Big Fat Wine

Official Portal of the state of Alabama

Alabama, “The Heart of Dixie” is known to the rest of us for its peanut industry, sorghum syrup and the NASCAR Super Speedway in Talladega. As difficult as it may be to believe, there are wineries in every one of the 50 states. Although only a handful, Alabama has its share of the wine industry. They love a “good red wan’ like the rest of em’”.  (sorry Bama).

Just by doing a little research about the Alabama wine industry, I was surprised to read that vineyards can only be opened in wet counties where the sale of alcohol is legal. One third of the state is dry! This tends to limit large production which fails to attract national distributors. There are some great winemakers in Alabama but until state regulations ease and legislatures get their nose out the business and in a glass, the rest of us will just have to go to Alabama to enjoy what they have to offer.

The wine industry in Alabama received a significant boost in 2002 when agricultural reforms lifted restrictions on wineries. Most wineries in the state focus on French hybrid grape varieties and the Muscadine grape, rather than vitis vinifera grapes, which are vulnerable to Pierce’s disease. There are no designated American Viticultural Areas in the state of Alabama.  Alabama WineTrail.net has some great driving tours across the state to help you enjoy their wineries. 

Muscadine grapes

Interesting news….

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