Say “Hello,” to our new Winemaker, Sam Jennings! Sam joined our team in July 2021 and has already made such an impact as both a creative manager and leader.
“I want to help pioneer the Texas wine industry and help show the world that Texas can produce some amazing world class wines,” said Jennings.
Background, Education, and Future Goals
Sam is a Navy brat, and his father’s work with the US Navy took them all over the United States growing up. He has lived in Virginia, South Carolina, New York, Tennessee, New Mexico, Washington, Montana, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Minnesota, California, and now, Texas.
Much of Sam’s learning about enology came from Washington State University Extension course work as well as working in both large and small wineries in Washington, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Minnesota. As well as traveling throughout the US, Europe, South America, South Africa, and Asia for his wine related work. His focus now will be on producing 100% Texas grown estate wines for Bingham Family Vineyards.
Sam and his finance Amanda now both live in Lubbock, Texas close to Meadow where our winery is located.
Sam’s Thoughts and Interests
Sam’s life motto is “Don’t sweat the small stuff. If things seem difficult, step back, take a deep breath and know tomorrow will be a new day.” He enjoys fishing and restoring old cars in his free time.
During sports season you can catch Sam watching the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners while sipping his favorite Bingham wine, 2019 Reserve Viognier. This wine is yet to be released, but when you are the winemaker you get to an early start. Watch for it’s release later this year.
Favorite Memory
“My first official award for wine was in 2006 at our little county fair in Washington State. I was just starting my apprenticeship and won best of show for my Merlot and received a little trophy- I still have the little trophy and that award means more to me than any other award or review I have ever received.”
This is our first #TeamTuesday post, but we hope to have more in the weeks to come introducing all of the Binghams and our great team at Bingham Family Vineyards.
Blessings,
Sierra
