The Alabama Wine Festival at Noccalula Falls

If sipping local wines in a beautiful outdoor setting sounds like your kind of Saturday, then mark your calendar for the Alabama Wine Festival. Held each fall in North Alabama, this laid-back event brings together wine lovers and local wineries for an afternoon of tastings, shopping, and scenic views—plus a few extra surprises for VIP guests.

Red wine being poured into a wine glass.

Attendees can sample a variety of wines and purchase their favorites by the bottle or glass. The festival also features delicious offerings from food vendors and live music, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Alabama’s First Wine Festival

The first annual Alabama Wine Festival was held in October 2021 and was a huge success, with more than 250 people in attendance who were able to sample more than 40 different wines produced in Alabama.

That early success paved the way for expansion, and this year, the festival takes place at scenic Noccalula Falls Park. This move to the park, which hosts the fifth annual festival on September 18-19, 2026, will elevate the experience with its 90‑foot waterfall, botanical gardens, and park attractions paired with Art on the Rocks.

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

Admission to the adults-only event includes a commemorative wine glass that attendees use to sample everything from apple wines to scuppernong wines.

Apple wine being poured into a wine glass.

Sip and Savor at the 2026 Alabama Wine Festival

General Admission ($25) Includes:

Full access to park attractions, including the train and mini golf
A stroll through the Art on the Rocks vendor market for unique finds
Wine tastings from participating Alabama wineries from 2 PM to 5 PM

VIP Admission ($50) Includes Everything Above, Plus:

Dinner in the scenic botanical garden
A dazzling fireworks display over Noccalula Falls to close out the evening

Alabama Wineries You’ll Want to Visit

One of the best parts of the Alabama Wine Festival is getting to sample wines produced right here in the Yellowhammer State. While the winery lineup can change from year to year, previous festivals have featured vineyards from across Alabama, giving visitors the chance to discover everything from traditional grape wines to sweet Southern favorites made with muscadines, scuppernongs, peaches, and apples.

Some Alabama wineries to keep an eye out for include:

Even if you’ve sampled wines from one winery before, this festival offers an easy way to compare styles without driving across the state.

What Makes Alabama Wine Different?

If you’ve never tried Alabama wines before, you may be pleasantly surprised by the variety.

Many wineries produce wines from classic European grape varieties, while others embrace Southern-grown fruits.

Popular styles include:

Muscadine wines
Scuppernong wines
Peach wines
Blackberry wines
Dry reds
Semi-sweet whites

If you normally enjoy Riesling or Moscato, you’ll probably appreciate many of Alabama’s sweeter fruit wines. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot drinkers can also find several Alabama wineries producing drier red wines.

Parking and Getting Around

Since the festival is held at Noccalula Falls Park, parking is generally available throughout the park, although arriving early is recommended because the event coincides with Art on the Rocks. Comfortable walking shoes are a smart choice since you’ll likely spend several hours exploring the park, artisan booths, and wine tasting areas.

Visitors with mobility concerns will appreciate that many of the park’s primary attractions are accessible, though some walking paths around the falls include hills and uneven terrain. Checking current accessibility information before your visit is always a good idea.

What Should You Wear?

Late September in North Alabama can be warm during the afternoon and pleasantly cool after sunset.

I recommend:

Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
A hat
A lightweight sweater or jacket for the evening
A crossbody bag for keeping your hands free

Since you’ll be sampling wine, skip the high heels unless you’re exceptionally talented at walking on grass after a Cabernet.

Where to Stay Near the Alabama Wine Festival

If you’re planning to enjoy several wine tastings, spending the night nearby is a smart idea.

Good lodging options include:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Gadsden, 6.8 miles
Hampton Inn Gadsden, 4.8 miles
Holiday Inn Express Gadsden, 10.4 miles
Noccalula Falls Campground, 0.2 miles

The festival organizers have previously offered special lodging discounts through local partners, so it’s worth checking the official event page before booking.

Make It a North Alabama Weekend

After you’ve enjoyed the festival, there are plenty of nearby attractions worth adding to your itinerary.

Consider visiting:

Noccalula Falls Park for the waterfall, botanical gardens, train ride, pioneer village, mini golf, hiking trails, and animal habitat.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
Unclaimed Baggage
Downtown Gadsden shopping and dining
Little River Canyon National Preserve

If you’re already driving to Gadsden, it’s easy to turn the festival into a fun North Alabama weekend getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hadn’t there been a wine festival before 2021?

Prior to October 2021, 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.

Can’t make it to the festival but still want to purchase Alabama wine?

Starting August 1, 2021, it became 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.

View of trees from underneath a grapevine.

Don’t Miss Out!

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, the Alabama Wine Festival is the perfect fall getaway. Grab your tickets, gather your friends, and get ready to sip, shop, and celebrate! 🍷

Have you been before or plan to attend this year? Drop a comment below, share this post with your wine-loving crew, and don’t forget to pin it for later!

Please remember to drink responsibly. Plan ahead for a safe ride home — never drink and drive.

Final Call

If you’re planning to sip your way through the Alabama Wine Festival, why not make a weekend of it? Try your luck at one of the Alabama Casinos (yes, they exist!), hunt for treasures at the Unclaimed Baggage Center, or head underground to explore the stunning Cathedral Caverns. Each offers a uniquely Alabama experience — from wine and wonder to a little bit of winning.

Have you ever attended the Alabama Wine Festival or explored any of these unique Alabama spots? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts or travel tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to save or share this post with a friend who’d love a weekend filled with local wine, hidden gems, and Southern charm.