Florida isn’t just about beaches and theme parks; it’s also home to some remarkable vineyards. For wine enthusiasts, discovering the best vineyards in Florida offers a delightful escape from the usual attractions. This article will guide you through some of the finest spots in the Sunshine State for tasting and touring.
What makes these vineyards special? Florida’s climate and terrain create unique conditions for growing grapes, and these wineries take full advantage to produce distinct and flavorful wines. Whether you are a local or visiting, exploring these vineyards can be a memorable addition to any trip.
1) Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is located in Clermont, Florida. It’s one of the state’s top wine destinations. The winery sits on a scenic 127-acre estate that opened in 1989.
Visitors can enjoy free guided tours and wine tastings every day of the week. The tours usually include a look at the vineyards and winemaking facilities.
The winery specializes in a variety of wines. These include traditional selections like Merlot and seasonal favorites.
Lakeridge Winery also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year. These events are family-friendly and offer something for everyone.
This vineyard experience combines beautiful landscapes with a chance to learn about wine production. It’s a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
2) Schnebly Redland’s Winery
Schnebly Redland’s Winery, located in Homestead, Florida, is famous for its unique tropical fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy flavors made from exotic fruits like mango, lychee, and passion fruit. This sets Schnebly apart from other vineyards, offering a refreshing twist on traditional wines.
The winery opened in 2009 and has since garnered numerous awards for its innovative wines. The beautiful setting includes lush courtyards and natural coral waterfalls, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Tastings are available daily, with options to try several distinct wines. The ultimate tasting experience costs just $12.95 per person and includes a complimentary wine glass. These tastings provide a fantastic way to explore the different varieties and find personal favorites.
Schnebly Redland’s Winery also features a brewery, offering handcrafted beers made from tropical fruits. This combination of wine and beer ensures there is something for everyone.
For those planning a visit, the address is 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030. The winery is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, making it a perfect destination for both daytime and evening visits.
3) The San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery, founded in 1996, is a prominent spot in St. Augustine. It is located in one of Henry Flagler’s old East Coast Railway buildings. Just a few blocks from historic downtown, it offers a unique blend of history and wine culture.
Visitors start their trip at San Sebastian with a short movie about winemaking. Then, they embark on a guided walking tour, exploring the fascinating history and techniques used at the winery.
San Sebastian crafts a variety of American wines. These practices date back to 1562, making it one of the oldest wine-making traditions in the region. They offer tastings where you can sample wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery also has a beautiful gift shop. It’s perfect for picking up souvenirs or a bottle of your favorite wine. The historic atmosphere combined with modern winemaking techniques makes San Sebastian Winery a must-visit for wine lovers.
Learn more about San Sebastian Winery by visiting their official website. The scenic views and rich history will captivate anyone looking to enjoy a day of wine tasting.
4) Rosa Fiorelli Winery
Located in Bradenton, Rosa Fiorelli Winery offers a unique wine-tasting experience. This family-owned winery has been crafting wines from muscadine grapes for over 20 years. Visitors can enjoy a tour that takes them through the vineyards and explains the wine-making process.
Rosa Fiorelli Winery stands out because it gives a hands-on view of the vineyards. Many wineries only offer tasting rooms, but here, guests can walk among the grapevines. This makes it a special place to learn about grape cultivation and wine production.
The winery also hosts private events such as weddings and birthday parties. Its location in the rolling hills south of Lake Manatee provides a scenic backdrop for any occasion. For those looking to visit, it’s easily accessible from State Route 64.
Wine tastings are a key feature at Rosa Fiorelli. Guests can sample a variety of wines while learning about the different types of grapes used. The friendly atmosphere and informative tours make this a must-visit spot.
Check out more about Rosa Fiorelli Winery for a memorable visit.
5) Hutchinson Farm Winery
Hutchinson Farm Winery is a small, family-owned vineyard located in Apopka, Florida. Despite its modest size, it offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The winery features eight different wines, showcasing the variety of flavors and styles they produce. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and learn about the winemaking process.
John and Sherry, the owners, are known for their passion and dedication. Their commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. The farm primarily grows Muscadine and Florida Hybrid grapes, which thrive in the region’s climate. These grapes are known for their unique flavors and health benefits.
The winery operates seasonally with varied hours. From June to October, it is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from October to June, it operates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Though it may be the smallest winery in Florida, the experience here is rich and memorable. The vineyard is also noted for its level campsites, making it a great spot for wine enthusiasts who enjoy RV travel.
For more information, you can visit their official page on the Florida Smart website.
6) Florida Orange Groves Winery
Florida Orange Groves Winery in St. Petersburg holds the title of Florida’s original tropical fruit winery. This unique winery offers a wide range of over 43 different tropical fruit wines. Unlike traditional grape wines, they craft their wines solely from 100% fruit juice.
Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings every day. The winery welcomes guests Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. The tasting room, wine bar, and gift shop extend their hours, staying open until 5:30 pm on weekdays and 5 pm on weekends.
One of the standout wines includes the Tropical St. Pete Red Sangria, featuring fruity notes of mango, passion fruit, and peach. Each bottle captures Florida’s bountiful harvests and vibrant flavors.
The winery also provides a friendly visitor experience. Guests can explore the gift shop for unique items and enjoy free parking on the property. For more details on visiting, check out their schedule and contact information here.
Florida Orange Groves Winery truly celebrates the region’s tropical fruits. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Florida’s diverse wine offerings.
7) Keel & Curley Winery
Keel & Curley Winery is located in Plant City, Florida. It was founded in 2003 by local farmer Joe Keel. He started this venture to use surplus blueberries from his farm.
The winery specializes in unique wines made from 100% high-bush blueberries. These blueberries thrive under the warm Florida sun.
In addition to wines, Keel & Curley Winery offers a variety of beers. They produce handcrafted beers and ciders under the name Keel Farms Agrarian Ale & Cider. These are brewed in small batches, ensuring quality and flavor.
Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours at the winery. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot for a day trip. The winery also hosts events and live music.
Keel & Curley Winery has received positive reviews. Many visitors appreciate the unique flavors and friendly staff. It’s one of the top attractions in the Plant City area.
Plan a visit to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and delicious beverages. For more details, check out their website.
8) Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery is located in Spring Hill, Florida. This charming vineyard is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming environment. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed experience at the vineyard’s outdoor seating area, which is similar to sitting in a comfortable backyard.
The vineyard’s wines are made from three different grape varieties: Norton, Ison, and Carlos Muscadines. These varieties provide a range of flavors for visitors to enjoy. Wine lovers can sample these unique wines during their visit.
Strong Tower Vineyard has a convenient schedule. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with extended hours on Friday evenings. The winery is closed on major holidays, so it’s best to check their website for any special events or changes in hours.
While the ambiance might not be luxurious, it offers a friendly, down-to-earth setting with fire pits, plastic chairs, and tables overlooking a vineyard and cow pasture. For those interested in unique wine tasting experiences and a casual atmosphere, Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery is a great choice.
For more details, visit their TripAdvisor page.
9) Bluefield Estate Winery
Bluefield Estate Winery is a charming spot in Gainesville, Florida. Nestled in the heart of north-central Florida, this family-owned winery focuses on blueberry and muscadine wines. The winery invites visitors to explore its beautiful vineyards and enjoy the fresh air.
One of the highlights of Bluefield Estate Winery is its U-Pick options. During the season, you can handpick ripe blueberries and muscadine grapes. This special experience makes the visit both fun and rewarding.
Opened in 2011, Bluefield Estate Winery began its journey in 2006 when Jennifer and Bradley Ferguson started making wine from their farm’s blueberries. Today, it stands out as an excellent place to learn about the art of winemaking and to taste delightful fruit fusion wines.
For those interested in detailed tours, Bluefield Estate offers complimentary tours and tastings. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process through an audiovisual presentation and a guided tour. Located one mile east of Newnan’s Lake, the winery is easy to find and a must-visit attraction in the Gainesville area.
Bluefield Estate Winery is not just a place for wine lovers but a perfect outing for families and friends, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy some of Florida’s finest wines. Check out more about them on their Facebook page.
10) Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery
Located in Lake Placid, Florida, Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery offers a unique blend of old Florida charm and modern winemaking.
The farm features 10 acres of muscadine and scuppernong grapes, perfect for making their award-winning wines. Visitors can enjoy the experience of picking their own grapes and learning about the winemaking process directly from the experts.
A highlight is their annual Grape Stomp, where guests can step into a vat filled with grapes and stomp away, just like in traditional winemaking. It’s a fun and messy event that draws crowds every year.
Henscratch Farms also has a Country Store, offering a variety of local goods, including their famous wines, jams, and jellies. Besides grapes, they grow strawberries and highbush blueberries using a hydroponic system, adding to their farm-fresh appeal.
Wine tasting is available, providing a chance to sample their diverse range of wines. Each wine has its own unique flavor profile, showcasing the distinct tastes of their native grape varieties.
The farm’s commitment to being a certified Florida Farm Winery reflects its dedication to quality and sustainability. This charming spot in the heart of Florida is a must-visit for wine lovers and anyone interested in farm-fresh experiences.
For more details, visit Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery.
History of Vineyards in Florida
The history of vineyards in Florida spans from early Spanish settlers bringing grapevines to the state to the sophisticated wine-making techniques used today.
Early Beginnings
Wine-making in Florida dates back to the 16th century when Spanish settlers introduced grapevines. They hoped the state’s warm climate would be suitable for growing Spanish grape varieties. By the 1560s, vineyards had been established in the region.
However, the humid climate and native pests posed significant challenges. The settlers found that European grape varieties struggled to thrive. They eventually turned to native Muscadine grapes, which were more resistant to local conditions. These grapes became the foundation of early wine production in Florida.
Despite these early efforts, commercial wine-making did not take off until much later. It took centuries for the industry to gain momentum, with small family-run vineyards keeping the tradition alive.
Modern Wine-making Practices
Today, Florida’s vineyards utilize modern techniques to produce a variety of quality wines. The development of hybrid grape varieties that can withstand Florida’s climate has been crucial. Lakeridge Winery is a pioneer in this area, using native Florida grapes for premium wines.
Modern vineyards like Lakeridge Winery and Strong Tower Vineyard employ advanced irrigation systems and pest control measures. These practices help improve grape quality and yield. Many vineyards offer tours and tastings, providing visitors with a glimpse into the wine-making process.
The introduction of wine education programs has further bolstered the industry. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills of winemakers and promote Florida as a wine destination. Today, vineyards are not just agricultural ventures but also key tourist attractions, contributing to the state’s economy.
Climate and Terrain Advantages
Florida’s unique climate and varied terrain create ideal conditions for growing grapes. The state’s sunny, warm weather and diverse soil types contribute significantly to the region’s wine quality.
Unique Climate Factors
Florida enjoys a subtropical climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. This allows for an extended growing season, which is beneficial for growing a variety of grapes. The ample sunshine and consistent warmth are key factors in grape ripening, enhancing the sugar levels and flavors in the grapes.
Additionally, the state’s frequent afternoon showers provide necessary hydration for the vines without the need for excessive irrigation. This natural watering helps maintain soil health and supports the vines’ growth. Despite occasional hurricanes, vineyards benefit from the general climatic stability of the region.
Soil Conditions
Florida’s soil diversity greatly benefits its vineyards. Regions like the Panhandle have well-drained sandy soils, which are excellent for grape cultivation as they prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root systems. Central Florida vineyards may encounter more loamy soils, which are rich in nutrients and beneficial for vine growth.
The combination of minerals and organic matter in these soils contributes to the flavor profile of the grapes. Vineyards often adapt to their specific soil types, selecting grape varieties that thrive in those conditions. This adaptability ensures a wide range of wine styles and flavors across the state.
Wine Varietals in Florida
Florida has a unique approach to winemaking with a variety of grapes, including native species and hybrid varieties. Specialty wines made from non-traditional fruits are also popular.
Popular Grape Varieties
Florida’s warm climate allows for the cultivation of several unique grape varieties. Muscadine grapes are a staple in Florida winemaking. Recognized by their thick skins and sweet flavor, these grapes produce wines that range from sweet to dry. Another favorite is the Blanc du Bois, known for its resistance to diseases and ability to thrive in humid conditions, resulting in a fragrant and fruity wine. Norton is another popular variety, producing robust red wines with a rich taste.
Specialty Wines
Apart from traditional grape wines, Florida is famous for its fruit wines. These wines are crafted from a variety of tropical and exotic fruits such as mango, key lime, pineapple, and passion fruit. The Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery is noted for its inventive fruit wines. These wines deliver unique flavors that reflect Florida’s tropical vibe, providing a delightful alternative to conventional grape wines.
