La Famiglia: An Alabama vineyard rooted in heritage

TONEY – 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 Piemonte, 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.”