You may be surprised to learn that there are wineries in central Florida that are worth a visit. Due to the region’s heat and humidity, they produce some of the state’s best fruit wines. Your taste buds will be particularly delighted with blueberry wines found at some of the region’s wineries.
Are you ready for a wine tasting tour? Let’s take a look at five wineries in central Florida that you can easily access one at a time or in a day’s visit.
Does Florida Have Any Vineyards?
Florida has more than 35 wineries throughout the state. You can find vineyards growing Muscadine grapes or other native grapes throughout the state.
The city of St. Augustine, on the northeast coast, is known as the birthplace of American wine. Spanish missionaries grew the first grapes for wine production here in about 1565. They wanted to use the wine for religious ceremonies.
Does Florida Produce Good Wine?
You can find excellent wine in Florida. Winemakers prefer the Muscadine grapes and others that can stand up to Florida’s heat and humidity over traditional wine grapes such as Merlot or Chardonnay.
You’ll also find some wines here that come from tropical fruits. If you’re willing to give these wineries a chance, you may find some unexpected treasures.
5 Wineries in Central Florida That Will Delight You
Central Florida has five wineries that we think are worth a visit. However, these are not the only great wineries you could discover in this region. Below, we’ve provided information about five of our picks and what makes them particularly delightful.
1. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Address: 19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715
About: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards make various native Florida wines on its 127-acre estate in Clermont. Visitors love the red Noble, bronze Carlos, and Welder Muscadines served here. The winery also produces Vinifera grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has daily tours and tastings.
What Makes It Delightful: Lakeridge has a beautiful outdoor setting. On the weekends, it provides live music, a food court, and a wine bar.
2. Island Grove Wine Company Formosa Gardens
Address: 3011 Formosa Gardens Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
About: Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens is a popular venue for weddings and events. The outdoor gardens are beautiful, and they also have a winery and bistro. On Saturdays and Sundays, Island Grove offers brunch with sangria and mimosas. The central Florida winery is also close to Disney World, which makes for a good opportunity to go to both during the same visit.
What Makes It Delightful: The winery specializes in wines made from fruit. Its most popular is the fine blueberry wines using fresh blueberries from its Florida plantations. In addition, it has signature berry wines, fruit and grape blends, and 100% fruit wines, ranging from dry to sweet.
3. Quantum Leap Winery
Address: 1312 Wilfred Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
About: Quantum Leap Winery provides a comfortable atmosphere for drinking wine and socializing. The owners, Jill and David, search for quality, sustainably grown wine around the world and transport it in large vessels to their Orlando winery. They then store the wine, finish it, blend it, and package it right here. This process reduces the carbon footprint caused by traditional wine production.
What Makes It Delightful: Quantum Leap Winery is focused on sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions. They bring in wines from small premiere producers worldwide, so you get samplings of a variety from the best.
Traveler’s Tip: While you’re exploring Orlando, head just ten minutes north for 9 unique experiences in Winter Park, Fla.
4. True Blue Winery
Address: 604 Pink Apartments Rd, Davenport, FL 33837
About: True Blue Winery is in the historic district of Davenport, Fla., and offers a perfect setting for weddings and events. The winery and bistro are open Wednesday through Saturday. Its specialties are blueberry and fruit wines as well as Muscadine.
What Makes It Delightful: The family-owned winery in central Florida is quaint and intimate for a tasting or event. And the bistro is the perfect stop for lunch with its popular brick oven pizzas.
5. Dragon Flower Winery
Address: 11025 SE Hwy 42, Summerfield, FL 34491
About: Dragon Flower Winery produces handcrafted wines. In its tasting room, you can experience its fruit wines, such as Hibiscus and Orange Blossom Mead, as well as Chardonnay and Carlos wines. It’s open Friday through Sunday.
What Makes It Delightful: Dragon Flower Winery is delightful because it’s tiny and downright adorable. In addition, the space it has created has modern farmhouse vibes, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere while sipping a glass of wine.
Is Visiting Wineries in Central Florida Worth It?
Wineries in central Florida will surprise you in the best of ways. They’re worth visiting for the unique fruit wines and vineyards full of Muscadine grapes. And you can enjoy the outdoors at the wineries year-round in the Sunshine State. Have you ever visited any wineries in central Florida?
