CARTHAGE, Mo. — As a small crowd lined up to watch Andrew Pennington, it could be described as an artistic dance to witness the twist of a corkscrew, the gentle pop of an award-winning wine to then be poured into an eager glass. It’s a practiced art, and one he’s done often since Pennington Wines began operation in 2011.
The wine tasting experience July 26 at Garde Manger, off the northwest side of the Carthage Square, was well attended as word has spread of Andrew’s success this year in the world of fine wine. Out of 1,400 wines and spirits entered into the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition in Rochester, New York, Pennington’s Chambourcin won Double Gold; his Forager won Silver; and his Ruby Sky wine won Bronze. While the event also serves as a fundraiser for Camp Good Days, a nonprofit for children, it was a milestone win for the Carthage winery.
“I’ve heard ‘success’ a lot lately but what it really means is team and community,” Pennington said. “These awards show what everyone can do when they come together. Family, friends, shop owners letting me come in and do things like this – and it’s people having a great reaction to all that. They can appreciate something unique, something passionately created and not expecting anything more than what it should be.”
Also this year, Pennington wines Forager and Chambourcin claimed Silver standing with the Governor’s Cup – a state-wide recognition that received 240 entries this year. For a full listing of award-winning wines from Missouri, click here.
The schedule has been crazy with competitions, tasting events, private events at the vineyard south of Carthage … “I did it to myself,” Pennington said with a laugh.
Rebecca Haines / CNO
Since last reported by Carthage News Online here – Pennington Wines has expanded. He strengthened his team and added some new smiles, the vineyard now has 2,900 vines and he carries six main varieties of wines plus other specialty blends.
But to experience a glass of Pennington Wine is so much more than a sip of goodness. Visitors take in the beauty of where its created, earn about the craft and rich history of winemaking in Missouri. Pennington is an open book to all things wine … anyone can tell, it’s a passion.
Find Pennington Wines on Facebook or Instagram for more information about upcoming harvest time events.
