Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Maranto.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville after graduating from Auburn and spent most of my career in HR and operations leadership. I enjoyed the work, but I’ve always had a creative side and a love for bringing people together.
14 years ago, I started a monthly supper club with friends. We’d pick a theme, everyone would bring something to eat, and we’d crowd around a table with plenty of food and wine. Those dinners became something I really looked forward to and still rely on. Looking back, those dinners were the beginnings of what would eventually become Antoinette’s.
There was always an entrepreneurial spirit in my family, and we were encouraged to stand on our own and build something for ourselves. Along the way, I explored my creative side through a small wire-wrapped jewelry business at local Nashville markets, but my career remained firmly rooted in operations. Opening a wine bar wasn’t exactly part of the plan.
When I started seriously considering the idea, I knew loving wine and hosting people wasn’t enough to run a business in this industry. Before signing a lease, I spent two years working in the wine industry and earned my wine certifications. I wanted to learn the business from the inside, build my wine knowledge, and make sure I understood what I was getting into before taking the leap.
It’s been a wild ride, and there’s been plenty to learn along the way. But seeing people gather, meet their neighbors, discover a new wine, or pull up a chair next to someone they’ve never met makes it all worthwhile. In many ways, Antoinette’s is just a bigger version of those supper club dinners I started years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! Leaving a career I knew well to build a business in an entirely new industry was a big leap. My background in operations gave me a solid foundation, but there’s a difference between managing someone else’s business and putting your own time, money, and ideas on the line.
Opening the doors was a huge milestone, but it wasn’t the finish line. There’s so much you learn once real people are coming through the door every day. You’re constantly adjusting, figuring out what works, and trying to get a little better at what you do.
I think one of the biggest lessons has been learning to be comfortable not having all the answers. You can plan as much as you want, but at some point, you have to take the leap, trust yourself, and figure things out along the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but seeing Antoinette’s become the kind of place I hoped it would be makes it worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Antoinette’s Wine + Provisions is a neighborhood wine market and gathering space in West Nashville. We bring together good wine, shareable food, and a space made for lingering. Whether you’re grabbing a bottle for dinner, picking up a hostess gift, or meeting friends for a glass and a bite, we want to be whatever you need us to be that day.
We believe wine should be approachable, both in price and experience. You don’t need to know the difference between left and right bank Bordeaux to find something you love here. We take what we serve seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
What sets us apart is the feeling we’re trying to create. Antoinette’s is less about going out to a bar and more about being at a friend’s house. I’m most proud that we’ve built a place where people can connect over good food and wine, discover something new, and always find room for one more at the table.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many people who deserve credit for Antoinette’s. I may have had the idea, but it took a village to bring it to life.
My best friend, Luke Williams, is our executive chef and has played a huge role in shaping the food side of the business. Lafayette Construction helped turn an old house into the space I had envisioned, and Second Story Designs brought so much thought and personality to the design. Having people who understood the vision and cared about getting it right made all the difference.
I’m also incredibly grateful for the friends, family, and neighbors who encouraged me to take the leap, showed up during the long renovation months, and supported us from day one. And of course, our team deserves so much credit. They’re the ones who make people feel welcome and bring the spirit of Antoinette’s to life every day.
I’m proud of what we’ve built, but even more grateful for the people who helped build it with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antoinetteswine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antoinettes.wine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antoinetteswine
