bham now 6a7e0c5468ef2 This 1910 Bessemer landmark is now home to a new winery — Chateau Bevvy Winery is hosting its soft opening this Saturday, August 15 from noon-7PM. (La Fran Marks)

Chateau Bevvy Winery, located at 1930 1st Avenue North in Bessemer, is bringing a new wine experience to the area as the first winery in Jefferson County.

We sat down with owner La Fran Marks to learn more about Chateau Bevvy’s wine offerings, what to expect and a little more about the history of the space in Downtown Bessemer. Read on for more.

Introducing Jefferson County’s first urban winery

20260811 171124 This 1910 Bessemer landmark is now home to a new winery — Chateau Bevvy Winery in Downtown Bessemer (La Fran Marks)

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 1.20.58 PM This 1910 Bessemer landmark is now home to a new winery — Chateau Bevvy Winery in Downtown Bessemer (La Fran Marks)

The building that houses Chateau Bevvy dates back to 1910, when it was originally constructed as a neighborhood saloon. Over the years, it also became a drugstore, with the space eventually housing multiple businesses at once.

Marks wanted to preserve as much of that history as possible—original wood floors, brass fixtures and the building’s historic character are all part of the experience. Vintage furniture, collected from thrift stores and estate sales, adds to the cozy, lived-in feel.

“It’s an enjoyable space where you can kind of sit, relax, and enjoy some nice quality wine, as well as listen to some soft, mellow music to relax your mind, your body, and then just kind of just for you to enjoy the space.”
La Fran Marks, Owner, Chateau Bevvy

The layout was intentionally designed to feel a little like walking through a home: you enter the living room, move into the dining room and eventually reach the “kitchen”—in this case, Chateau Bevvy’s tasting bar. The low-top bar seats about six people and was designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for guests with different mobility needs to enjoy the tasting experience.

Bringing original wine to Birmingham

20260810 185538 This 1910 Bessemer landmark is now home to a new winery — Chateau Bevvy’s signature moscato (La Fran Marks)

Chateau Bevvy makes and sells its own wines exclusively. Marks and his team import grapes from various locations, then handle the fermentation, aging, bottling and labeling processes locally at the Bessemer facility.

For the winery’s opening, guests can expect four wines to be featured:

Malbec: A red wine with smoky notes that Marks says has quickly become a favorite
Chardonnay: A semi-sweet option that has received positive feedback from early tasters
Riesling: A middle-ground choice for those who like something between dry + sweet
Moscato: A sweeter option for those who prefer a fruitier wine

Marks also plans to use the space to showcase local art, with photography and other pieces displayed throughout the building and available for purchase.

Visit Chateau Bevvy in Downtown Bessemer

20260725 174004 edited This 1910 Bessemer landmark is now home to a new winery — Cheese boards to pair with your wine (La Fran Marks)

Ready to try some wine? For now, Chateau Bevvy will be open Saturdays from noon-7PM during its introductory period. The winery plans to expand its hours over time, eventually adding Sundays and weekday and Friday hours.

This Saturday, August 15, visitors to Chateau Winery have the opportunity to learn about the building and the history of the surrounding area alongside their wine tasting—like the story of the building’s original owner, Sam Dunn, as well as its later history as Union Drug Company under Ed Ward, one of just three Black pharmacists in Alabama at the time.