HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ChurchStreet Family Restaurant and Hospitality Group, the North Alabama hospitality group led by restaurateur Stephanie Kennedy-Mell, is launching three intimate food and wine festivals beginning on September 13, October 18, and November 7, 2026.
As North Alabama earns new attention for its evolving culinary landscape, Kennedy-Mell, recently named a James Beard Foundation 2026 Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Cohort member, continues advancing the region’s culinary momentum, with the three festivals representing ChurchStreet Family’s latest investment in its expanding food and hospitality culture.
“When I look around North Alabama, I see a food community that is changing in the best possible way,” says Kennedy-Mell. “We want to re-create that experience on a larger scale by creating a festival (or three) that lets people travel through food and wine without leaving North Alabama.”
The series showcases wines from around the world, chefs, local makers, live music, and distinct culinary experiences at each stop.
The Tiny Festival Series will include:
- Italian Food & Wine Festival| Sunday, September 13, 1–4 p.m. | Mazzara’s Vinoteca, Huntsville: The series kicks off with a celebration of Italian food and wine, featuring more than 40 wines, Italian-inspired small bites, and live music. Celebrity chefs Kev D and Brian Duffy will join the festivities, bringing national culinary talent to Huntsville for the weekend. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
- The Cove Wine Festival| Sunday, October 18, 1–4 p.m. | Hampton Cove: The series moves outdoors for an afternoon featuring more than 50 wines from around the world, live music, and local artisan and specialty vendors. The festival pairs a global wine tasting experience with the local makers and community of Hampton Cove. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here.
- Athens Food & Wine Festival| Saturday, November 7, 1–4 p.m. | Li’l Mazzara’s: Hosted by Li’l Mazzara’s, the final stop brings more than 50 wines together with food offerings, local chefs, vendors, and live music for a celebration centered around the Athens community. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
“We believe people are hungry not just for great food, but for experiences, connection, and a place to belong,” Kennedy-Mell shares. “The Tiny Wine Festival series gives us the opportunity to build that table, invite more people in, and create memories together. That’s the kind of community we want to help build and see flourish.”
Guests can also purchase a Tiny Festival Series Package for $170, which includes admission to all three festivals. All festival ticket prices include tax, ticket fees and gratuity.
About ChurchStreet Family Hospitality
Founded by Stephanie and Matthew Mell, Church Street Family Hospitality is the creative force behind some of Huntsville’s most beloved concepts, including Purveyor, Church Street Wine Shoppe, Mazzara’s Vinoteca, Sea Salt Urban Oyster Bar, Catacomb435 Speakeasy, and Li’l Mazzara’s, a smaller version of the Huntsville Italian favorite located in Athens. Locally recognized as Restaurateurs of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and a Community Impact Award, the Group is reshaping dining in the South by combining craftsmanship with community impact in every concept.
Contact information:
Grace Myron
Email: grace.myron@pacepublicrelations.com
