The clock struck 8:01 p.m. on October 17 as Southern University officially made history. Alumni, students, and community members raised their glasses in unison as the university unveiled its very first wine, the “801 Collection.” The timing was an intentional nod to Southern’s iconic address, 801 Harding Boulevard, and it marked the beginning of an evening filled with celebration, pride, and the unmistakable buzz of a community witnessing something truly special.
The Leon R. Tarver II Cultural and Heritage Center was alive with energy. Guests mingled in sharp suits and elegant dresses, sipping glasses of wine as the golden sunset bathed The Bluff in warm hues. A live singer, violinist, and pianist provided the perfect soundtrack, while beautifully plated finger foods added sophistication to the evening. Laughter, conversation, and clinking glasses filled the room, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere that reflected the pride of the Southern University community.
The 801 Collection represents five years of dedication through Southern’s Viticulture and Enology Program. Students gained hands-on experience cultivating grapes, experimenting with flavors, and bringing a long-held vision to life. “We’ve been working on this for five years,” said Dr. Devaiah Kambiranda, Associate Vice Chancellor of Agriculture. “This is a great debut wine for Southern University. It’s a good way to spread awareness, involve students, and show them how they can grow, learn, and even get paid while working in agriculture.”
Janana Snowden, Executive Director of the Southern Institute for Medicinal Plants, described the event as the culmination of years of hard work. “To see a vision from five years ago come to fruition is nothing short of amazing,” she said. For Sterling Brown, Senior Agriculture Business Major and Lead Horticulture Student Research Assistant, the moment carried both pride and relief. “We worked hard to create something unique for Southern University’s community. There were blood, sweat, and tears involved, but seeing it in the glass tonight makes it all worth it,” Brown said.
The evening wasn’t just about wine, it was about giving back. In under 30 minutes, over $115,000 was raised for student scholarships, including a $100,000 donation from District Attorney Tony Clayton and $15,000 from attendees. Funds will support initiatives such as the Darjean Jones Wines Continuing Education Scholarship Fund, helping future students pursue their own dreams.
As the music faded and the sunset deepened, one thing was clear: the 801 Collection is more than just a drink. It’s Southern University in a glass — vibrant, hardworking, and full of heart. From the vineyard to the tasting table, it proves that when vision, dedication, and community come together on The Bluff, something extraordinary happens.
