Alabama’s Hidden Wine Treasures
Muscadine grapes are the secret ingredient in Alabama’s wines. When discussing wine regions, many spotlight France, Italy, or California; however, Alabama deserves recognition as well. The state is home to numerous family-operated wineries dedicated to producing diverse wine selections. Renowned for its muscadine grapes, Alabama offers wines that boast five times the antioxidants of other grape varieties.
1. Jules J. Berta Vineyards
This vineyard offers a selection of wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Syrah, and fruit wines such as strawberry and watermelon, as well as the locally grown muscadines. The vineyard is open Monday through Saturday and hosts a “Vineyard Blessing” in May.
2. Morgan Creek Vineyards
Morgan Creek Vineyards features a modern facility that produces nine different wines, including a dry Muscadine and a sweet blueberry variant. The winery and gift shop operate daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., except Sundays. Additionally, they host an annual grape stomp in September.
3. Wills Creek Vineyards
Originating from Swiss winemaking traditions, Wills Creek Vineyards offers a variety of muscadine and grape wines. The winery and gift shop are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and they celebrate the Harvest Festival in October.
4. White Oak Vineyards
This vineyard provides artisan wines along with free tours. Visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch, wander through the flower garden, and relax by the Koi pond. It is open Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. The Fruithurst Winery Co.
This winery produces various wine varieties, including dry, sweet, and semi-sweet options. They specialize in red and white Muscadine, as well as strawberry, blueberry, and peach wines. The winery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6. Bryant Vineyard
As Alabama’s oldest continuously operated winery, Bryant Vineyard features an array of award-winning muscadine wines, including a rosé blend, a fruity red, and a white blend. The winery welcomes visitors Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
7. Corbin Farms Winery
Corbin Farms produces a variety of old-world-style wines, including Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside strawberry, blueberry, and apple wines. The gift shop, restaurant, and winery are open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Live music can be enjoyed during the warmer months.
8. Ozan Vineyard
Ozan offers hand-crafted, barrel-aged wines in a picturesque estate setting, including Cabernet, Riesling, and Chardonnay. They also feature local wines like Norton and Chilton County Peach. The vineyard is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., with lunch available aboard the Wine Train.
9. Whippoorwill Vineyards
This 12-acre family-owned vineyard is unique in Southeast Alabama. Visitors can enjoy free tastings of its Cynthiana (a dry red), Scuppernong (a sweet white), and Southern Glory (a sweet red) from Thursday through Saturday.
10. Perdido Vineyards
As Alabama’s first farm winery specializing in muscadine table wines, Perdido produces 22 types of wine, including classic dry reds and whites, as well as inventive blends like Joe Cane (sugarcane juice wine) and Satsuma Jubilee (Satsuma Orange wine). The winery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.