QUICK SUMMARY
Chateau Bevvy Winery is now open in downtown Bessemer, making it the first winery in Jefferson County. Owner La Fran Marks is welcoming guests for soft-opening hours on Saturdays from noon to 7 PM at 1930 1st Avenue North. It joins a wave of new openings across the Birmingham metro this month, including Cava coming to Alabaster and a new craft studio opening in Hoover on August 29. Here is what is new and what it means for the area.
Something special just happened in Bessemer. For the first time ever, Jefferson County has its own winery – and it calls historic downtown Bessemer home. It is the latest sign that the west side of the Birmingham metro, from Bessemer to McCalla, is picking up steam.
What is Chateau Bevvy Winery?
Chateau Bevvy Winery is a new wine destination at 1930 1st Avenue North in downtown Bessemer. Owner La Fran Marks has turned a piece of the historic district into a place where neighbors can taste, sip and learn about wine right at home – no drive to a vineyard required. For now the winery is in its soft-opening phase, with hours on Saturdays from noon to 7 PM. Bham Now sat down with Marks to talk about the wine list and the history of the building.
Downtown Bessemer has been quietly adding restaurants, shops and event spaces for several years. A first-of-its-kind attraction like this gives people one more reason to spend a Saturday there – and gives nearby neighborhoods a boost of energy.
Curious about the Bessemer and McCalla area? Browse our Bessemer community guide and McCalla community guide, or call us at 205-292-7142.
What else is opening around the Birmingham metro?
The winery is not the only news this month. Here are more openings and changes around the suburbs:
1. Cava is coming to Alabaster. The popular fast-casual Mediterranean chain announced it will open at the new Shoppes at District 31 development at 725 1st Street South. It will be the third Cava in the metro, joining downtown Birmingham and Brook Highlands.
2. The Painted Purple Turtle opens in Hoover August 29. The new arts and crafts studio at River Oaks Village on Lorna Road holds its grand opening Saturday, August 29, with free snacks and make-and-take projects while supplies last.
3. Kirkland's Home is closing in Trussville. The home decor store at 5474 Patrick Way is marking everything down 50% and will stay open until inventory is gone or September 8, whichever comes first. Two Kirkland's locations remain in Gadsden and Alabaster.
Why do new openings matter for home buyers?
When restaurants, shops and attractions open close to home, daily life gets easier – and neighborhoods get more attractive to buyers. Bessemer and McCalla are two of the most affordable corners of the Birmingham metro, and new draws like a downtown winery help those areas grow. Meanwhile, Alabaster's District 31 development keeps adding names that used to require a drive across town.
If you are weighing where to buy, our Greater Birmingham market update breaks down prices across Jefferson and Shelby counties, and our first-time home buyer guide walks you through every step.
Want to live near the action – or sell while your area is hot? Get a free home valuation or call The Williams Group at 205-292-7142.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chateau Bevvy Winery located?
Chateau Bevvy Winery is at 1930 1st Avenue North in downtown Bessemer, Alabama. It is the first winery to open in Jefferson County.
When is Chateau Bevvy Winery open?
During its soft opening, the winery welcomes guests on Saturdays from noon to 7 PM. Hours may expand after the full opening, so check its social pages before you go.
When does the Painted Purple Turtle open in Hoover?
The new craft studio at River Oaks Village on Lorna Road holds its grand opening on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with free refreshments and make-and-take projects.
Is Kirkland's Home leaving the Birmingham area completely?
No. Only the Trussville store is closing, with a 50% off sale through September 8. Kirkland's locations in Gadsden and Alabaster remain open.
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