By Kristi Spencer
Located southeast of Carthage, Missouri, Pennington Wines is making a name for itself with a focus on quality over quantity. This family-run winery knows every bottle of wine tells a story of dedication, patience and passion.
THE BEGINNING
The journey of Pennington Wines started in 2010 when Andrew Pennington, alongside his wife and family, planted their first vines. Pennington, a graduate of Missouri Southern State University with a background in biology and botany, brought a scientific approach to winemaking. Fast forward to 2022, and Pennington Wines was officially established.
Pennington says it takes five years for a vine to start producing quality grapes, and if harvested correctly, vines can produce for over 70 years. This means there is a bright future ahead for Pennington Wines fans.
Pennington knows the importance of a long-term commitment: “If a project is going to take a decade, start today because the decade is going to come anyway.”
Since opening, the vineyard has continued to expand in size and customer base. Andrew says, “We contribute our growth to the support of our community and the quality of the Ozark terroir to produce world-class wine.”
THE PHILOSOPHY
Pennington Wines focuses on creating uncomplicated wines. This approach starts with the fundamental belief that quality grapes are essential. Pennington explains, “We are wine growers, not winemakers.”
TODAY
Pennington Wines produces between 12,000 and 15,000 bottles annually, focusing on three dry and three sweet wines, along with varietals.
THE PROCESS
When I spoke with Pennington, it was during harvest season at Pennington Wines, a busy time where Pennington mentioned his helpers harvested 5,000 pounds of grapes in just one day, with many more days to go.
“Harvest is the most exciting time of year as new wines come to life.”
Harvest season typically starts around mid- August, depending on weather conditions.
The journey from vine to bottle at Pennington Wines is labor-intensive. Each grape is hand-picked and transported in totes for quality assessment. The wine from this year’s harvest won’t be available until next year, as each step—from fermentation to bottling—requires constant monitoring and, quite simply, time.
While this year’s weather has resulted in a promising crop, he notes that conditions have an enormous impact. Last year’s cold temperatures caused a 70% drop in grape yields.
THE STATE OF WINE
Pennington says the Missouri wine industry is vibrant, with the state’s harvest taking about eight weeks and producing around seven million bottles annually. He notes that while many Missouri wine growers share similarities, Pennington Wines distinguishes itself through its straightforward approach to winemaking.
HOW TO ENJOY
Pennington’s wines are available at local liquor stores, restaurants and online. You can select a Pennington pack or subscribe to their wine club for wine releases in May, August and December.
The winery also hosts pop-up events and area cultural events. Pennington enjoys engaging with local stores, restaurants and boutiques, preferring to build personal relationships rather than deliver large quantities of wine.
“We build special relationships with all local shop owners to grow our shops, winery and community together.”
Joining their wine club ensures you’ll receive a bottle of wine with every wine release and may also earn you an invitation to exclusive, private events. At these gatherings, guests can savor wine in the vineyard’s charming wine garden and stroll among the vines where the grapes are grown. Pennington values the personal touch of hosting smaller groups, noting, “Our exclusive events are always filled with good conversation, and great wine brings people together from all walks of life.”
Pennington emphasizes the key to enjoying wine is to “drink what you like and like what you drink.” Whether you prefer sweet or dry, each bottle is crafted with the same level of care and attention.
SHARING SUCCESS
Pennington credits the local community of Carthage for the winery’s success. The winery’s small size allows local shop owners to visit and explore, fostering strong community ties.
RECENT AWARDS
Pennington Wines has recently earned accolades at the Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition, which saw over 1,400 entries. Their Chambourcin received Double Gold, the Forager earned Silver, and the Ruby Sky won Bronze. These awards highlight Pennington Wines’ commitment to quality and excellence in winemaking.
CHEERS
Pennington’s focus on quality and straightforward winemaking approach offers a compelling reason to explore Missouri’s wine scene. With each sip, you can appreciate the effort and dedication in crafting their wines.
“We all grow together as a community, big or small; we all have a place, and wine just brings everyone together.”
MISSOURI WINES BY THE NUMBERS
130+ Wineries
425 Grape Growers
1.6M Gallons Sold Annually
875,000 Wine-Related Tourists Annually
$3.2 Billion Economic Impact
1,700 Acres
28,052 Jobs Supported
$218.5 Million Federal Taxes Paid