Alabama Wine Festival: What to Expect
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.
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 20, 2025, will elevate the experience with its 90‑foot waterfall, botanical gardens, and park attractions paired with Art on the Rocks.
Admission to the adults-only event includes a commemorative wine glass that attendees use to sample everything from apple wines to scuppernong wines.
Sip and Savor at the 2025 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
