Monday Menu: Falling for Fall Edition

The crisp air of fall in Nashville brings with it a host of culinary and beverage-focused events, and the coming weeks offer a packed schedule for those looking to indulge a little bit. 

First on the docket is the return of the beloved Von Elrod’s Beer Garden & Sausage House's annual Oktoberfest from Thursday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 5. Von Elrod's is known for its large-scale celebrations, and this year's event will go a step further with a street closure to accommodate a larger crowd.

The festivities begin on Thursday and Friday, which are free and open to all ages. DJ Guy Fell will provide music in the beer garden from 4 to 11 p.m., and a stein-holding contest is scheduled for 8 p.m. on both nights.

The primary event, dubbed “THE BIG PARTY,” takes place on Saturday, Oct. 4, and is ticketed and restricted to ages 21 and older. General entry costs $10 at the door and includes a can of Paulaner Oktoberfest. For those seeking additional benefits, the Prost Party Pass is available online. This pass offers skip-the-line access, a commemorative ceramic stein, re-entry privileges, and two cans of Paulaner Oktoberfest upon entry. Stein holding and costume contests will run throughout the day, so dig out your lederhosen and start working on your bicep curls!

The celebration concludes on Sunday, Oct. 5, which is again free and open to all ages. The day will feature a special menu of biscuits and other items, with DJ Guy Fell performing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All transactions during the event will be cashless, so guests should be prepared to use a card for all purchases and definitely consider ridesharing options to get home afterward.

For a delicious Spanish meal and a side of learning, head to Franklin for a unique culinary experience at The Harpeth Hotel. The hotel is hosting a Paella and Wine Tasting Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. For $75 a person, you can join chef Thomas Tuggle and his culinary team in The Courtyard as they prepare two distinct styles of paella over an open flame on their Big Green Egg. This isn't just a meal — it’s a lesson. You’ll learn the basics of paella making and grilling techniques while tasting dishes hot off the pan. The chefs will be serving a Tennessee-inspired paella Valencia and a seafood paella.

To complement the rich Spanish delicacies, there will be a guided tasting of carefully selected wines. The event is a two-hour, standing-room-only experience in a group setting, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Since alcohol will be served, this is a 21-and-up event with a valid ID required. Space is limited, so grab your tickets soon.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, wine lovers and experts from all over town will gather at the Goal Post Club in Geodis Park for the Nashville Wine Auction's second annual Somm Showdown to raise money for organizations whose purpose is directly related to cancer research, innovative patient treatment and caregiver/patient support.

During the event, contestants will be challenged through three rounds: a wine-and-food-pairing contest, a Jeopardy-style wine knowledge contest and a blind tasting. Best of all, the audience gets to play (and taste) along in rounds one and three. Nashville Wine Auction is pleased to welcome back Jonathan Ross, Master Sommelier, wine importer and the current wine director for the Twelve-Thirty Club, and Calvin Webster, DipWSET and wine consultant, as moderators for this year’s event.

Sommeliers and chefs paired for this year's Somm Showdown, in Nashville Wine Auction's own words, are:

LeeAnne Arnold, CMS Certified Sommelier and General Manager of Harvest Wine Market, will be paired with Chef Anthony Pell, Executive Chef of The Iberian Pig.

Eric Bowers, CMS Certified Sommelier and Beverage Director of Bastion, will be paired with Chef Jason LaIacona of Miel Restaurant. 

Scott Herrmann, CMS Certified Sommelier, CSW, WSET Level 2, and Wine Director & Assistant GM of The Detroit Cowboy, will be paired with Chef Greg Giebler executive Sous chef of The Twelve Thirty Club.

Phillip Patti, DipWSET, CMS Certified Sommelier, and Owner of Southeastern Beverage Education, will be paired with Chef Alyssa Gangeri, Executive Pastry Chef and Partner at The Butter Milk Ranch.

Jiby Philip, CSW, CMS Certified Sommelier, and Brand Manager AOC Wine Distribution, will be paired with Chef Christopher Von Egger, Regional Chef for Halls Chophouse.

Derick Spangler, CMS Certified Sommelier and Sommelier at The Twelve Thirty Club, will be paired with Chef Josh Homacki of Fancypants.

“It’s inspiring to see so many up-and-coming wine professionals in Nashville," says Webster in a release. "Last year’s Somm Showdown showed exactly what we already knew: The wine market is growing here. I’m excited to return for the second Somm Showdown and help crown the next winner — all while raising funds for a great cause!” 

The winning sommelier will take home a $2,000 cash prize, and the runner-up will take home a cool grand. Other participants will take home some really nice wine.

Limited tickets remain for Somm Showdown 2025, so grab yours online here.