Florida Wineries A-G

Not too long ago my husband and I decided to take a Sunday drive to check out what there was to do around Orlando, Florida since we are new to the area. Traveling on Highway 27 we enjoyed driving past the orange groves. We even saw several wild watermelons growing in patches along the road. Just north of Clermont, Florida we drove past a winery. I was surprised to see it after all this was Central Florida not Napa Valley!

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We turned around and pulled in to the Lakeridge Winery. We had a lovely afternoon touring this winery so I decided to find out if there were any other wineries in our area. I was surprised to find out that there are 26 wineries in Florida. I have compiled a list of Winery Tours and Tastings in Florida and their locations for my husband and I to visit. We are finding that there is so much more to Florida than the theme parks and beaches. I hope you have a chance to enjoy this part of Florida's history and tour a Florida Winery.

Living Social frequently has special discounts on winery tours

Bunker Hill, Florida

South of Tampa just off I-75 is a very unique place named the Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery.

This is a 23 acre working farm and winery is certified "Green" environmentally responsible. They only use recycled wine bottles that are receive from donations and local sources. The vineyards irrigation system is solar powered from a 1350 gallon cistern filled from a spring on the property. They are also stopping their use of chemical fertilizers in favor of natural composting that uses a worm farm.

Bunker Hill Wineries has a picnic area where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful Certified Wildlife Habitat. The natural springs and surroundings of this property are home to several species wildlife. they also have an area for weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies.

A new offering at this winery is fresh whole fruit wines. Flavors include Key Lime, Orange, Lemon, Banana and more. They even harvest the fruit for these from their farm! Purchase 2 bottles of wine and get the bottles wrapped for free. Not just any wrapping though. Origami gift wrapping is offered just bring a . 24"x24" (minimum) scarf or purchase one in the gift store for $1.99 and bring home a special gift.

Do you believe in ghosts? This winery is known for the paranormal activity throughout the property. Ghost tours are offered for the more adventurist. They have a lot of information on the ghosts, orbs and other activity on their website.

http://bunkerhillvineyard.com/Spirit_Orb_Walkabout...

If you just love this place and want to spend the night you can. Water Garden Farm is a furnished house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The home is on 2 acres overlooking spring fed ponds.

Free tours and wine tastings are offered 7 days a week!

Hours are 11 am - 6 pm

8905 Bunker Hill Road

Bunker Hill, Florida 32219

941-776-0418

Chautauqua Winery planted its first grapevines in 1979 on 40 acres of land. This vineyard is located north of Fort Walton Beach and conveniently right off of I-10 at exit 85. The winery has won over 140 national and international awards and medals since opening in 1989. The harvest season begins in late August and continues through the end of September. Visitors can enjoy the free tours where they can learn more about the growing and wine making process from pruning and harvesting tips to the process between the grapes being crushed and the wine bottled. Complimentary tastings are offered daily in the tasting room. Purchase your favorite wines at the retail store. They also carry gift baskets and gourmet foods. The specialty here is the vineyards homemade grape seed cooking oil.

Open daily 9am - 5pm

364 Hugh Adams Rd.

DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

850 892-5887

A Certified Florida Farm Winery

West of Gainesville Florida is a charming little winery. Dakotah Vineyards and Winery first began planting their vineyard in 1985 and they now encompass 20 acres. A large welcoming wine tasting room offers free tastings of nine different kinds of wines and a non-alcohol Muscadine grape juice. They have recently introduced a Blueberry fruit wine. The newest addition to tasting room is a temperature controlled wine cellar. The store has a great selection of wine and other food gifts.

Behind the tasting room is a deck with chairs where you can sit and enjoy the Koi pond with several beautiful fish swimming around. The pond is a breeding habit for a large population of wood ducks. Other times of year you may see Canadian Geese or adorable baby ducklings.

Finish off your trip by taking a walk through the vineyards property to view the grapes while the sheep graze nearby.

Hours

Monday - Saturday

10 am - 5 pm

Closed on major holidays

14365 NW Hwy 19

Chiefland, Fl. 32626

352-493-9309

A Certified Florida Farm Winery

This place has fantastic dcor and has a real tropical Florida beach vibe. In 1979 the Roberts family started a landscaping business and in 2009 they expanded into a 10 acre winery and vineyard business. Endless Summer Vineyard is located 2 miles off I-95 or 7 miles off the Florida Turnpike between Vero Beach and Fort Pierce.

The tasting room is decorated with several vintage surf boards and other related memorabilia from the owners large collection. The highlight of this unique collection is the oldest boogie board built in 1910. Step up to the handcrafted wine barrel tasting bar and try some of their delicious wines. Tastings are $7.00 per person and include a glass with the winery logo on it. If you don't want a souvenir you cup you can purchase a regular plastic glass for $5.00

Take a look around the gift shop and purchase some wine and other delicious food offerings then relax on the front porch in a rocking chair and enjoy a glass of wine. Take a leisurely walk around thevineyards then head over to the pavilion. Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch and you can eat on a really cool surfboard seat picnic table. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped white sand beach pond with several types of fish and some turtles too! There is a 2300 sq. ft. festival pavilion area with wooden swings that overlooks the pond where they have concerts and special events.

Hours

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Wednesday - Friday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sunday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Closed on major holidays and no tours are offered on event days.

4200 Johnston Road

Fort Pierce, Fl. 34851

772-460-0500

St. Petersburg, Florida

Stop by this winery to sample the Official Citrus Wine of Florida. Florida Orange Grove and Winery began developing their uniquely flavored wines in 1991.They worked for several years to develop an exceptional fruit wine that wasn't made from grapes. In September 1997 after developing this ultra premium wine the doors of the winery opened. This winery is Florida's original tropical fruit wine maker. Today they have 43 varieties of award winning wines and they are all gluten free! This is also the only Florida wine allowed to participate in Disney Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that is held every year beginning in early October.

Browse around the unique gift store and pick up a yummy bottle of wine or a fun wine related gift. They even sell wine in a pouch (like a Capri Sun).

Free Tour

Tastings are free for the first 4 and $ 5.00 for an additional 6 tastings.

Hours

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday -Saturday

12:30 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday

Closed on major holidays

1500 Pasadena Avenue South

St. Petersburg, FL 33707

800-338-7923

Certified Florida Farm Wineries

Just south of Tampa near Treasure Island you will find a unique winery that is just steps from the beach. All of the wines are made in their 900 square foot facility. They produce 20 varieties that have won almost 50 awards in the first 4 years.

The Florida beach music plays on the speaker and bright color dcor continue into their retail store. Stuffed alligators are everywhere. Staying true to the companies Florida roots they try and carry food products made in the Sunshine State. Gourmet foods are selected to complement the wines that they carry. Browse through the stores isles and find yummy jams and jellies made of any kind of fruit you can imagine. I love sauces and rub and there are several to choose from. They even carry salad dressings, hot sauces and marinades for meat and vegetables.

After sampling some wine and doing some shopping take a break and stroll around outside and look at the Palm trees. Try one of their famous frozen daiquiris and they even have beer.

Do you know anyone who enjoys cigars? Bring them along to enjoy the walk in cigar humidor. They showcase premium cigars from the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and Africa.

Hours

Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sunday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

12945 Village Blvd.

Madeira Beach, FL 33708

727-362-0008

Corkscrew Winery & the Wine Shoppe Co.

21401 Corkscrew Village Lane #1

Estero, FL 33928

239-949-2675

Eden Vineyards and Winery

Eden Winery is located near Fort Meyer's Florida in rural Southwest Florida. This 20 year old winery is known for being the southernmost winery in the United States. Wine tastings are offered daily from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm except on major holidays. Wine is available to purchase for $12.95 a bottle. There is no tour here as 2 hurricanes wiped out their vineyards and they now grow their grapes near Tampa, Florida. This winery is good for a short visit but there isn't much to do here except to taste the wines.

19709 Little Lane

Alva, Florida 33920

Florida Estates Winery

Florida Estates Winery is a 3,600 working plantation that began producing wines in December 2001. Visit the tasting room then stroll around the store. Try some grape seed oil, wine accessories, and gift baskets or purchase a gift certificate. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under a shady Oak tree.

25241 State Road 52

Land O' Lakes, Florida, 34639

813-996-2113

Grapes of Kath Vineyard

They carry wine making supplies. Frozen grapes for wine or jelly are available year around until their supply run out. If you would like to pick your own grapes harvest is from July until the middle of September

9233 Muscadine Drive

Sebring, Fl. 33875

863-382-4706

ALWAYS CALL BEFORE COMING OUT

Island Grove Wine Company

The specialty of this winery is the blueberry wine made with only the freshest blueberries grown on their own plantation.

247013 SE 193rd Avenue

Hawthorne, Florida 32640

352-481-9463

Log Cabin Farm, Vineyard and Winery

376 County Road 309

Satsuma, FL. 32189

386-467-0000

Mitillini Vineyards

17569 76th Street

Live Oak, Fl. 32060

386-364-1773