Though not exactly California, Alabama does have several wineries and vineyards spread around the state. They dot the landscape from the northern highlands to the southern shores.
Alabama’s lone indigenous grape, the muscadine, is a key component of many of the wines made here. However, there are still other varieties to try, from sweet fruit wines to silky chardonnays and robust reds.
A true adult vacation is to take a road trip and sample local wines, and you can do it around Alabama!
The Best Alabama Wineries To Visit
Wine is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Alabama. So it might surprise some folks that Alabama has a wealth of wineries.
Could this state be the new wine country? It certainly has a lot to offer to oenophiles. Check out the wineries below:
Morgan Creek Vineyards
181 Morgan Creek Lane, Harperville, AL 35078
(205) 672-2053
Morgan Creek Vineyards is a charming family business founded by two generations of Charles Brammers. The establishment boasts semi-sweet muscadine and assorted fruit wines.
Morgan Creek has grown into the state’s largest winery during the last two decades. It currently has a range of 13 wines available in 400 grocery stores all over Alabama.
If you plan on visiting the place, try to go during the annual Grapestomp and July 4th celebrations!
Bryant Vineyard
1454 Griffitt Bend Rd, Talladega, AL 35160
(251) 493-1260
Bryant Vineyard is Alabama’s oldest winery, and it overlooks Lake Logan Martin in east-central Alabama, one of the state’s most stunning lakes.
Since 1965, when their first grapevines were cultivated on land that had been in their family since the mid-1800s, their doors have been open.
The winery now produces a number of highly acclaimed Muscadine wines. You can sample their products during their complimentary wine tastings on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays if you decide to pay them a visit.
Guests may also sample their fresh produce, including the World’s Hottest Ghost Chili Peppers.
Wills Creek Winery
10522 Duck Springs Road, Attalla, AL 35945
(256) 538-5452
The scenic North Alabama valley is home to the Will Creek Winery near Attalla. For almost 20 years, this family-owned, completely pesticide-free muscadine vineyard and winery have been hosting guests with tours and wine tastings. You can always take some of their magic home from their wine and gift shop.
You may sample their selection of over 20 wines made from muscadines and other grape species, ranging from dry to sweet. If you’re a little adventurous, they have peach and berry wines available too.
Owners Jahn and Janie Coppey are working hard to spread the word about the pleasures of drinking wine safely.
The couple is very welcoming and jovial. More importantly, they are knowledgeable about wine, much of it acquired through Jahn’s early experiences working in his family’s vineyards in Switzerland.
If you’re open to it, they like imparting their knowledge to visitors. Wills Creek also provides winemaking kits for those interested in creating their own blends.
Lake Point Vineyard and Winery
674 Lake Point Dr, Matthews, AL 36052
(334) 517-8334
This lovely winery and fruit farm is open on the weekends for tastings from midday to 6 pm. It’s the ideal spot to unwind with a glass (or two) of pure joy.
Rita and Daniel Lewis handle all of the planting, winemaking, bottling, labeling, and tastings themselves, so there is a considerable chance that you may run into them.
You can enjoy more than 15 distinct fruit wines from Lake Point Vineyard. Don’t forget to sample their acclaimed pear and honey wines, too!
Ozan Vineyard & Winery
173 Co Rd 301, Calera, AL 35040
(205) 668-6926
Ozan routinely serves as the breathtaking backdrop for the union of many blissful couples with its magnificent outdoor Tuscan-themed setting.
The winery’s wines, which range from the lighter and tarter Riesling to the heavier Pinot Noir, are made mostly from Norton grapes.
Try Ozan’s collaboration with the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum for a wine and dine train excursion that includes a wine tasting, vineyard tour, outdoor gourmet lunch, and a journey on the vintage train for a full-day experience!
Cat-n-Bird Winery
11661 Old Hwy 280, Chelsea, AL 35043
(205) 610-WINE
Cat-n-Bird is a boutique winery that sources grapes and grape juice from various wine-growing locations all over the world.
It is situated in the basement of the proprietors’ home, which is located in the Chelsea suburbs. The establishment is owned by Matt and Robyn Lyons.
They create their own unique wines using the fruits and juices they import. Fermentation is the first step in the process, after which they monitor the wine’s evolution.
The couple is very hands-on. They bottle, cork, and label their wines before offering them up in the tasting area.
They don’t use muscadine grapes, which is what the majority of Alabama wineries do. Instead, they use mainstream wine grapes like chardonnay, cabernet, and pinot grigio.
Their two hallmark wines are the Trinita Cremisi, a blend of Cabernet, California Syrah, and Zinfandel, and La Rubia, a Riesling, Chardonnay, and Viognier blend.
They provide private tastings by request and on Saturdays.
Hidden Meadow Vineyard
664 Co Rd 606, Jemison, AL 35085
(205) 688-4648
If you come across the owner of Hidden Meadow Vineyard, Bill Bailey, ask him this question: what’s your favorite wine?
He’ll probably tell you, “whatever’s in my glass!” It’s a wine enthusiast’s response, and his vineyard’s wines reflect this passion.
Five acres of vines at Hidden Meadow yield three different types of muscadines in 85% of the vines. The remaining vines are planted with Cynthiana (commonly known as Norton) grapes.
Hidden Meadow also produces a peach wine from fruit grown nearby in Chilton County, which is proudly home to some of the best peaches in the South.
It’s one of the winery’s top sellers because it has a robust, ripe peach flavor but is still light and has the desired slightly acidic finish.
The other is Smith Ridge White, a crisp wine that is bursting with white Carlos muscadines’ distinctively rich, sweet-tart flavor.
High Country Cellars
849 Almon St, Helfin, AL 36264
(256) 463-3456
This winery, which can be found an hour from Birmingham and Atlanta in the shadow of Mount Cheaha, is renowned for producing unique wines.
With a vast selection of fruit wines, the staff at High Country Cellars aspires to be the leading vintner in East Alabama.
If you’re looking for anything sweet, smoky, fruity, or any other flavor, you can easily find it here.
Be sure to arrive with an attentive palate, especially when tasting their unusual Charred Peach or Jalapeno Pepper wines, which are available every day but Sunday.
Corbin Farms Winery
800 Co Rd 87, Calera, AL 35040
(205) 685-0655
One of Alabama’s OG vineyards was Corbin Farms Winery. It’s situated on 5 acres of productive farmland and creates and bottles a wide variety of wines from grapes grown in Alabama.
They also use grapes from other significant American grape-growing regions, including Oregon, California, and Washington.
You may go on a guided tour of the winery and its surroundings to learn about the premises and its operations. Visitors are also encouraged to visit Corbin’s delightful restaurant, where they will be served scrumptious meals and sweets, all curated to go with their wines.
On warm days, the sizable patio is open, providing lovely views of the vineyard and live performances by regional musicians.
Whippoorwill Vineyards
5482 County Road 31, Notasulga, AL 36866
(334) 257-2711
Near late summer, Whippoorwill Vineyards in Notasulga offers “u-pick” days to the public since the muscadine vines there yield such generous quantities.
Four levels of residual sugar concentration make up the Whippoorwill wine listing, and the majority of the wines are produced from muscadine vintages.
The vineyard produces wine from the Creek muscadine, one of the oldest muscadine types, and is one of only two in the state.
Whippoorwill also grows Norton and Lenoir grapes, which produce other dazzling wine flavors.
Harbor View Winery
300 Gunter Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 804-8440
The small lake town of Guntersville, Alabama, is home to this adorable winery and tasting room.
After experiencing a winery making tropical fruit drinks in Panama City Beach, Harbor View was created by four dear friends.
Their company’s tagline is “think beyond the grape,” and they produce intriguing yet delectable fruit wines using fruits like banana, kiwi, and even coconut!
Since there is no sugar added to the wines, they are fully natural and refreshing.
Perdido Vineyards
22100 Co Rd 47, Perdido, AL 36562
(251) 937-9463
The foundation of this winery is deeply rooted in history. It’s the first agricultural winery to operate in this state after prohibition was Perdido in 1972.
Jim Eddins, the proprietor of Perdido Vineyards, was instrumental in altering the legal framework that currently permits other vineyards in Alabama.
Since that time, this seaside winery has been making fine table red, white, and rose wines from grapes farmed nearby. The wine labels are made by regional artisans.
The dessert wines are prepared with apples, blueberries, blackberries, and satsumas.
In addition, Perdido Vineyards creates a variety of gourmet fruit vinegars utilizing a cutting-edge process that involves fermenting fruit into wine and then re-fermenting the wine into vinegar.
You must try the fig and tart apple balsamic vinegars. If you have a more daring palate, try the tomato and hot pepper vinegars too!
Muscadine juice is another product that Perdido Vineyards bottles and distributes. It’s simply divine.
Fruithurst Winery Co.
27091 Co Rd 49, Fruithurst, AL 36262
(251) 463-1003
A grand 15-acre muscadine vineyard surrounds the Fruithurst Winery Co, which is situated north of Fruithurst.
It inherited the style and culture of a real vineyard community along with the name of the original winery that was situated there.
This winery provides a wide selection of muscadine wines in addition to other wines crafted from regional fruits. Muscadines, peaches, strawberries, and all other fruits necessary to produce wine are grown nearby.
Wines come in dry, sweet, and semi-sweet kinds, as well as red and white muscadine, blueberry, strawberry, and peach wines.
Laminack Vineyards collaborates with Fruithurst Winery. They share a quaint strawberry patch on the property as well.
Jules J. Berta Vineyards
1409 Darden Avenue, Albertville, AL 35951
(256) 891-5115
This vast vineyard is a must-see destination in North Alabama after being named the Alabama Winery of the Year. Twenty different varieties are available from Jules. J. Berta, ranging from classic reds and whites.
They also offer a sizable selection of fruity blends with flavors like strawberry, watermelon, and lemon.
If you decide to go for a wine-tasting session, be sure to order one of their hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas as well. This is Southern hospitality at its finest: wine, pizza, and loved ones. What could be better?
Hodges Vineyards & Winery
230 Lee Road 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850
(256) 896-4036
East-central Alabama’s Hodges Vineyards & Winery is a short drive from Auburn, Auburn University, Lake Martin, and Opelika.
The winery makes a wide variety of muscadine grape and fruit wines, with a significant portion of the fruit coming from its own vineyards.
The rest of the blueberries, apples, and blackberries used in their fruit wines are sourced locally. Lastly, all their products are bottles and labeled in-house.
All Hodges wine varieties are available for tasting either under the charming pergola or in the chic tasting area.
Guests can enjoy a stroll through the vineyards, bring a picnic lunch to share with friends, and observe the new plantings of Champanel vines and the grape varieties Lenoir, Merlot, Norton, and Blanc du Bois.
South Ridge Wine
3297 Live Oak Road, Luverne, AL 36049
(334) 29-0572
A family owned winery; South Ridge Wine is dedicated to creating authentically high-quality wines from Alabama.
Muscadine, Lenoir, and several more grape types are among the many fruits that are hand-harvested here.
Only open on Saturdays, the tasting room is well worth the wait to sample the winery’s collection of red, white, and fruit wines while admiring the stunning surroundings.
Maraella Vineyards and Winery
5296 Us Highway 278E, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903
(256) 494-1000 ext 1
The Lee family founded Maraella Winery in 2005. It is a family-run business situated in the lush foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Their wines are produced from fruit and grapes that are farmed nearby. Their signature wine is an estate-grown, produced, and bottled cabernet sauvignon.
The 2010 vintage of this wine has won gold and silver medals at wine competitions across the nation.
Numerous gold and silver awards have also been earned by their 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013 Riesling, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, and a dry white muscadine called Carlos.
Every day, visitors can take tours of the winery and wine tasting facility.
Lewis Lakes Vineyards
1075 Chelsea Rd ,Colombiana, AL 35051
(205) 555-5555
Less than two miles north of the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana, on a 60-acre property, you’ll find yourself in Lewis Lakes Vineyards. It is a family-run business that houses both a vineyard and a winery.
From cultivating, fostering, and growing vines to harvesting grapes, fermenting juice, and bottling and selling their wines, every step of the winemaking process is done exclusively at the property.
The vineyards are irrigated with water from scenic Lake Michelle, which is close by. Visitors are welcome to sample Lewis Lakes’ wines and tour their lovely vineyard.
At several spots throughout the property, there are Adirondack chairs where guests can watch the sun dip over the vineyard.
If you’d like to take some of their wines home, you can buy some at the winery on Chelsea Road.
Mad County Winery LLC
123 Castle Dr, Madison, AL 35758
(256) 651-5669
The modest, family-run Mad County distillery and winery in Madison County, Alabama, is well-known for its potent, 20% country fruit wines.
They’ve garnered n numerous prestigious national prizes for their distinctive wines. Their apple wine, produced with Red Delicious apples, butterscotch, and a hint of cinnamon, is one of these beauties.
Their little tasting room is a well-known destination in Madison in part due to the owner, who is always willing to regale visitors with tales. Of course, it’s also because of their distinctive wines and alcoholic beverages, particularly rum.
Only on-site or at a select few Madison retailers sell their wines and spirits.
Maria’s Vineyard
3940 Fortner St, Dothan, AL 36305
(3345) 791-2514
In Dothan, Alabama, there is a beautiful working muscadine vineyard called Maria’s Vineyard. They grow all of their muscadine vines naturally.
A stunning Tuscan-style vineyard home with a bridal suite, banquet space, covered porches, jasmine-covered arbors, rose gardens, a marble gazebo, and flowing fountains are located in the center of the vineyard.
Maria’s Vineyard is a sought-after location for exquisite weddings as well as spectacular birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, and other major events.
Even if you aren’t celebrating anything, a trip to the vineyard in the late summer or early fall is worthwhile merely to take in the scenery and enjoy the wines.
White Oak Vineyards
1484 Dry Hollow Rd, Anniston, AL 36207
(256) 231-7998
White Oak Vineyards, which span 52 acres and sit at a height of 1000 feet roughly halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta, offer a perfect microclimate for a number of grape varieties.
The mother vineyards were established in 1998, and they currently provide the majority of the grapes used to make the Southern Oak Wine line.
Everyone is welcome to stop by the winery’s tasting room to try some of their delectable wines and take in the expansive views of the valleys and rolling hills.
The Tasting Room is accessible by walk-ins from Thursday through Saturday and by appointment from Monday through Wednesday.
Their selection of wines includes delicious fruit wines, Muscadines, and dry and semi-dry reds.
Robyn’s Garden Winery
200 Oakwood Ave NE Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35811
(256) 489-2380
Robyn’s Garden Winery is a must-see destination on your tour of Alabama’s wineries and a wonderful place to stop and unwind.
This humble winery aims to provide guests with a welcoming and tranquil setting where they may recharge while sipping fine wines and listening to excellent music.
Roland Carter, a multi-award-winning amateur winemaker, owns and runs the winery. He has created a wide variety of exquisite fruit-based wines to satisfy everyone’s tastes.
The winery is open from Thursday through Sunday. For seasonal opening hours, kindly visit their website.
The garden bears Roland’s late daughter’s name as a beautiful tribute.
Junavelli Winery
357 Gum Tree Ln, Brewton, AL 36426
(251) 809-3396
Even though the Junavelli Winery was only formally established in May 2018, the history of their wines actually began much earlier.
The business started as a home winemaking experiment that resulted in a wonderful, sweet blueberry nectar.
Self-taught winemaker Roger was unstoppable once his fire was sparked. He never stopped creating and honing his selection of small-town wines.
You’re welcome to swing by for a tasting to learn more about their tasty wines created (mainly) from fruit and berries.
Regardless of whether your taste buds prefer dry or sweet wines, you will undoubtedly find a few distinctive wines.
Related Reading: Breweries in Mobile Alabama – Check Them out Here
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been working hard, it’s time to kick back with a few glasses of wine. You can drink your way around the Yellowhammer state by going on the North Alabama wine trail.
Alabama has a lot to offer in the world of crops and spirits, and it shows in its delectable wines. Happy sipping!
