Meet the Sommelier Behind Nashville’s Newest Wine Bar + Bodega
Lauren Maranto is bringing her love of hosting to life with Antoinette’s Wine + Provisions, a new Sylvan Park spot for approachable wine, curated bites, and more. Image: Ali Miller
Warm, welcoming, and brand new to Sylvan Park (as of May 13!), Antoinette’s Wine + Provisions is shaping up to be the kind of place you pop into for a bottle and end up staying all night. Behind it is Lauren Maranto, a former HR professional turned sommelier (and host at heart), who’s traded spreadsheets for supper clubs and never looked back. Inspired by a lifelong love of gathering people around the table, Lauren is creating a space where good wine feels approachable, connection is encouraged, and everyone’s invited.
What brought you to Nashville, and what inspired Antoinette’s?
I moved to Nashville after graduating from Auburn University and started my career in HR operations. While I learned a lot over the years, I realized what really filled my cup wasn’t hovering over a laptop — it was hosting. Over a decade ago, my friends and I started a monthly supper club, and that became my joy lifeline.
There is something really special about people gathering around a crowded table with good friends, good food, and good wine. That feeling is what inspired Antoinette’s. I am creating a space where Nashvillians can experience that same magic anytime.
Antoinette’s is a neighborhood bar and bodega that you describe as a “home away from home.” What does that actually look and feel like when someone walks through the door for the first time?
The space feels like walking into your eclectic friend’s house. There’s vintage furniture, layered textures, and little unexpected finds everywhere. With the help of our hosts, you can browse the wine racks and market to create your own spread or order freshly prepared food at your table. It’s relaxed, inviting, and encourages you to linger. And if you don’t have time to hang out, just grab some essentials to take home with you!
As a sommelier, how do you balance serious wine cred with your “no pretense, just good wine” philosophy?
I genuinely think wine is fascinating, and I love continuing to learn more about it. But what excites me most isn’t flexing my knowledge. It’s watching someone who feels intimidated by wine realize it doesn’t have to be buttoned-up, expensive, or reserved for a certain kind of person.
There’s this idea that you have to spend a certain amount, use the “right” glass, or know the right words before you’re allowed to enjoy wine. That’s just not true. You can find a bottle you love at any price point. Whether it’s poured into fine stemware or sipped casually on your back porch out of a Mason jar, it doesn’t matter. For me, wine should feel welcoming, not like a test you have to pass.
Italian varietals, orange wines, natural wines … what are you most excited for Sylvan Park to discover?
I do love a fun orange or natural wine moment, but I have to say Italian varietals have my heart right now. As I’ve been studying for my Italian Wine Scholar certification, I’ve completely fallen in love with the depth and diversity of Italy. There are so many grapes and styles most people have never tried, and they’re often incredibly food-friendly and approachable. I can’t wait to introduce West Nashville to some of my favorites.
Outside of wine and hospitality, what’s something people might be surprised to learn you’re passionate about?
Before Antoinette’s, I had a side hustle making jewelry. I even had a tiny home trailer that I’d take to weekend markets to sell it. I have always loved creating things from scratch and still do it for fun.
If you could invite three people, living or gone, to your dream Antoinette’s dinner party, who’s on the guest list and what are you pouring?
This might not be the answer you’re anticipating, but honestly, any dinner party can be a dream Antoinette’s dinner party. For me, it would be inviting three people who don’t know each other yet, but absolutely should. If they leave as friends, that’s the dream.
And I’m pouring whatever fits the mood and what they love. The right bottle is the one that makes the table light up.
What’s your ultimate “unwind after a long day” ritual?
PJs and pinot! There is something about an elastic waistband and a light red wine that just resets everything. Simple, cozy, perfect.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Look at your life in sections. Instead of thinking about forever, ask yourself what you want your next chapter to look like. That perspective made the leap into starting Antoinette’s feel a lot less scary. It reframed it from “What if this doesn’t work?” to “What do I want this season of life to be about?”
LIGHTNING ROUND
Most memorable recent meal in Nashville? Oh gosh, I’ve had so many great meals recently. But the one I always go back to is a quick breakfast run to Brightside Bakeshop. Their Everything Bagel Tart? Insanely craveable. I find myself planning errands around it.
Favorite thing to snack on with wine? Lays potato chips. It’s cliché for a reason. Salty snacks and wine are the ultimate combo.
Faith, family, and friends notwithstanding, what are three things you can’t live without? Following those, I’m pretty simple. I just need my pups, Reese and Gia, plus some bread and cheese to be complete.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.