By Brady Talbert / Staff Writer

ALABASTER – On the outskirts of Alabaster lies a local 2-and-a-half-acre winery that just “popped the cork” and opened its doors to the public. Located near the Shelby County Airport, just off U.S. 65, exists the Corbin Farms Winery, owned and operated by the Corbin family.

“We saw a lot of potential out here,” Matt Corbin said, discussing the winery that sprung from a casual passion of drinking at another winery that once called the locale home. Vizzini Farms Winery inhabited the location for 13 years, after its founding back in 2005. “We actually started as customers here,” Corbin said, adding that the family become interested in the venue after hearing word that the previous owners were retiring. “We knew we wanted to provide that unique and fun opportunity for people to come out and enjoy something that’s a little bit different,” and from that, the business came to light.

On Friday, Aug. 3, the family owned winery welcomed Alabaster city officials to a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of its doors. “Wineries are certainly something we don’t have a lot of in the area,” Mayor Marty Handlon said, adding that she is “really glad that Alabaster has one.”

The new business has a Calera mailing address, but operates under an Alabaster business license, paying taxes to Alabaster, a “unique” situation Corbin said. Handlon said “I was very excited that they are a part of our business community,” adding that like all local businesses, the sales tax they contribute will further help the city provide to the public. The winery is “a different atmosphere,” one that Handlon is looking forward to sharing with friends alongside the “ambience of the vineyard.”

“All the wines that we sell are made right here at the winery,” Corbin said, each taking an average of six months to make. Upon arrival to the winery, guests will see small red noble and white carlos muscadine plants. “It is a young vineyard,” one that is expected to produce fruit by fall 2020.

Currently the business is bringing in grapes from California, Oregon, Washington, Virginia, and New York; with the wine being crafted on site. In addition, the winery also brings in grapes, peaches and pears from the south east, trying to “do as much locally here in Alabama as we can,” Corbin said, because much like the plants themselves “we’re deeply rooted in Alabama.”