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| Ecco checks out Hodges Winery in Alabama |
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| Main building at Hodges Winery |
Earl Hodges established his namesake vineyard and winery between
Auburn and
Dadeville in 2011. The originally planted
Zinfandel vines were lost to disease and mold. While several familiar grape varieties have been planted and still appear on the tasting sheet, those vines too have fallen victim to the harsh Alabama climate (think challenges faced by Virginia vintners on steroids).
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| Wine Dogs get a little history and taste through the grape wines |
Hybrids fared better. We sampled a
Champanel (a relative of the
Concord),
Norton (Virginia's native vine), and
Lenoir (a hybrid from
Black Spanish grapes developed in Texas). The tasting list also was heavy with fruit wines and sweet blends.
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| Paws up to "Carlos," Hodges' classic white Muscadine |
Not surprisingly, it is the native
Muscadine grape that thrives in Alabama. Hodges bottles them as red and white and blush wines and blended with fruits. On this hot August afternoon, the Wine Dogs opted for the bronze-colored Carlos, the standard-bearer in
white Muscadine wines.
Hodges grounds offer a delightful space to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, as well as serving as a local venue for weddings and events. There is also a 6,000 foot indoor space.
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