Pouring Into the Community
Sipsey Winery blends faith, conservation, and connection in Double Springs.
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Come for the wine, stay for the connection.
Tucked away in the Double Springs community, Sipsey Winery is a destination for those looking to enjoy a handcrafted beverage.
The winery was founded on Bart Crabtree's commitment to faith, community, and conservation.
Bart never set out to become a winemaker. After retiring early from a career in public health and 32 years of military service, he discovered a passion for wineries through a friend's business. What started as casual visits grew into a calling.
"A friend I worked with on a government contract owned a winery," Bart recalls. "I often found myself in the area with time to spare, so I started spending time at his winery and found that I liked the environment. Wineries have this sense of community, and wine people tend to be happy both before and after they start drinking!"
His newfound passion led him on a journey to vineyards across the United States, France, and Italy, where he fell in love with the way wine brings people together.
"Everywhere, the focus is on community and family. It's hard not to be drawn to something like that," he says.
When it came time to open his own winery, Bart knew exactly where he wanted to be. Double Springs, with its stunning backdrop of Bankhead National Forest and Smith Lake, felt like home. He chose this location deliberately, seeking to invest in a community that felt both familiar and meaningful.
"I grew up between south Alabama and eastern Kentucky. My formative years were in McCreary County, Kentucky, which is similar to Winston County, Alabama. Both areas have forests and lakes Daniel Boone National Forest and Cumberland Lake in Kentucky, and Bankhead National Forest and Smith Lake here," Bart shares. "We could have done this in a bigger city, but we feel that this area benefits more from what we're doing."
Inspired by the nearby Sipsey Wilderness, the winery's name reflects Bart's lifelong commitment to preserving the natural world. This commitment to conservation extends throughout Sipsey Winery's operations, as the business sources fruit locally and regionally to support nearby growers and celebrate Alabama's natural beauty.
The winery's offerings pay homage to local history and landmarks. For instance, Free State, a blackberry-blueberry wine, nods to Winston County's Civil War-era nickname. Other wines, like Blue Bridge and Big Tree, celebrate some of the area's most beloved landmarks.
Faith also plays a central role in Sipsey Winery's identity. Bart describes the winemaking process as a sacred calling, drawing on the Bible's rich symbolism of wine as a representation of joy, celebration, and God's blessings.
The first wine produced at Sipsey Winery, a Glühwein (German mulled wine), was crafted for the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. The second, a red blend named Dei Vinea (Latin for "God's Vineyard", underscores Bart's belief that winemaking is a way to honor God's creation.
"My role is to honor the natural world by producing a product that reflects the divine beauty of creation," he explains.
Faith also guides how Bart navigates the challenges of running a small business. Balancing spiritual values with practical considerations like marketing, distribution, and financial management, is no small feat. Yet Bart sees each step as an act of faith.
"There's an old adage: Nothing ventured, nothing gained? There's risk in any business, but my belief in God's providence strengthens my faith," he says.
It helps that he's not doing it alone. His wife, Renda, has become a vital part of the winery, bringing warmth and hospitality to the space. Though she was hesitant at first, she has since fully embraced the venture, helping to create an atmosphere where visitors feel welcome and connected.
"We're passionate about creating an environment where people feel connected, whether it's through sharing stories or enjoying a glass of wine," Bart says. "I hope they feel a sense of peace, security, and connection. We love sharing stories and creating a welcoming space where people feel like they've made a new friend."
Looking ahead, Bart and Renda have ambitious plans for Sipsey Winery. They are developing a vineyard and a European-style structure to elevate the visitor experience and establish the winery as a premier destination in Alabama.
"We want Sipsey Winery to be one of the most beautiful vineyards in the state," Bart shares. "It's a long-term project, but it will be worth it."
The couple also aims to host more events that highlight local culture and foster connections among visitors.
"Opening the winery has been a learning process for everyone," Bart admits. "But the community's support has made it worthwhile. We've faced challenges, but the rewards, from seeing visitors enjoy our wines to building something meaningful with my family, have been priceless."
Bart hopes that every visitor leaves Sipsey Winery with a bottle of wine and a sense of connection to the region, its stories, and the values that define this cherished new addition to the Double Springs community. 78