Alabama
La Famiglia: An Alabama vineyard rooted in heritage – Yellowhammer News
Tucked along the fields of North Alabama, La Famiglia Vineyards and Winery is more than a vineyard, it’s a living tribute to family, tradition, and the art of growing something lasting.
The name means “the family,” and for owners Tom Fitzgerald and Bev Massa, it’s the heart of everything they do.
Fitzgerald and Massa come from Italian families who once farmed the countryside of Piedmont, then crossed the Atlantic to work the coal mines of southern Illinois. But even in a new country, old traditions endured.
“When they came over, they continued planting grapes and making wine,” Fitzgerald said. “That tradition continued.”
Now, it lives on in Alabama soil. The family moved to Harvest in 1997 after being “BRACed here” according to Fitzgerald.
Described as “an artisan, micro-farm winery” the vineyard can be found north of Huntsville in Toney. La Famiglia is entirely estate-grown, meaning every grape used is grown by Fitzgerald and his family.
“We grow and harvest and produce it all ourselves,” Massa said. “This is Tom’s passion. He’s a great grower.”
That passion is clear in the care and experimentation behind each varietal. Because North Alabama’s climate doesn’t suit the classic European grapes, Fitzgerald has spent years studying and trialing hybrids that can thrive here.
“We have to have grape varieties that are disease resistant,” he said, pointing to threats like Pierce’s Disease, which can kill certain vines. His work has extended to advising growers in Florida and Tennessee.
One standout is the Professore Zehnder, named for Robert Zehnder, a Sheffield native who developed hybrid grapes despite never drinking wine himself. La Famiglia is the only known winery producing wine from Zehnder’s most successful blend, a mix of Spanish, French, North African, and Muscadine grapes. The label includes Zehnder’s own notes, printed on the back, a quiet nod to an almost unknown legacy.
In total, La Famiglia produces nearly 20 wines, including dry reds and whites, fruit wines, and a standout fig wine made from their own trees. Visitors can taste everything from whites like Doré or Traminett to dry reds like the Crimson Cabernet and the Sasso Rosso, the latter a homage to North Alabama.
“It means Redstone in Italian and it’s a nod to all those at Redstone, but also our clay that we have here and also those that went through the gate all those years,” said Fitzgerald.
“Everyone can find something they like here.”
The vineyard is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., with Fridays reserved for private events. Visitors can sip wine among the vines and soak in the experience, according to Masso.
“When you’re in the vines, it’s peaceful,” Masso said. “To me, it’s a little bit of heaven.
“We just want to share our heritage. And we love welcoming people who want to share theirs, too.”
Courtesy of 256 Today
Alabama
Governor Ivey Taps Glenda Allred as New Tourism Director, Announces Lee Sentell’s Retirement –
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the retirement of Lee Sentell, Alabama’s longest-serving Tourism Director. Governor Bob Riley originally appointed Sentell in 2003.
“Since Lee began serving at the Department of Tourism, we have grown the state’s tourism revenue from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion. Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions,” said Governor Ivey. “From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”
Under his leadership, the Department has pioneered yearly campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury award six times in 12 years.
“Alabama is a special state, and I have been so proud to show people all over our country and around the world all that we have to offer,” said Sentell. “Leading the state’s tourism efforts for more than two decades and serving under Governor Ivey has been the honor of my life. I look forward to Alabama’s continued growth in the years ahead.”
The Department’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, becoming the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored. Most recently, Tourism helped execute Governor Ivey’s America 250 Alabama Celebration on the front steps of the Alabama State Capitol where she unveiled a massive special 250 edition of the U.S. flag.
Governor Ivey also announced she is appointing Glenda Allred to lead Tourism for the remainder of the Ivey Administration. She comes to the post from serving as Deputy State Treasurer in Treasurer Young Boozer’s Office. Glenda began state service in 2011.
“I am excited to have Glenda joining the Ivey Administration to lead our state’s tourism efforts. Before working in the executive branch, she had nearly two decades of private sector experience that included marketing and media relations,” said Governor Ivey. “Glenda will be a fantastic addition to our team as we finish strong these next six months. Alabama has a lot left to tell, and I know we can continue doing that with Glenda’s leadership.”
Allred spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.
“I am honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Allred. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to advance our shared mission of improving the lives of the people of our state and all those who visit!”
She is a 1991 Huntingdon College graduate and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Allred’s appointment is effective Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
An official headshot of Glenda Allred is attached.
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Plaintiffs have appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court after a circuit judge last week dismissed their lawsuit against Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville.
The suit argues Tuberville does not meet the Alabama Constitution’s eligibility requirements to serve as governor.
In the appeal filing, plaintiff’s attorney Barry Ragsdale said the issue is “whether the circuit court had subject matter jurisdiction to hear Plaintiffs’ claims.”
It is unclear when the Alabama Supreme Court will rule.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid ruled July 9 that the court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
The plaintiffs, two Alabama voters, claim Tuberville’s primary residence is in Florida and argue he does not meet the constitutional requirement that candidates for governor be Alabama residents for at least seven years before the general election.
On June 29, Tuberville’s legal team and the plaintiffs argued the case in Montgomery County Circuit Court.
Tuberville previously cleared a challenge from fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken McFeeters.
The Alabama GOP Candidate Committee unanimously ruled Tuberville is qualified to run for governor, citing documentation including an Alabama driver’s license, voting record and tax returns.
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