Alabama's First Wine Festival

The first ever Alabama Wine Festival was held on the grounds of Wills Creek Winery, in Attalla on October 16, 2021. Between 250-300 people attended the event and enjoyed samples from more than 40 different wines produced in Alabama.

Red wine being poured into a wine glass.

Admission to the adults only event included a commemorative wine glass that attendees used to sample everything from apple wines to scuppernong wines.

The first annual event was hosted at Wills Creek Vineyards, where guests enjoyed the perfect atmosphere of Alabama wine country.

Weeds in front of a pond in front of mountains.

Six wineries from across the state of Alabama were present to offer wine samples and to sell their locally crafted wines. The wineries included:

High Country Cellars (Heflin)
Maraella Vineyards (Hokes Bluff)
Robyns Garden (Huntsville)
Whippoorwill (Notasulga)
Tiss Valley Winery (Midway)
Wills Creek Vineyards (Attalla)

Why hasn't there been a wine festival before now?

Prior to October, it was illegal for winemakers to sell directly their products at festivals to consumers.

In May 2021, Governor Kay Ivey signed the "wine festival bill" (S.B. 167) into law. This act allows wineries in the state to host special wine festivals or large tasting events without going through a distributor.

Sontissa Hurt Nolen holding a bottle of wine. — Sontissa of Tiss Valley Winery

Discounted advanced ticket purchases to the festival were available online ($50 for two) or attendees could purchase them at festival for $40 per person. Tickets for designated drivers were only $10 and came with a $10 food voucher.

Apple wine being poured into a wine glass.

The festival ran from noon until 4:00 pm, allowing plenty of time for attendees to sample all of the wines.

There were two food vendors on site selling delicious barbecue or pretty incredible fushion tacos.

Shrimp and fish tacos in a white food container.

Missed the festival and want to purchase Alabama wine?

Starting August 1, 2021, it is now legal for wineries to ship directly to Alabama residences. If you can't find what you are looking for at your local grocery or ABC store, contact the winery through its website to make a purchase.