About Us
THE PLAYERS
Randal Wilson is the winemaker for Southern Oak Wines produced at White Oak Vineyards in Alabama. Together with his wife and business partner, Dana, they run the winery operation and farm year round. The land includes 52 acres and sits at 1000 ft. elevation, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, not far off the Interstate 20 corridor. The land is beautiful and the view especially stunning as visitors look out onto rolling hills and valleys. Mt. Cheaha State Park, the highest elevation in Alabama, is a short 20 miles away and provides a wonderful mountain get-away for families who enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
THE FARM
We are a small farm winery in North Central Alabama. The first vines at White Oak were planted in 1998 and now produce fruit for most of our wines. Grapes currently flourishing include over 8 varieties of Muscadines. We are excited to be part of a new venture between The University of California at Davis and Auburn University that recently brought in disease resistent traditional grape varieties (such as Chardonnay) cultivated at UCD. In December, 2010, staff planted over 300 vines at an experiment station in Clanton, Alabama. White Oak now has over 7 acres of these grapes planted, with our first harvest of chardonnay in the bottle now. Stay tuned for more info as we harvest the reds later this year.
THE TASTING ROOM
White Oak’s tasting room opened in 2004. Dana is usually there pouring our wines Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Hours are 1-5 Thurs – Fri, and 10 – 5 Saturday. Monday – Wednesday by appointment, call Randal at 256 453-6470. We offer gift baskets, jams and jellies, syrup, candles, and other items. Tastings are $5 per person for 5 wines, $10 for all wines, so come join us soon. Call us if you would like a special appointment and especially if you have a group and would like a special tour and tasting.