Ozan Vineyard & Cellars, Calera

Since acquiring this picturesque property almost 40 years ago, the Patrick family has discovered the historical links to the production of Alabama Moonshine, aka “Shelby Corn” produced on the property possibly back to the late 1800s. In the 1890s, the Louisville & Nashville Railroad laid new tracks from Calera to Shelby Iron Works, locating a steam engine water stop known as “Ozan”. This natural water collecting point was employed by industrious locals to distill corn spirits with a number of moonshine pits discovered, and an “industrial” size operation located trackside. Today, YH Distillery & Spirits continues that historical operation being located alongside the “Ozan” water stop and these historical moonshine operations.

In 2001, the family started practicing wine-making by using a portion of their land to cultivate grapes. After perfecting their process in 2005, they established Ozan Vineyard & Cellars. Today the winery serves varietals produced on their land and sourced from the West Coast such as riesling, chardonnay, Chilton County peach, Norton red, and cabernet sauvignon. Over the years, Ozan's space has grown to include a tasting area, vineyard viewing areas, an event space, a winery boutique, a café which serves lunch daily, and an on-site distillery.