4 Best Wineries in Florida to Visit in 2024
Best wineries in Florida are in a category of their own. Using Florida grown fruits that include muscadine grapes, tropical fruits and Florida oranges these Florida wineries create truly distinct and delicious wines.
There are wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state, offering visitors the chance to taste and experience the best of Florida’s wine scene.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s wine scene is growing and becoming more popular among wine enthusiasts.
- Some of the top wineries to visit in Florida include Lakeridge Winery, San Sebastian Winery, Keel & Curley Winery, and Schnebley Winery
- Unique wines to try in Florida include muscadine wines, tropical and exotic fruit wines, and sparkling wines made from oranges.
Best Regions for Wine Tasting in Florida
Florida is home to several wine regions, each with its own unique climate and soil conditions that contribute to the flavors and characteristics of the wines produced there.
One of the top regions for wine tasting in Florida is the Panhandle, which benefits from its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The sandy soil and warm climate create ideal conditions for growing Muscadine grapes, which are used to produce sweet and fruity wines. Lakeridge Winery grows a large portion of their grapes in the panhandle area.
The Central Florida region is known for its rolling hills and fertile soil, which are perfect for growing traditional grape varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. This region is home to well-known Florida wineries Lakeridge Winery and San Sebastian Winery.
The Southernmost region in Florida is home to Schnebly Winery which is known for making seasonal and exotic fruit wines. A great example is their distinct Avovino which becomes available in May, the very start of the Avocado season (it’s delicious!).
Top 4 Wineries in Florida to Visit with Tasting Rooms
Here’s a list and information on the best wineries in Florida to visit. Also, many of these wines are for sale in local stores across Florida.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards - Clermont
This award-winning winery is the largest in Florida and it’s location is in beautiful Clermont in Central Florida. There are daily tours and tastings, and they host lots of weekend community events.
Most of their wines are made with Muscadine grapes, which have skyrocketed in popularity with this renewed popular interest in living healthier lives. Muscadine grapes are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s interesting information on the health benefits of Muscadine grapes here.
Visit their official website for more information on tours and tastings, or shop their wines directly: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard
San Sebastian Winery - St. Augustine
San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine is a sister company to Lakeridge Winery and located in a historic building dating back to the late 1800s.
When you’re visiting St. Augustine, add this to your must-visit list! They offer daily tours and tastings, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. And they have a small shop which sells bottles and cases of your favorite wines.
They also produce the iconic St. Augustine Lighthouse wine in the lighthouse shaped glass bottle… it’s produced by Lakeridge for San Sebastian. This wine is a favorite of many tourists and visitors not just for it’s delicious taste but also for the bottle itself.
Visit their official website for location, hours of operation, tasting information or to buy their wines directly: San Sebastian Winery St. Augustine
Keel & Curley Winery - Plant City
Keel Farms Keel & Curley Winery is located on a beautiful property in southwest Florida west of the Tampa area. They offer tastings and tours. They also have a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. *We recommend the outdoor seating on a nice day, it’s lakefront and beautiful.
Founded in 2003, it all started with blueberries! Keel farms is a large active farm and if you visit during season, you can u-pick some for yourself!
Besides their delicious blueberry wines, they produce other delicious wines like peach chardonnay, key lime, black raspberry and many others. Also, they produce ciders also available at tastings and in their store.
Keel Farms and Keel and Curley Winery are known for their commitment to sustainable, farm-to-table practices. All their blueberries are grown on-site and other fruits are sourced locally whenever possible.
Visit the Keel Farms official website for their location and directions, information on tours and tastings, events, and to purchase their wines directly.
Schnebly Winery - Miami
One of Florida’s oldest wineries, Schnebly Redland is known for making a variety of distinct and delicious wines from tropical and exotic fruits including pineapple, avocado, passion fruit, mango and many more. They are also committed to sustainable practices.
Located in the south end of Miami, in an agricultural area known as “Redland”, Schnebly sits on one of the most picturesque places where waterfalls cascade over natural coral rock into a large koi natural basin with huge colorful koi.
There is a fantastic restaurant open Friday thru Sunday, and they also host weddings, parties and community events.
Visit the official Schnebly Winery website for more information on their hours of operation, the restaurant, tastings and tours or to buy their wines directly.
Planning Your Florida Winery Visit
Florida’s wineries offer a variety of tasting experiences, from casual walk-in tastings to guided tours and reservations. Here are some tips for planning your Florida winery tour:
- Do your research: Check out winery websites and social media pages to see what they offer and plan your itinerary.
- Make reservations: Some wineries, especially those with limited space, require reservations for tastings.
- Choose your transportation: If you plan on visiting multiple wineries, consider hiring a designated driver or using a rideshare service.
- Enjoy the experience: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the winemaking process. Most importantly, have fun and savor the unique flavors of Florida wines!
With its beautiful scenery, delicious wines, and welcoming atmosphere, Florida is a great destination for a memorable wine tasting adventure. So raise a glass and toast to Sunshine State wines!
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