(This story by Derek Carson was published in the Bennington Banner on May 31, 2017.)
BENNINGTON — The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has declared Bennington’s Wings and Winter Homebrew Festival as one of the top 10 winter events in the state according to the Bennington Area Chamber.
The event was held for the first time this March, a partnership between the organizers of the summer Four Corners North Homebrew Festival, the Bennington Area Chamber, Madison’s Brewing Company and Catamount Access Television.
“The pilot event was our test of the interest in the homebrew industry and if we could add a fun event between the winter and spring months here in the Shires of Vermont,” said Matt Harrington, executive director of the Bennington Area Chamber, “Once we wrapped up the festival, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback and a desire to do it again next year. We are honored and pleased to be awarded this recognition especially in the first year! We’re committed to doing this in 2018, making the event bigger and better.”
The inaugural event, held from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 18 at Bennington’s Masonic Lodge on Main Street, saw over 300 attendees sample and vote on beers, ciders and mead from over 20 home brewers and wings from local restaurants. Best Home Brewery went to Jeremy Meerwarth for his peanut butter cup stout, and Ramunto’s took the crown for Best Wings.
“Having got my professional brewing career started from a home brewing event, I fully recognize the quality beverages home brewers are crafting,” said Madison’s brewer and head event organizer William Gardner. “I feel we need these type of events to showcase the local brewing talent and bring our community together in a safe and fun environment. Partnering with the Bennington Chamber was a no-brainer considering their reach, excitement, and assistance with our 4 Corners North Home Brew Festival in August. We will continue to bring these type of events to the area and hope folks will continue to enjoy and support them.”
The Vermont Chamber annually issues Top 10 lists for summer, fall and winter. Last year, Garlic Fest, which is also hosted by the Chamber, was Bennington’s only representation on the list. The other highly anticipated events for winter 2017-2018 are the 39th Annual Putney Crafts Tour, Thanksgiving Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, the 25th Annual Vermont International Festival in Essex Junction, the Coolidge Holiday Open House in Plymouth Notch, the Country Christmas in Waitsfield/Warren area, the Hotel Vermont Ice Bar in Burlington, the Presidents’ Week Winterfest in West Dover, the Vermont Open in Stratton, and Smugglers’ Notch Maple Fest in Jeffersonville.
