About Kirby Wine & Liquors in Memphis, TN 38119

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 boom in the 80’s and the Woodard’s built a diverse wine inventory driven primarily from customer requests. The store expanded five times and is now 8,000 square feet. There was also a name change to “Kirby Wines and Liquors” to reflect the focus of the store.

Our California transplant moved to Memphis in 1981. A graduate of Germantown High and the University of Memphis, Brian worked the kitchen scene in many local restaurants from 1988 to 2009, while honing his wine skills in the wine and liquor business since 1999. After hours will find Brian reading, cooking and running.

A Memphis native, Philip attended both CBHS and the University of Memphis. While busy with two small boys, born mere months apart, he still has hobbies,which include woodworking, playing the drums and golf. Philip has been running the Kirby ship since 1999.