A trip down the Shelby County Wine Trail
Reading time: 4 minutes
A lot of people may forget that parts of Birmingham run into Shelby County. Our neighbors across the Jefferson County border have a lot going on, including local vineyards. Grab some friends, your wine glasses and let’s take a trip down Shelby County’s local wine trail.
Wait! Alabama has vineyards?
I wish you could have seen my face when I first learned that Alabama had vineyards. I just always associated frolicking about grape vines with a little buzz with Napa Valley and Italy, but turns out you don’t have to go too far for the same effect.
Alabama currently has 15 vineyards that serve homegrown, distinctive wines. Many of them use Alabama’s native grape, the muscadine. Although you may not be a fan of Alabama heat, the state’s warm, humid climate makes the ideal conditions for delicious wine.
Our first stop—Bryant Vineyards
We’re kicking things off with Alabama’s oldest continuously operating winery. It’s a family affair over at Bryant Vineyards. Their award-winning muscadine wines have been planted on land that’s been in the family since the mid-1800’s.
The winery is conveniently located on Lake Logan Martin and is the state’s second licensed winery. They offer wine tastings and produce picking. The muscadines are ripe and ready in September so mark your calendar.
- Address: 1454 Griffitt Bend Rd, Talladega, AL 35160
- Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
- Website | Facebook | Call
Next stop—Morgan Creek Vineyards
Located in Harpersville, Morgan Creek Vineyards hits it right on the head with their semi-sweet and sweet wines. They specialize in regional wines and local fruit wines including Chilton Country Peaches, apples and blueberries.
Whether you’re new to the wine scene or a connoisseur, the winery’s tasting room is the perfect place to find a selection you enjoy. They offer free guided tours of the vineyard paired with free wine tastings at their state of the art facility.
- Address: 181 Morgan Creek Ln, Harpersville, AL 35078
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
- Website | Facebook | Call
Moving on to Hidden Meadow Vineyard
Located in Jemison, Hidden Meadow Vineyard is a family-run farm and winery that sits on four acres of a dreamy valley. Their wine is made on-site from grapes and other locally sourced fruits.
As you pull onto the property, you’re greeted by a manicured vineyard and quaint little building hidden among the meadows—hence the name. With over a dozen varieties, from dry to dessert, their wines are ready for the tasting.
Hope you’re still along for the ride because we’re headed to Ozan Winery & Vineyard
Ozan Winery and Vineyard transports you to Tuscany and is just a short drive outside of metro Birmingham. I know a few people who’ve been here and they had nothing but good things to say about their experience. I guess it wasn’t once named the Alabama Winery of the Year for nothing.
They offer wine tastings, cheese plates and even train excursions on their private air-conditioned car. With socially distant umbrella seating, a full cafe menu and chilled wine, I’d happily make the trip out to Calera.
- Address: 173 Co Rd 301, Calera, AL 35040
- Hours: Sunday 12PM-6PM & Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
- Website | Facebook | Call
Whew! This is fun. Moving right along to Corbin Farms Winery.
Last but certainly not least is the Southeast’s longest-standing wineries, Corbin Farms Winery. The Corbin family has been providing premium products and experiences since 2017 when they took ownership of what was originally Vizzini Farms Winery.
They offer a selection of local Alabama fruit wines including peach, pear and of course, muscadine. Let’s not forget their wine slushies though. It’s just what the warm weather calls for.
- Address: 800 Co Rd 87, Calera, AL 35040
- Hours: Thursday-Friday 12PM-3PM | Saturday 12PM-6PM | Sunday 12PM-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Call
Have you been to any of these wineries? Let us know your favorite on social @BhamNow + @now_bham on Twitter.
