La Famiglia Vineyards: A Legacy of Tradition
Nestled in the fields of North Alabama, La Famiglia Vineyards and Winery serves as more than just a vineyard; it’s a heartfelt tribute to family, tradition, and continuity.
The name “La Famiglia” translates to “family,” reflecting the spirit of its owners, Tom Fitzgerald and Bev Massa, who pour their hearts into every aspect of their work.
Fitzgerald and Massa hail from Italian roots, with ancestors who once farmed the picturesque Piedmont region before migrating to the U.S. to toil in the coal mines of southern Illinois. Yet, despite the new world, they held onto their heritage.
“They kept planting grapes and making wine when they arrived,” Fitzgerald shared. “That tradition never really faded away.”
Today, their legacy flourishes in Alabama soil. The family moved to the area in 1997, immersing themselves in grape cultivation.
La Famiglia is known as a “craftsman micro farm winery,” situated north of Tony, not far from Huntsville. Every grape used in their wines is grown by Fitzgerald and his family.
“We grow, harvest, and produce everything ourselves,” Massa noted, highlighting Tom’s incredible talent as a grower.
This passion is evident in the meticulous care and experimentation that goes into their wine varieties. Northern Alabama’s climate poses challenges for traditional European grape cultivation, so Fitzgerald has dedicated himself to studying and testing hybrids that can flourish in the region.
“It’s important to find grape varieties that resist disease,” he explained. Notably, his expertise has extended to advising growers in Florida and Tennessee as well.
One remarkable variety is the Professore Zehnder, named after Robert Zehnder, a Sheffield native who created hybrid grapes despite not drinking wine himself. La Famiglia is unique in producing wines from Zehnder’s most acclaimed blend, which includes grapes from Spain, France, North Africa, and muscadine. The label subtly features Zehnder’s notes, a nod to his almost forgotten heritage.
La Famiglia offers almost 20 different wines, spanning dried red and white varieties, fruit wines, and a standout fig wine made from their own trees. Guests can savor everything from refreshing whites like Dre and Traminette to rich reds such as crimson Cabernet and Sasso Rosso— the latter being a tribute to North Alabama.
“Sasso Rosso means ‘Italian Redstone,’ which honors the people of Redstone and reflects the local clay and our experiences here,” Fitzgerald explained.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy here,” he emphasized.
The vineyards welcome visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 PM, while Fridays are reserved for private gatherings. Massa invites guests to relax among the grapes, enjoying the serene atmosphere. “When you’re surrounded by the vines, there’s a sense of peace,” she said. “It feels a bit like heaven to me.”
“Our aim is to share our heritage and to warmly welcome those wanting to share theirs,” she added.
