Ozan Vineyard and Cellars

Ozan Vineyard and Cellars

173 Highway 301

Calera, AL 35040

205-668-OZAN (6926)

Located in the heart of Alabama, Ozan Vineyard and Cellars sits approximately ten miles from downtown Montevallo in Calera. On this location resides a grape vineyard and wine-tasting room. Owned by Burt Patrick and his father Roger Patrick, Ozan Vineyard has maintained a steady wine making establishment for nearly ten years. Ozan offers the citizens of Montevallo and the surrounding area the ability to experience the enjoyment of southern wines that are harvested in this part of the world.

Ozan offers thirteen different varieties of wines ranging from red wines, white wines and specialty wines. After testing different varieties of grapes, the Patricks have settled on the Norton variety because those grapes are better suited for the climate at this specific location. Grapes grown in their vineyard are harvested every September. After two years of aging in barrels, their leading wine is bottled. It is a red table wine suitably called Norton. Interestingly, the Norton grapes are not the only locally harvested fruit for their wines. From their many specialty wines, their most popular is peach. The peach wine is made from Chilton County peaches and proudly labeled on each bottle. Their other wines made from different varieties of grapes and other fruits imported from the Southeast. All are fermented and aged in their cellars in Calera.

Locally, people only have to travel a short distance to taste these delicately made wines. The citizens of central Alabama do not have to rely on good wines from Napa Valley in California, or the Mediterranean wines of Europe, but can look closer to home. Ozan has an atmosphere that presents itself with a down-home feel, yet encompasses the sophisticated experience of European culture. At the Ozan site, customers can tour the vineyard, take a trip on the Ozan train, or enjoy the tasting-room and patio that overlook the estate.

Most importantly, Ozan offers local people the opportunity to buy, drink and enjoy wines that are harvested and aged within miles of their homes. Due to Alabama laws, Ozan is not able to distribute to public places; however, they have a private distributor that sells their wines to grocers and restaurants primarily in the Birmingham, Montgomery and Auburn areas. Ozan is open to the public every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

Emily