Florida Wine Country is an actuality. There are many places in the state to sit and taste the best Florida has to offer in the way of its wines. Many vintners haven’t even a grape in the bunch (pun intended). What is most typical of Florida wines is the use of the many native fruits such as orange and strawberry and cherry port. Among the top dogs is Dakotah Vineyard and Winery in Chiefland, FL. They offer a fine selection of wines, including five local favorites as well as a non-alcoholic beverage made from the very thick skinned Muscadine grape. The Dakotah has a wonderful horseshoe shaped wine sampling bar make from beautiful red cedar. The atmosphere is laid back and the wines are really amazing. Tasting hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday noon until 5 P.M.
Eden Vineyards and Winery is just what the name says it is paradise on Earth. This little slice of heaven is located in the quaint town of Alva, just east of Fort Myers, Florida, and is open daily from 11:00 A.M. until 4 P.M. The atmosphere is old southern laid back style. The setting is idyllic and serene. Sit on the porch in the shade in an old rocking chair sipping wine and relaxing. Florida Orange Groves and Winery is definitely the place for those with discriminating tastes, and an appetite for a taste adventure. The Florida Orange Groves and Winery was founded and opened in 1973 and has been a family owned and operated establishment since its inception. If you are in the St. Petersburg area and want to sample fresh squeezed fruit juices and also get great deals on freshly picked and packed fruit, this then would be the place that you need. They even have a great little gift shop, so come to browse and shop and taste! Their wine tasting is Monday through Saturday 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.
San Sebastian Winery is located in America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. Here is the home of the first wines ever grown and produced in the United States. The winery is the home also of the extremely awesome and chic jazz and wine club called “The Cellar Upstairs”. The club is open evenings from February through November. Tours of the winery and tastings are available Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. until 6:00P.M. Rosa Fiorelli Winery is a slice of Italy right in sunny Florida. The winery is located in Bradenton Florida, and is open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and Sunday 12 noon until 5:00P.M. With the tastings with tours included .When you are done touring the vineyards, sit and enjoy a delicious Italian bill of fare. For a modest sum, you can have a sandwich, a Stromboli or a fresh garden salad. The service is great and always includes the free souvenir wine glass proudly embossed with the vineyard name “Fiorelli Winery”. Clearly Florida is more than just sun, beaches, and night life. It offers a whole array of unique and interesting ways to wile your days away. Come and have fun! Stay and play! Florida Wine Country is the place to be!
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