Visiting Florida Wineries?
Intro to Florida Wineries
Have you heard of Florida wineries? With ocean and beaches being main attractions of the state, not a lot of tourists (percentage wise) are aware of the winemaking capabilities of the sunny state.
The wine industry of Florida is approximately 300 years older than that of California. In fact, the best Floridian wine is made from their native vine - Muscadine discovered by French settlers in the 16th century.
All of Florida wineries (there are now a dozen or so) are somewhat unique. Some make wine from citrus, and some manage to make it the only ingredient! You won't find some of these wines anywhere else.
Eden Vineyards and Winery of Alva, located near Ft. Myers, has the dual distinction of being the southernmost winery in the U.S. and being Florida's oldest operating winery. It was also a winner at the competition with its tropical carambola wine and received the bronze medal for its accomplishments.
Florida wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout the state, with harvest times ranging from May to September. This conveniently coincides with the most popular time of year for Sunshine State tourists and visitors.
Listing of Florida Wineries
Chautauqua Vineyards - open since 1989. Won over a hundred of awards. Produces muscadine and blueberry wines on top of traditional varieties. Hours: Mon thru Sat 9-5, Sunday 12 -5, P.O. Box 1308, 364 Hugh Adams Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, (850) 892-5887, www.chautauquawinery.com
Dakotah Winery - exists since 1985. Grape stock grew from 200 to over 6000 grape vines. A large, comfortable wine-tasting room welcomes visitors daily. 14365 NW Hwy 19, Chiefland, FL 32626,(352) 493-9309, www.dakotahwinery.com
Eden Vineyards & Winery - started over 30 years ago, which makes it the oldest operation Florida winery. Several of Eden's wines have been featured and served at Florida's finest four star restaurants, including Disney, the Breakers Hotel and the Ritz Carleton. Open 7 days a week 11 am to 4 pm.19709 Little Lane, Alva, FL 33920, (239) 728-9463, www.edenwinery.com
Emerald Coast Wine Cellars - Open daily 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Seven days a week for complimentary tastings. 1708 Old Hwy 98 East, Destin, FL 32550, Phone: (850) 837-9500
Florida Estates Winery - Open Daily 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Relax under a large shady canopy of oak trees on a 3,600 acre working plantation. Throughout the year there are many special events, festivals, fresh markets and wine classes.
25241 State Road 52, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639,Phone: (813) 996-2113, www.floridaestateswines.com
Florida Orange Groves, Inc. & Winery - offers award-winning tropical wines and citrus juices. Mon - Sat 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., 1500 Pasadena Avenue S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707,Phone: 800-338-7923, www.floridawine.com
Henscratch Farms Vineyard & Winery - the property hosts 10 acres of native southern muscadine and scuppernong grape varieties, a hydroponics growing system for strawberry production, and a highbush blueberry patch. Tues - Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 12 to 4, 980 Henscratch Road, Lake Placid, Florida 33852-5314, Phone: 863-699-2060, www.henscratchfarms.com
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards - in existence since 1989, is now the largest premium winery. It specializes in table and sparkling wines from hybrid grapes. Mon - Sat 10 to 5 p.m. Sunday 11 - 5 p.m, 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, FL 34717, Phone: 1-800-768-WINE, Website: www.lakeridgewinery.com
Monticello Vineyards & Winery - grows 13 different varieties of muscadine grapes are in an array of sizes and colors of berries. The grapes are all organically grown in our own vineyards, handpicked, and processed on-site at the farm winery. 1211 Waukeenah Highway, Monticello, FL 32344, (850) 294-WINE, http://www.monticellowinery.com
Rosa Fiorelli Winery, Inc. - grown by a Sicilian family. Open - Sat 10 to 5:30 Sun. 12 to 5. 4250 CR 675, Bradenton, FL 34211, (941) 322-0976, www.fiorelliwinery.com
San Sebastian Winery - founded in 1996, is a pioneer in the development of table, sparkling and dessert wines from hybrid and muscadine grapes. Its wines have won over 150 awards for excellence. Mon - Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m
157 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084, Phone: 1-888-352-9463, Phone: (904) 826-1594, www.sansebastianwinery.com
Schnebly Redland?s Winery - offers wine tasting around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Taste wine of five fruity varieties: Carambola, Mango, Lychee, Guava and Passion Fruit. Mon. - Fri. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm ? 5:00 pm, 30205 SW 217th Avenue, Redland, FL 33030, Phone: (305) 2421224 or (888) 717-WINE (9463), www.schneblywinery.com
SeaBreeze Winery - open for tastings daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. This Florida winery has won numerous awards for their table wines, unique Port and Sherry, as well as awards for their popular Blueberry and Blackberry wines. 13201 Hutchison Blvd (Middle Beach Road), Panama City Beach, FL 32407, (850) 230-3330, www.seabreezewinery.com
Three Oaks Winery - produces light fruity, red wines "Conquistador" grown in own vineyards. Red wines are produced dry, semi-sweet and Port. Open Wed - Sat 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed in January. 3348 Highway 79, Vernon, FL 32462, Phone: (850) 535-9463, E-mail: lbiddle@digitalexp.com Wed - Sat 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed in January.
Florida Wineries tours and map
Explore wineries on your own terms by selecting wineries close to where you stay using this map of
Florida wineries.
Make sure you try to get to one or more of these
wine events.
Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here.Want to win a two night stay while in Florida? Share your wine preferences in the monthly wine poll here.
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