Beginning humbly in 1985 with twelve hundred square feet, Phil and Terry Woodard opened Kirby Liquor and Wines in the Kirby Gate shopping center. It was the first shopping center as far as the eye could see and there was only a stop sign at the intersection of Kirby Parkway and Quince Road. The Woodard’s experience in the business was limited to a South Memphis package store on Florida Street they had purchased from Phil’s father. But, with the population moving farther east they saw a need and took the leap. The wine industry was a boon in the 80’s and the Woodard’s built a diverse wine inventory driven primarily from customer requests. The store expanded 5 times and is now eight thousand square feet, plus, a name change to “Kirby Wines and Liquors” to reflect the focus of the store.

The store is now in a new building that reflects a passion of the Woodard’s, modern architecture. Their interest evolved through their development of South Main properties (www.philwoodard.com). The firm, Archimania, designed the store and it has inspired us. We will continue to focus on our mission: to have an extensive selection, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, the best prices in town and a pleasant atmosphere. We hope you enjoy our store and become a customer. Please, let us know what you think.

Angela R. Moon - Wine Buyer/manager
Education: Elementary & High School studied album covers, read banned books, learned to cook vicariously through my sister's Home Ec assignments.
BA in Journalism from U of Memphis
Hobbies: Wine; Cooking; Reading (fiction, cookbooks, winebooks); Travel; Family gatherings; Listening to music; studying German language

Having been raised in a large family of Irish-Italians, my first memories are of my family gathering over pots and pans and fondue dips, laughing, eating and drinking. I have been successful in continuing the tradition.

Did my first food and wine pairing at 19 when I had friends over for beans, cornbread and Beaujolais Noveau. Started working in the wine business during college and was bitten by the wine bug. Still haven't recovered....

After graduating from U of M, moved to Germany for 6 years. Traveled extensively throughout Europe, stomping through vineyards, visiting wine cellars, eating anything and everything (still feel guilty about the horse steak in Switzerland...)

Upon returning to the US, Memphis specifically, I returned to the wine business as a sales person for Athens Distributing. In restaurant sales I met with wine buyers, chefs and waitstaff to sell, discuss, and train in all things wine. Worked my way up to Restaurant Wine Manager, where I spent 9 years as a kitchen rat and wine provocateur. I have hosted over 500 wine dinners, tastings and waitstaff trainings.

Philip Forman – General Manager
I have been in Memphis most of my life and have made my life in Memphis. I am a proud graduate of Christian Brothers High School and studied business management and psychology at University of Memphis.

Coming to Kirby Wines in 1997 was a like opening a door into my future. I loved retail from the start. It was fun, exciting and never boring (and this is still true). And, having the opportunity to learn more about the alluring subject of fermented beverages was a great bonus. So, I was hooked and knew I was beginning a long career.

Since ’97 I have explored several wine regions in California and Washington State as well as several distilleries in our region. Each time I tour a winery or distillery it enriches my conversations with our customers and I become more in synch with what it takes to bring the bottle to the store.

My responsibilities at Kirby Wines include but are not limited to the following: wine/spirit buying, inventory management, advertising/marketing, staff management and my favorite; making recommendations to customers. 

Learning in this business is ongoing and I enjoy attending wine classes, tastings and seminars. Also about me: I recently married a wonderful woman, I love my dachshund, I golf when I can and I play drums in my downtime.