1. Wine List Design
A well-curated wine list that's informative, easy to navigate and complements your food offering can add significant value and profit to your business. We work closely with clients – big and small – to create a wine and spirit list that reflects their unique offering.
Our portfolio gives you access to over 300 producers that hail from Europe, Asia, New Zealand and the Americas as well as New South Wales and Australian-based producers – meaning; no two lists are ever quite alike.
2. Wine Consulting
We understand that creating a wine list can be a daunting and overwhelming task; that's why we want you to think of us as your one-stop-shop.
With over 20 years in the wine industry, and having been exposed to the best wine regions in the world, we guide you through the process. What wine regions to focus on, the number of wines you need, storage and refrigeration requirements, glassware choices, and pricing.
3. Staff Training
Demystifying the world of wines and making it accessible to everyone is something we're passionate about. As a Certified Sommelier, and holder of the Advanced Level 3 of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), Penny Claiborne shares her knowledge with you and your staff.
Above all, we believe in bringing people together, connecting small and boutique producers to business owners, and building a community through good food and wine.
4. Wholesale Wine Ordering
We've fine-tuned our processes to make wholesale wine ordering easy and efficient. From boutique and handcrafted to biodynamic, organic and natural wines, we know our list of over 300 brands intimately, and we have a long-established relationship with all our distributors and producers.
Plus, our hands-on approach means you never have to stress about ordering, invoicing and delivery follow up, as we're committed to providing you with a seamless wholesale ordering experience.
Hi, I'm Penny Claiborne, Owner and Director of Vinopenny. And I'm on a mission to demystify and make wine accessible to business owners, staff, and customers.
Born and bred in New Zealand, I've travelled the world, driven by my passion for exceptional wine and food. I've been exposed to the world's finest wine regions in Europe, North and South America, and of course, here in Australia and New Zealand.
As a Certified Sommelier, and holder of the Advanced Level 3 of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), I went from working in a Chicago-based wine shop as the buyer of Australian and New Zealand wine to working with the Sommeliers of some of the most world-renowned restaurants, such as Quay and The Rockpool Group in Sydney and Melbourne.
From Melbourne to the Maldives to the South Coast of NSW, I've created wine lists and provided staff education to high-end restaurants and luxury resorts, as well as local neighbourhood restaurants and wine bars. Seeing a gap in the South Coast region to service time-poor small businesses, I founded Vinopenny to deliver a high level of customer care that's backed by in-depth knowledge of wine here in Australia and abroad, as well as a deep understanding of the local market and customer base.
I've also co-founded Women in Hospo, a South Coast and Southern Highland community that shines a spotlight on women within the hospitality industry. Plus, I opened a wine education business focusing on educating hospitality workers. Because wine is more than a job, it's a way of life. It's about bringing people and community together.
1. One of my favourite drops of wine is a cool climate chardonnay, but I can never go past Champagne for a real treat.
2. I'm obsessed with dogs - especially my energetic Border Collie crosses Luna & Buddy.
3. My favourite wine and food pairing is vintage Champagne and French triple cream cheese.
4. I was a fully qualified and practising physiotherapist before leaping into the wine industry.
5. I love being outdoors, especially anywhere that involves the beach!
“Hey Penny, hope you’re well, just wanted to give some feedback. I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on the wine list. Thank you so much you nailed it”
— Daniel Sorridimi
Co-Owner of Blackwood - Bondi
“Penny is an exceptional consultant! Always on call for any questions and ordering stock.
Penny helped us with the launch of our new wine list for the spring season, offering an amazing and broad range of wines for us to decide from. Not only did we have multiple wine tastings, but an extensive staff training session, that was educational and fun!
She offers left of field seasonal wines to bring a point of difference to wine lists. We look forward to working with Penny through the upcoming seasons!”
— Tiana Petsinis
Blackwood Pantry - Cronulla
“Penny is a legend! She has such an in-depth wine knowledge and is always willing to help people see their potential.
She is such a great and humble mentor, who is always willing to help educate those around her on wine, and how best to cater to their business, be it retail or hospitality.
If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
— Kayla Burazin
Manning Street Cellars kiama
“Worked with Penny off and on for many years... so when I needed an expert to assist me with the launch of a new venue and my wine list I wouldn't think of anyone else.
Penny is an absolute pleasure to work with, her ability to be a complete asset to your venue in creating, suggesting, costing, tasting and training everything wine is the complete package. This being said, Penny is a complete professional and does it with flair and passion.
Thank you Penny”
— Dan
Anchorage - Wollongong
