The Proof Is in the Pouring: Stocking Up for Your Fairhope Stay

Here’s a little something first-time visitors learn fast: Alabama has its own way of doing things when it comes to wine and spirits. Liquor runs through state-operated ABC stores, selection varies from town to town, and the best move for a group staying a few days is simply to arrive with a plan. Nothing complicated — just a short field guide to where the locals go, so you can spend your trip on the porch instead of hunting for a corkscrew’s worth of options.

The big run — Total Wine, Pensacola, FL

If you want everything under one roof, it’s worth crossing the state line. Total Wine & More in Pensacola (1660 Airport Blvd, Unit 145) is about 45 minutes east, with Florida pricing and a selection that covers whatever the weekend calls for. This is the trip to make on the way in, or on a day you’re already headed that direction.

In-state spirits — Alabama ABC, Fairhope

For anything you’d rather grab close to home, spirits in Alabama come through the state’s ABC stores — the Fairhope location is at 160 Baldwin Square. It’s not the widest selection, but it’s reliable for the basics and usually the best in-state price on them.

Buy in bulk — Costco, Mobile

Feeding and pouring for a crowd? Costco in Mobile 1450 Tingle Circle W (about 40 minutes, membership required) is quietly one of the better values around — the Kirkland wine and spirits consistently punch above their price. Easy to justify when you’re stocking for a full house.

Coming in from the west — Trader Joe’s, New Orleans

If your group is driving in from New Orleans, you’ll pass right by Trader Joe’s (2501 Tulane Ave). Grab the crowd favorites before you land — it’s an easy trunk-load on the way, and there’s nothing quite like it once you’re on the Eastern Shore.

The quick run — Kathy’s Package Store, Fairhope

Forgot the tonic, or the second bottle of rosé? Kathy’s Package Store (18153 Wright Blvd, Fairhope) is the close-to-home stop for when you don’t want to make a whole outing of it.

The sleeper — Marathon, Foley

And a local secret worth keeping in your back pocket: the Marathon station in Foley (11470 County Rd 65). Yes, the gas station — with a surprisingly serious selection and the occasional hard-to-find bottle tucked on the shelf. Every area has one of these; this is ours.