jules j. berta vineyards

Hell has to be frozen over (literally - its 8 F as I write this tonight). There was a time in Alabama, in the not too distant past, when the only place you could "legally" buy wine was Huntsville and Mobile - neither are generally considered "hard core" Alabama - what with Mobile being the true home of America's Mardi Gras and Huntsville, the home of Von Braun and his cadre of German rocket scientist - they are exceptions! But with the coming of the Red Neck enlightenment of 2010, and the retirement of all the major Bootleggers from the state legislature, you can actually drive from one side of the State to the other and stay in "wet" counties and/or towns. Unfortunately for the wine industry in the state, it still is not recognized the legislature as "agriculture" (nor the fact that the earth is more than 6000 year old)!Despite the lack of support from Montgomery (unlike NC, TN, and VA) Berta Vineyards is one of a growing number of successful vintners taking advantage of excellent growing conditions found on the higher elevations of North Alabama. Locally produced wines available in his shop rank in the top tier of wines produced in the US, right up there with California and NC (read Biltmore) product. His shop also carries other wines from the surrounding area and a few imports.The vineyard is impeccably cared for by Jules and a small crew of locals. Just a couple of 100 yards off of Hwy 431, it's a great place to stretch your legs wandering thru a real Alabama Vineyard, sample the local fair, and if you are lucky, get Jules to bring you up to speed on growing grapes in cotton country!!

This is one place you don't want to miss. We pulled in and help as we were walking up. The guy was very helpful and had great wine. He also recommended a place to go sit down and eat. The place is very clean and we'll organized.

The Vineyards, situated 15 (or maybe even less) minutes drive from downtown Albertville, kept by descendents of Hungarian migrants to the US, is a nice place where you will be heartedly welcome by the owners. You will be shown how the grapes are growing and will visit a vineyards store where you will have a chance to taste different kinds of locally produced vine (from the sorts of grapes brought to Alabama from Hungary) and will be able to buy those you would like (for about $15 per bottle) for yourself or as a gift. I am sure you will enjoy a short visit to the vineyards!

When you first come upon the vineyard it looks like your typical house with an outbuilding for a tractor or ATVs. However, drive around to the parking lot and you can see the rows of grape vines which are lovingly cared for by Jules and his family. Becky welcomes you to the shop/tasting room with her son and this is where the experience starts. Becky and Jules (jr) start to explain their wines and what goes into them. Becky tells me it started as a hobby for her father which her family continue as a hobby and business. Uniqueness goes into their process and even the wine labels. Commissioning local artists and even her son to add that difference to their wine which sets them apart from the big wine makers. I would highly recommend "Bullfrog" which is light and flavorful with hints of lemon as my choice of their white. For those who prefer reds then pick the Syvaner which is a blend of four grapes to make this fine red worthy of anyones wine cellar. So, make this your first stop on the Alabama wine trail and experience the southern hospitality of Jules Berta vineyards.

I make a stop here almost every time I come to Albertville/Boaz. Their wines are good and the lady who runs the store is very nice. It is definitely worth a look for anyone who likes to visit vineyards. Small but informative.

A must experience of wines that are not found in stores and give the beginner an introduction into the world of wines..Friendly owners and are glad to answer and share their world of wines to those who want to enter...A must in the wineries here in Alabama!

We went there for a Chamber of Commerce sponsored wine tasting and chocolate pairing. The wines were good and interesting, and the setting was perfect. We were outdoors under a grape arbor. All in all, a very pleasureable experience.

Jules Berta Winery in Albertville is on the Alabama Wine Trail – and it’s not to be missed! I believe that Jules’s dry wines – Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet & Cabernet Franc would easily compete with any Napa Valley wines! Just talking about this wine and the Jules Berta Winery reminds me of the 2008 movie “Bottle Shock”. It’s a great movie if you’re a wine aficionado – even if you’re not! The Jules Berta Winery itself is very special -- from the stylish corrugated steel Tasting Bar to the elegant (and very fun!) gift selections starting with clever shirts and numerous wine-related goodies. This is a first rate winery where you’ll feel at home the minute you walk in the door! They even offer a yummy cheese selection for a picnic that’s hard to resist! Now that I’ve expressed my wine preferences, you can feel very confident that Jules’s talents extend throughout the varietals. These include a wide encompassing range of sweet wines including a variety of Muscadine wines and even a Chocolate Merlot Dessert Wine called “The Love Shack”!