We invite you to come in and experience our wines and friendly atmosphere.
Welcome to Carmela Winery! This is our tribute to Carmela, our paternal mother, grandmother and family matriarch who immigrated to America from Sicily. We offer a tasting room inspired by ones in Napa and Sonoma, California, but just North of Dallas. We invite you to come in and experience our wines and friendly atmosphere. We think you’ll be surprised. And we believe “Big Mama” Carmela would be proud.
October 30, 2017 - March 24, 1988
Carmela was our paternal mother, grandmother, and family matriarch. She was born in Sutera, Sicily in 1896. She lived a very full life. She and her younger sister Norina, left Sicily November 19, 1919, and arrived in Birmingham, Alabama February 2, 1920. She and Norina were not allowed to enter through Ellis Island due a diphtheria outbreak there.
She married Joseph (“Papa Joe”) Anselmo December 6, 1925. They have three children, Nicolina, Pauline, and Cesare. Eleven (11) Grand children Twenty-one (21) Great Grand Children
Carmela’s son Cesare (Chez-a-rey), a.k.a. “Andy”, has two sons, Joseph and Paul. These three are Carmela Winery. Mother Dorothy was paralyzed in an automobile accident in 1963, requiring an extended hospital stay. Joseph and Paul lived with Carmela during this time, and she became a tremendous influence on their lives.
“What a great experience! This has been the perfect spot for us to hold our monthly employee gatherings. Joe and his staff are a pleasure to see. They treat us like family! The wines are terrific and the rustic atmosphere is perfect!”