By AAN Jack Quirk
The 14th Annual Wine & Chocolate Festival is officially in the books—and what a perfect day it was! On Saturday, October 4th, Hennessey United once again transformed Memorial Park into a celebration of all things rich, smooth, and sweet. Under sunny skies and warm fall weather, crowds poured in to sample local flavors, visit vendors, and enjoy a day of small-town fun.
A Feast for the Senses
This year’s festival lineup didn’t disappoint: 10 wineries, 9 chocolate and bakery vendors, plus a tea company, distillery, and even a cigar vendor made sure there was something for everyone. The lines moved quickly, and visitors had plenty of time to taste, sip, and savor.
Adding to the atmosphere, local musicians filled the park with live music while three food vendors kept the delicious smells rolling with everything from festival favorites to gourmet bites.
The Sweet Taste of Victory
Four judges—Brady Barnes, Cara Barnes, Lezlie Hardin, and Richard Bohnstedt—sampled wines from each vendor and had the tough job of selecting the winners. After a full day of tasting and judging, the results were in:
Dry Wine Category:
- Vernost Wine Co. – Dagan Hardin
- Put-A-Cork-In-It Winery – Karen Clark
Sweet Wine Category:
- Wildhorse Canyon Farms – Brandon Schabew
- Backyard Winery – Roger Smith
The prestigious Curtis Turner Memorial Best of Show Award went to Wildhorse Canyon Farms, a well-deserved nod to their exceptional craft and consistent excellence.
Honors and Hometown Pride
Awards were presented by Mrs. Kingfisher County, Valentina Insignares, alongside Head Judge Brooklyn Harris, who oversaw the judging process. The ceremony capped off a day filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the unmistakable sense of community that defines Hennessey.
A Toast to Tradition
The 2025 Wine & Chocolate Festival once again proved why this event has become a beloved Hennessey tradition. Great wine, sweet treats, live music, and friendly faces—everything that makes small-town Oklahoma shine.
Here’s to another successful year, and to many more afternoons spent sipping, smiling, and celebrating together at Hennessey’s Wine & Chocolate Festival.
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