I am here to tell you, some of my favorite moments have not happened in my own kitchen at all. They have happened in church fellowship halls, library meeting rooms, and beautifully lit private dining rooms, standing in front of a room full of strangers who leave feeling like family. There is something about pouring a glass of wine into someone's hand and watching their shoulders drop, their guard come down, and their story come out. That is the whole point of the Soul of Food and Wine. It was never meant to stay on the page.
I host wine tastings that make even the most intimidated newcomer feel like they belong at the table. I speak to audiences about food, wine, faith, family, and the courage it takes to come home to yourself. And I create private dining and cooking experiences for the folks who want the full DeeDee treatment, my recipes, my wine pairings, and my stories, served up right in their own home or venue. Pull up a chair. Let's see what we can cook up together.
Three Ways to Sit With Me
Wine Tastings
Guided tastings that make wine feel approachable, never intimidating. I bring the bottles, the stories, and the sensory language to help your guests find what they truly love, one glass at a time.
Speaking Engagements
From book clubs to corporate luncheons to women's ministry gatherings, I speak on food, wine, hospitality, and the journey from Momma's kitchen to building a brand of your own.
Private Dining & Cooking Events
An intimate, hands-on experience in your home or venue. I bring the menu, the wine pairings, and the storytelling for a dinner your guests will be talking about long after the last bite.
Upcoming Events
Homecoming
Coming Home to Bama State for the ASU Alumni Book Fair
Hornets, I am coming home! I am honored to be a participating author at the 4th Annual ASU Alumni Book Fair during Bama State Homecoming, right back on the campus where my story with Ken began. Stop by my table to say hello, hear a little about the journey from Momma Nancy's kitchen in Montgomery to the world, and talk wine pairings with the Southern food you already love. The book fair is open to the public, and signed copies of The Soul of Food and Wine will be available for purchase, so bring your homecoming crew and come see me.
- Open to the Public
- Meet the Author
- Bama State Homecoming
- Signed Copies
My Home City
An Evening in My Home City at the Alabaster Library
Alabaster, this one is personal! For the last 10 years, this city has been the place our family calls home, and I cannot think of a better way to spend a Monday evening than with my neighbors at our own library. Come unwind after work while I share stories from Momma Nancy's kitchen, read a favorite passage from The Soul of Food and Wine, and answer your questions about pairing wine with the Southern food you already love. Light refreshments will be served, signed copies will be available for purchase, and the whole evening is free and open to the community.
- Free Event
- Stories & Q&A
- Light Refreshments
- Signed Copies
Save the Date
A Saturday Morning Celebration in Center Point
Grab your coffee and start your Saturday with me! I am bringing the stories, the recipes, and a whole lot of Southern love to Center Point. I will read a favorite passage, share the journey from Momma's kitchen to Napa, New Orleans, and Jamaica, and answer every question you have about pairing wine with the food you already love. Light refreshments will be served, and signed copies will be available right there on-site, just in time for holiday gifting.
- Reading
- Stories & Q&A
- Light Refreshments
- Signed Copies
Bring a friend, bring your book club, and bring your appetite for a good story. I cannot wait to see your beautiful faces!