, while the tasting menu, under the direction of Chef Mate Matić, layers fine-dining techniques and global influences onto classic regional ingredients and dishes.

One evening , I gazed out from my balcony as the Old Town basked in the golden glow of sunset, the limestone walls glowing with the energy of centuries past. My thoughts wandered to the medieval builders, imagining their astonishment at the sight of mega yachts moored like modern-day invaders outside the ramparts the y once built to defend. Now, the drawbridges are lowered, and the imposing gates are beacons of welcome, inviting a lively tide of tourists, each one irresistibly drawn like bees to honey. Staying at Hotel Excelsior made this visit to the “Pearl of the Adriatic” even sweeter. sl

A VENETIAN REVERIE Artemest brings Italian craftsmanship to life during Homo Faber in Città 2026 Edited by Elliott Greene Photos courtesy of Artemest

Few cities embody craf tsmanship as completely as Venice. Its canals, palazzi, and handblown Murano glass all reflect a culture where artistry has long been a way of life. This September, that legacy finds a striking new expression with Ca' Riflesso, Artemest's immersive installation transforming a historic Venetian residence into an exquisitely imagined collector's home as part of Homo Faber in Città 2026 (homofaber.com/en), the internationally acclaimed celebration of contemporary craftsmanship organized by the Michelangelo Foundation. Ca' Riflesso embraces this year's emphasis on light, materials, and the human hand. Visitors exploring Venice during the month-long festival will discover exhibitions and artisan experiences throughout the city, with Artemest's installation among the most immersive destinations. Under the creative direction of Artemest co-founder Ippolita Rostagno, the installation inside Casa Sanlorenzo in Venice's Dorsoduro district embraces the quiet poetry of everyday living. Rather than presenting objects in the familiar format of a gallery exhibition, Artemest invites visitors into an experience that feels intimate and deeply personal. The

exhibition unfolds room by room, where crafted furnishings, lighting, decorative objects, textiles, and works of art appear as though they have been thoughtfully acquired over a lifetime. The effect of this living narrative is cinematic, allowing guests to imagine inhabiting these extraordinary design vignettes. The exhibition’s name reflects the spirit of the project. Derived from the Venetian word Ca', meaning "home," and the Italian Riflesso, meaning "reflection," Ca' Riflesso explores the dialogue between memory and modernity, craftsmanship and innovation. In each room of the restored late-1940s residence, reimagined by architect Piero Lissoni, Venice's ever-changing light illuminates handcrafted surfaces, reinforcing the central theme that exceptional craftsmanship is meant to be lived with rather than merely admired. More than fifty Italian artisans and celebrated brands are contributors to the installation, representing disciplines ranging from Murano glass and sculptural lighting to bespoke furniture, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts. Together, their body of work forms a layered portrait of Venice's creative heritage while showing how traditional techniques continue to evolve through

Clockwise from top left: Contemporary glass artisan Simone Crestani of Atelier Crestani. Micheluzzi Glass is designed by Elena & Margherita Micheluzzi and handcrafted in Murano. Founded in 1957 near Venice, Argenteria Schiavon produces works where classic motifs and modern designs are created by master silversmiths using age-old artistic techniques. Photo by Andrea Piovesan.

contemporary design. Historic Rubelli fabrics, long synonymous with Venetian luxury textiles, provide the exhibition's drapery. Open to the public from September 1–30, 2026, Ca' Riflesso promises to be one of the standout design experiences of Venice's cultural calendar, offering visitors an opportunity to step inside a world where the artistry of Italy is beautifully lived. sl slmag.net

Hook

Bold curves, natural beauty, and sculptural style converge in jewelry that's impossible to resist.

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Carolina Bucci Florentine Finish Corno Pendant (carolinabucci.com) David Yurman Cornicello Amulet. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Hermes Maillon Necklace in Metal and Horn (hermes.com) Jacquie Aiche Pave Horn Tusk Charm (jacquieaiche.com) Zadeh Buffalo Horn Rio Bracelet (zadehny.com) Chan Luu Oasis Horn Ring (chanluu.com) Lizzie Fortunato Milano Horn Necklace (lizziefortunato.com) Harwell Godfrey Unicorn Drop Huggie Earrings (harwellgodfrey.com)

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You’re Invited to Witness the Extraordinary!

Sept. 11-20 The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet

NICK MULLIKIN’S

Oct. 2-4 • TPAC

Oct. 28 - Nov. 1 The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet

For More Information or to Purchase Tickets, Visit NashvilleBallet.com

2026 Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence Maura Wright AUGUST 1 – OCTOBER 4 Nature, botanical forms, and historical design references inform Wright’s compositions, which combine sculptural ceramics with painted environments evocative of frescoed interiors and decorative wall treatments. Her installations explore the relationship between objects, ornament, and the spaces they inhabit. Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org. Maura Wright (b.1991), In the Flowers, 2023, acrylic on paper, adhesive; Fruit Cluster Jar, 2022, earthenware, slip, glaze; Maura Wright in her Studio.

Belle Meade W I N E R Y

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ON POINT The Stitching Belle threads her way home Written by Melissa Mahanes Photos by Amy Allmand

Some businesses start with a five-year plan. Kelley Teckman's started with a lull in production. A working food stylist in New York's television industry, Teckman found herself with unexpected downtime when industry strikes paused filming a few years back. Rather than sit still, she picked up a needle and thread. What began as a way to fill the hours between call sheets became something closer to an obsession: seeking out needlepoint shops in every city she filmed in, dragging curious coworkers along to watch her stitch, and logging on to weekly Zoom stitch nights no matter where a shoot had landed her. Back home in New York, she stitched with friends every week. The craft, she says, was never really about the canvas; it was about the company. slmag.net

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That instinct for community is what eventually brought her back to Nashville, where she was born and where her family still lives. Leaving New York wasn't an easy call, but coming home was, and this spring, Teckman opened the doors to The Stitching Belle, a stand-alone needlepoint stitchery and storefront in Sylvan Park, just minutes from downtown. The shop is built around the same spirit that pulled Teckman into the craft in the first place: stitching as a shared, sociable pursuit rather than a solitary one. Shelves stocked with hand-painted canvases, thread, and accessories sit alongside a full slate of classes and trunk shows designed to welcome everyone from lifelong needlepointers to total beginners—the kind of person, as Teckman puts it, who might have picked up the basics

from their mother, a local stitch night, or a TikTok tutorial. However, someone finds their way to a needle and canvas, her goal is the same: get them stitching alongside others. It's a distinctly of-the-moment kind of comeback story, too. Needlepoint has quietly become one of the more unexpected crafts to catch on with a younger, designminded crowd, and Teckman's eye, sharpened by years of styling for the camera, shows in the shop's curated, editorial feel. Canvases range from whimsical to graphic, conversation-starting pieces that look as at

home in a well-appointed den as they do in a stitcher's lap. For Teckman, The Stitching Belle is less a pivot than a continuation, and proof that a passion picked up in the in-between moments of one career could become the foundation of a new one, and that Nashville was always going to be the place to build it. sl The Stitching Belle / 3518 Nebraska Ave., Nashville, TN 37205 615.804.5004 / Hours: Tuesday 3:00pm-8:00pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm, Friday 12:00pm-8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-6:00pm Website: thestitchingbelle.com / Instagram: @thestitchingbelle

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Join Join us us on on September September 30th 30th at at Belle Belle Meade Meade Country Country Club Club for for our our 38th 38th annual annual Cause Cause for for Paws Paws

Adoptable Adoptable Dogs Dogs • • Silent Silent Auction Auction • • Fashion Fashion Show Show • • Specialty Specialty Cocktails Cocktails • • Catered Catered Lunch Lunch • • And And More! More!

Elevating Community Leadership. Celebrating Transformation. Driving Impact. OCT. 26, 2026 | 11 A.M. | MUSIC CITY CENTER Join Goodwill Middle Tennessee for the 2026 Impact Awards as we celebrate lives transformed through the power of work and the partners who make that transformation possible.

Your Support Makes An Impact. Impact Awards sponsorships help provide free education, training and employment services for people facing barriers to meaningful work across Middle and West Tennessee.

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RSVP for the 2026 Impact Awards

PRESENTING SPONSORS

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Each item from the NAHT x COCOLILLYS collection includes a sewn-in Smart Girl Safety Tips tag.

SOPHISTICATED WEDDINGS

STORY BALL AND PHELPS GAMBILL Photos by Matt Andrews

With family, lifelong friends, and the stunning scenery of Graystone Quarry all around them, Story Ball and Phelps Gambill exchanged vows on May 30, 2026. The dramatic limestone cliffs and calm waters set the stage for a day full of meaningful traditions, happy surprises, and the loved ones who have been part of their journey. Story looked stunning in "Scarlett," an Antonio Gual gown from The Bride Room in Nashville. She honored family traditions

by wearing her older sister's veil as her "something borrowed," and her "something blue" was a special ring from her mother-inlaw, Mary Gambill. Story's engagement ring belonged to Phelps' grandmother, adding even more meaning to the day. After the formal events, she changed her Bella Belle heels for custom pearldecorated Nike sneakers with "Mrs. Gambill" and the wedding date, making it easy to celebrate late into the night. slmag.net

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The couple had a large wedding party with 14 bridesmaids, 14 groomsmen, and four ushers, each symbolizing different parts of their lives. Childhood friends, high school and college classmates, Phelps' football teammates from Auburn, and family members all stood by their side, showing the strong community that has supported them from the start. Story and Phelps met soon after Story moved to Nashville. Story's cousin, Olivia Ball, introduced them, and they first met at BrickTop's. A few weeks later, they went on a group trip to New York City for Santacon. What began as a fun holiday trip soon turned into a lasting relationship. Their families enjoy both close bonds and friendly competition. Story grew up in Madison, Mississippi, as one of six children of Keith and Camille Ball. Phelps, from Nashville, is the son of Mary and Tom Gambill and has one brother, Keith. The family's SEC sports loyalties keep things lively, with Story and her sister-in-law Natalie cheering for Ole Miss, while Phelps and his brother support the Auburn Tigers. A highlight of the evening happened at the start of the reception. Story's brother, who has Down syndrome, fulfilled his dream by joining the band onstage to sing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer." His performance got everyone cheering and singing along,

making for a memorable start to the celebration. Another special moment came from Story's fifth-grade students at Ensworth School, who gave the couple handwritten cards with advice and funny marriage tips. These notes became treasured keepsakes and brought smiles to guests all night.At the end of the night, Story and Phelps left in a classic Firebird owned by Phelps' longtime friend, Harrison Wachtler. Harrison's father, Randy Wachtler, drove them, giving the couple a stylish and memorable send-off. The couple says Rolling Hills Community Church played a big role in their spiritual lives. They became close with Pastor Nic Allen, who led their premarital counseling and also officiated their wedding, making the day even more special. After the wedding, Story and Phelps went on an adventurous honeymoon in Maui. They enjoyed snorkeling, surf lessons, a helicopter tour, the famous Road to Hana, and many other memorable experiences that marked the start of their married life. Now, the couple lives in Nashville. Phelps works in construction and development, and Story teaches fifth-grade English at Ensworth School. They are enjoying married life and hope to add a dog to their family soon. Looking back, they agree their wedding was everything they hoped for—a joyful celebration of faith, family, friends, and the exciting path ahead. sl slmag.net

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

September

12 15-19 16-20 17 17 18 19 19 22 23 24-30 25-1/3/27 25-1/3/27 26 27 30

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Presented by

Seeds of Summer: 13th Annual Hope for Healing for Heimerdinger Foundation at Old School Farm at 5:30pm Americana Music Festival Jersey Boys at TPAC's Jackson Hall (various times) Nashville Design Collective Awards Heritage Music Series: Stephanie Urbina Jones at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center from 6:00pm-9:00pm Sunset Safari at Nashville Zoo at 6:30pm Margarita Festival at oneC1TY TPAC Discovery Series: Cecile McLorin Salvant at Polk Theater Book 'em Annual Breakfast Celebration TPAC's Community Conversation: Music as Medicine at TPAC's Polk Theater from 12:00pm-1:00pm 57th Nashville Film Festival Shimmer: Dreaming the Posthuman at Frist Art Museum Robin Vuchnich: In Search of Thoreau's Flowers-The Memory of a Season at Frist Art Museum Hispanic Heritage Festival at Nashville Zoo from 9:00am-5:00pm Casino Night: A Members' Evening at The Hermitage at 6:00pm Nashville Humane Association's 38th Annual Cause for Paws at Belle Meade Country Club with Fashion Show by Cinq a Sept from Presenting Sponsor Gus Mayer Co-Chairs: Peter and Jay Eleanor Cobb, Colton Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare Honoree: Cathy Bissell (see p. 74)

October 1

1 1-4 2-4 2-18 3 6 7 7 8 8-25 9 9-10 10 10 12 13-18 15 15 15 16-11/1 17 17 17 17 17-18 17 17 19 19-11/4 22 24 24 24 25-26 26 28-11/1 30 30 30-2/7/27

Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition's Harvest of Hope at Five Stones Farm at 6:00pm (see p. 76) Co-Chairs: Cecile Gideon, Janice Goodwin and Memree Roberts Flower Design Happy Hour benefiting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition at Rose Hill Florist from 5:30-7:30pm Oktoberfest Nashville Ballet's Giselle at TPAC's Polk Theater Nashville Rep's John Proctor is the Villain at TPAC's Johnson Theater (various times) Horticultural Society's Fashion Show & Tea Party at Dillard's at The Mall at Green Hills at 12:00pm The Purple Lipstick Comedy Show benefiting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition at The Lab at Zanie's at 7:00pm TPAC's Community Conversation: Nashville Repertory Theatre's John Proctor is the Villian at TPAC's Johnson Theater from 12:00pm-1:00pm Pinson Hospital Hospitality House's 20th Annual Patrons Luncheon at Omni Hotel Nashville at 11:00am Tosca at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall at 7:30pm Studio Tenn's Addams Family at The Factory at Franklin Homeschool Day: Mapping the Frontier at The Hermitage 10:00am Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbeque at Jack Daniel's Distillery Hauntings at The Hermitage at 5:00pm Tennessee Waltz at Tennessee State Capitol at 6:00pm The Fight for Nashville-A Tribute to Journey Benefit Concert for TBCC at The Skydeck at 7:00pm The Sound of Music at TPAC's Jackson Hall (various times) BOOze at the Zoo at Nashville Zoo at 6:30pm Edgar Allen Poe:The Man Behind the Macabre at The Hermitage at 7:00pm Heritage Music Series:The Adam Gaynor Experience at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center from 6:00pm-9:00pm Boo at the Zoo at Nashville Zoo 7th President 7K at The Hermitage at 8:00am Faith Family Medical Center's 25th Anniversary Gala at Liberty Hall at The Factory at 7:00pm Tennessee Beer Wine and Shine Festival at Two Rivers Mansion Nashville Humane Association's Dog Day Festival Southern Festival of Books at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park,Tennessee State Museum and Tennessee State Library TPAC Discovery Series: Urban Bush Women at Polk Theater 10th Annual Light the Nations on 51st Avenue North from 10:00am-4:00pm Race for the Chase Charity Golf Tournament at The Governor's Club Nashville Education Experience's Romeo and Juliet Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition's Whiskey,Wine, Mocktails and More! at 14Tenn from 6:00pm-9:00pm Gilda's Club Red Door Bash at The Omni Nashville Hotel at 6:00pm The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A One-Man Show at The Hermitage at 6:00pm and 8:15pm Matt Rife at Bridgestone Arena at 8:00pm Tennis Tournament benefiting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition at Old Natchez Country Club Goodwill Impact Awards at Music City Center at 11:00am (see p. 75) Co-Chairs: Jamie Capps and Elizabeth Papel Nashville Ballet's Dia de los Muertos at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet Dell Women in Action Charity Golf Tournament benefiting TBCC at Franklin Bridge Golf Club from 8:00am-2:00pm Tiles for TaTa's Mahjong Tournament benefiting TBCC at Harpeth Hotel, Franklin Beauty and Ritual: Judaica from the Jewish Museum, New York at Frist Art Museum

November

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Friends of Warner Parks' Sunday in the Park at Edwin Warner Park at 11:30am Co-Chairs: Caroline Sloan and Christine Weller Death Becomes Her at TPAC's Jackson Hall (various times)

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Courtesy of RH Boyd Foundation

Legacy Ball The 2026 Legacy Ball, a glamorous black-tie gala benefiting the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, was held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The evening was chaired by Don and Tracy Hardin and Gail Carr Williams, with Tylan M. Beard and Lea A. Bryant serving as Young Professionals Chairs, and honored the achievements of African Americans in Nashville while raising funds for scholarships and community programs. (June 22) Don and Tracy Hardin

Front row left to right: Veronica Marable Johnson (Board Member), Tempest Utley (Accepting the R.H. Boyd Excellence Award on behalf of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee), LaDonna Boyd (Legacy Ball Founder, President/CEO of R.H. Boyd), Yvette Boyd (Legacy Ball Founding Chair, R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund Coordinator), Alice Randall (Storytellers Award Recipient), Tracy Hardin (Legacy Ball Chair). Back Row: Shalaé Boyd, Waddell Wright, Elliott Robinson (Accepting the R.H. Boyd Service Award on behalf of the Nashville Public Library Civil Rights Room), Don Hardin (Legacy Ball Chair), Gail Carr Williams (Legacy Ball Chair)

The Honorable Mayor Freddie O’Connell

Tylan Beard and Lea Bryant (Legacy Ball Young Professionals Chairs)

Yvette Boyd

5 Courtesy of Studio TENN

One Night Only Studio Tenn hosted its annual One Night Only fundraiser, a Summer Starlight Serenade-themed gala, at a venue decorated by Southern Events in Franklin. Co-chairs Julie and Matt Brown led the evening alongside artistic director Patrick Cassidy, who presented Broadway star Norm Lewis with the 2026 Legacy Award before Lewis performed for guests. (June 27) 6.

Brian and Ashlyn Meneguzzi

Sandra and Harrison Crabtree

Brian Charles Rooney, Christine Toole, John-Mark McGaha, Megan Murphy Chambers, Rachel Potter, Ben Laxton

Mark Fleischer, Studio Tenn Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy

10.

Trent and Bethni Hemphill

11.

Norm Lewis, Julie Brown, Matt Brown

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Courtesy Nashville Wine Auction

l’Eté du Vin Patron Party

The Nashville Wine Auction hosted its l'Eté du Vin Patrons Party, chaired by Denise Cummins alongside co-chairs Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter, with guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud of Maison Louis Roederer and Nicolas Glumineau of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez. During the evening, Frédéric and his father, Jean-Claude, received the 2026 Norman M. Lipman Award, toasted with Louis Roederer's 2016 Cristal brut. (July 31)

Special Cristal Toast

David and Rhonda Kemp, Rahel Klapheke Sloan and Jim Sloan

Brian and Missie Smith

Carrie Kitko and Matt Leavitt

Faythe VanPelt and Prince Williams

Frédéric Rouzaud, Nancy and Mark Peacock

Jeff Joyner and Adele Chazin

Kristen and Brian Junghans

Nancy and Marc Goldstone

10. Nicolas Glumineau, Denise Cummins, Noelle Daugherty & Jay Erter,, Frédéric Rouzaud - Courtney Davidson Photography 6

11. Past Lipman Award Winners Elliot and Cynthia Himmelfarb, Holly Hearn Whaley, Frédéric Rouzaud, Robert Lipman, Pam and Steve Taylor, Fritz Hatton, David Morgan 12. NWA President & CEO Loren Chumley and Scott Peterson

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Photos courtesy of Nashville Wine Auction

l’Eté du Vin The Nashville Wine Auction's 47th annual l'Eté du Vin gala took place at the JW Marriott, co-chaired by Noelle Daugherty and Jay Erter with guests of honor Frédéric Rouzaud of Maison Louis Roederer and Nicolas Glumineau of Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Château de Pez. Auctioneers Fitz Hatton and Charles Antin led the live auction, where a jeroboam of 2002 Cristal sold for $105,000, helping the evening raise a recordbreaking $2.6 million to fund cancer research and support. (August 1) 1.

Burke and Elizabeth Conley, Kevin Ramquist, Jenn Cordes

Carol Arrowood, Denise Cummins, Marjorie Feltus Hawkins, Christie Willson, Rebekah Ramquist

Frédéric Rouzaud, Nicolas Glumineau, Jay Erter, Noelle Daugherty

Jim Sloan and Rahel Klapheke Sloan, Lisa Maki, David Osborn

Ed Jones and Anna Valenta-Jones

Frédéric Rouzaud, CEO Champagne Louis Roederer

Gina and David Hughes

Michael and Sarah Ruth Hendrix

Nicolas Glumineau

10. Scott Peterson, Loren Chumley 11. Eric and Caroline Richard, Finn and Karli Sarratt, Haley Schoch, Alexandra Moresco

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Photos by Brenda Batey

Tennessee Waltz Patron Party

Guests gathered at The Hermitage Hotel for the 33rd annual Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz, benefiting the Tennessee State Museum's student educational programs and co-chaired by Rusty Terry and Spencer Bowers. The evening featured dinner prepared by executive chef Richard Hutton, a new dance floor on the hotel's veranda with music by DJ Charles Hood, and appearances by Tennessee State Museum executive director Ashley Howell and state officials including Sen. Dawn White.

Charlie Cook, Co-Chairs Spencer Bowers and Rusty Terry, Toby Crowfoot

Richard and Teresa White, Martha and Jim Crossman

Waddell Wright and LaDonna Boyd, Nancy Russell, Jordan Tolliver

Jim Hoobler, Susan Basham, Dana Blickwedel

Anne Cain and Andrew Potts

Kem and Marilyn Hinton

Heritage Ball Patron Party 6

Photos by Kris Rae Photography

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, held its Heritage Ball Patron Party at the home of Jackie and Barry Alexander, where Laurie and Mark Sutton were announced as Patron Award recipients. The Heritage Ball itself will take place September 12 at Harlinsdale Farm, presented by Atmos Energy and Tractor Supply Company Foundation to benefit the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN. 7.

Karlie and Jared McCoy

Tyrus and LaTara Sturgis

Carol Watson, Amos Gott and Jayme Smith

10.

Jamey, Jennifer and Kelsy Parker

11.

Hosts Barry and Jackie Alexander, Meg and Tyler Borders

12.

Bo and Debbie Segers, Bari Beasley, Laurie and Mark Sutton

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Photos by Melissa Mahanes

The Next Door Luncheon Kickoff The Kickoff for the The Next Door Recovery’s 22nd annual Fall Luncheon was held at the home of Dana and David Curtis. Themed “Light for a Lifetime,” the September 15th Luncheon is Co-Chaired by Dione Dewitte and Shea Ghertner with keynote speaker Rebekah Lyons, and honoring Anna Thornton. The event raises private funding to support addiction treatment and care for uninsured and underinsured women. (August 12) Anna Thornton, TND Clinical Executive Director Amanda Dunlap, Dione DeWitte, TND Executive Director Rachel Morris, Betty Dickens

Caroline Cook, Wendy Gatto, Mary Catherine Healy, Delia Darst

Laura McFadden, Katherine Peters, Katie Kezhley

Mary Patton Murphy, Lisa Manning, Mary Kay Hunt

Honoree Anna Thornton, TND Director of Development Susan Weathersby

Luncheon Co-Chairs Shea Ghertner and Dione DeWitte

4 Photos courtesy of Nashville REP

Broadway Brunch Patron Party Donors and theater supporters gathered at Fletcher Foster’s West Nashville home for the Broadway Brunch Patrons Party, a prelude to the 11th annual Broadway Brunch benefiting the Nashville Repertory Theatre. Co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh mingled with guests on a covered terrace overlooking the pool, with catering by Cater615 and event planning by Bruce Pittman. (August 13) 7.

Lucas Magee and Samantha Breske Magee

Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Tom Kaczmareck

Nashville Rep’s Interim Executive Director Amos Glass, Nashville Rep’s Artistic Director Jessica Francis Fichter

10.

Co-Chair Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Host Fletcher Foster, Co-Chair Anne Elizabeth McIntosh

11.

Amy Hobbs, Kristen Winston, Emily Stowe

12.

Melinda Davila, Leila Tsaroumis, Stacey Rhodes

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Photos courtesy of Nashville REP

Broadway Brunch

The Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 11th annual Broadway Brunch drew a soldout crowd to Category 10, celebrating the company’s 41st year under co-chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh, with production by Bruce Pittman. The event had lots to celebratehonoring the late Martha Ingram, who cofounded the Rep with Mac Pirkle in 1985, and honoring longtime supporter Martha Trammel. (August 16)

Frozen Stars: Nora Elizabeth Whinnery, Katherine Harris, Tessa Cheshier and Preslee Siebert

Emily Cupples, Anne Havard, Mayor Freddie O'Connell

Co-Chairs Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Anne Elizabeth McIntosh

Cortney and Todd Reiselman

Kimberly Hewell and Norm Scarborough

Thomas Barrett and Belinda Barry

Laurie Hughes, Mary Catherine Hughes

Nashville Rep's Interim Executive Director Amos Glass, Kim Patterson, David Bryant

Rachel Potter

10. Steve Sirls, Janet Kurtz, Allen DeCuyper

11. Vicki Horne, Janice Elliott Morgan, Beth Alexander, Laurie Eskind

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Photos by Taylor Dawson

Swan Ball Auction Kickoff Members of the Swan Ball 2027 Auction Committee gathered at the home of Dorothy and Clay Sifford to kick off work on the auction, with Swan Ball co-chairs Carter Dawson and Ashley Dinkins and Auction Committee co-chairs Stephanie Bailey, Katherine Cigarran and Hylyn Davé thanking committee members for their commitment. Elizabeth Nichols, co-board chair of the Swan Ball Initiative, addressed the group about the auction’s role in supporting beneficiary Friends of Warner Parks, and Jenny Hannon, president of Friends of Warner Parks, spoke about the organization’s ongoing five-year partnership with Swan Ball as the park approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027. (August 18) Julie Schneider, Russell Bates, Sylvia Bradbury, Sarah Reisner, Ben Scott

Swan Ball Auction Co-Chairs Hylyn Dave, Stephanie Bailey, Katherine Cigarran

Carrie Playfair, Kemp Buntin, Catherine Hayes

Cindy Dobbs, Kelly Shirley

Swan Ball Co-Chairs Carter Dawson and Ashley Dinkins

Swan Ball Initiative’s Elizabeth Nichols, Friends of Warner Parks’ President Jenny Hannon

Harpeth Conservancy Patron Party The River Swing Patrons Party was held at AllianceBernstein, where Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch addressed supporters and highlighted the Tennessee Water Watch app, alongside Co-Chairs Christian Currey, Elena Graves and Betsy Taylor. The party preceded the 23rd annual River Swing, set for Saturday, September 19, 2026, at River Circle Farm in Franklin, featuring headliner The Jack Wharff Band and benefiting the Harpeth Conservancy’s work to protect clean water and healthy rivers across Tennessee. 7.

Betsy Taylor, Harpeth Conservancy Director of Development Tina Shaw-Cox, Grace Stranch, Elena Graves

President and Founder Dorie Bolze, AllianceBernstein COO Karl Sprules, Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch, Adam Levin

John Noel and Melinda Welton

10.

Co-Chairs Betsy Taylor, Elena Graves, Christian Currey

11.

Heidi Hartman, Christian Currey, Ashleigh Borman, Tammy Wallace

12.

Marguerite Clayton, Matt Dobson, Neal Clayton

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4 Photos by Lily Yates