Today we’d like to introduce you to Penny Raulston
Hi Penny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Winemaking started as a hobby about 10 years ago. It evolved over time until family and friends strongly encouraged me to pursue winemaking as a business and I opened Elevation 966 Winery in December 2019 as an urban winery in Greenville. Wine is an art, passion, and science all rolled into one.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. There was no crystal ball with future of my business when March 2020 hit. COVID was the ultimate struggle for my brand new small business. Other struggles along the way have also included the continuing saga of liquor liability insurance in SC and the downturn in the economy. It has not been an easy road.
As you know, we’re big fans of Elevation 966 Winery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Elevation 966 Winery is an urban winery in the heart of Midtown Greenville. We ferment, blend, and bottle all the wines produced in my winery. We specialize in unique small batch winemaking. My red blend wines have won numerous state, national, and international wine competition awards. I think what sets me apart from others is the unique vibe of an urban winery. We have a chill coffee shop style vibe with wine. Our welcoming atmosphere sets my winery apart from others. You don’t need to be a wine snob to drop in and enjoy my wines. We welcome the novice wine taster just as much as the seasoned wine professional. What I want readers to know about my brand is that my winery welcomes everyone with a “Come on in and grab a seat”. You’ll walk in as a customer and leave as a friend. You may be a wine novice when you come in, but I like to impart some tidbits of wine knowledge while you’re sipping your wine. So as you’re leaving each time you visit, pretty soon you will realize I’m trying to demystify the world of wine.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by not how much money you make, or how many people you have on a “friends” list. Success is the impact you have on your corner of the world, the good you do, and how you contribute to the world around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/elevation966winery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevation966winery?igsh=ZnVlZ28yeDM2YWVh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WNqYWfjfP/
