5 Best Wine-Country Towns In Florida

Most people think of wine country, and their mind drifts to California. Notoriously known for its endless vineyards and wineries, California has taken the claim on wine production, responsible for roughly 81% to 85% of all wine produced within the U.S. Though it claims the top spot, it is not the only thriving wine manufacturing state in the U.S. Venture to the opposite coast of California for alluring wineries in a different atmosphere. Partake in a different wine experience in the tropical atmosphere of Florida, as it focuses more on muscadine grapes and fruit wines, due to the climate. Enjoy a blueberry or strawberry-based wine in one of these five best wine country towns in Florida.

St. Augustine

In the town of St. Augustine, one of the more well-known wineries in the state can be found. San Sebastian Winery is renowned for being an innovator in the development of first-class, sparkling, and dessert wines from muscadine grapes. The wines produced at the winery have garnered over 957 awards to date, with more being collected each season. Founded in 1996 and established in one of Henry Flagler’s old East Coast Railway buildings, the winery is open for tours, and a restaurant is located in the building to provide a fine dining experience to pair with your favorite wines. Muscadine varieties of grapes are grown on the 75-acre vineyard, which is located in Clermont, another thriving wine country town.

While in town, don’t miss a chance to stop at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Not only can you climb the steps of the historic 1874 lighthouse, but visitors also have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities and exhibits, daily programs, Heritage Boatworks, and hike nearby nature trails. For more historical adventure in St. Augustine, venture to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Take a tour of the fort, which has been a cultural crossroads for over 450 years. Immerse yourself in the past with the rangers dressed in period-appropriate attire, and make sure to catch a musket or cannon demonstration.

Clermont

The largest winery in the state of Florida can be found in Clermont. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards was established in 1989 and has since produced varieties of red Noble, bronze Carlos, and Welder Muscadines, among others. The winery also uses Vinifera grapes for Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 127-acre Lakeridge Winery Estate, located in the rolling hills of Clermont, offers winery tours and wine tastings to its patrons. Enjoy winery weekends at the outdoor wine bar, where you can listen to live entertainment.

For a curious adventure in Clermont, hike to the top of the Citrus Tower. Since 1956, this monument has been a central Florida landmark. An elevator will take eager visitors to the top of the 226-foot tower to enjoy aerial views of citrus farms in the distance. For another attraction detailing the town’s history, stop at the Clermont Historic Village Museum and be awed by their preservation and maintenance of the history of the pioneering families of South Lake County. The museum features items from the late 1800s to the end of World War II.

Callahan

With over 60 acres of land and Oak Trees over 100 years old, Tuscan Rose Vineyards in Callahan has a long-standing history in the state of Florida. It is the only vineyard in the state to grow, harvest, and bottle its wine on-site, offering patrons a truly unique, hands-on agritourism experience. The winery uses 10 varieties of local muscadine grapes to create specialty wines that are unique to this Florida region. Enjoy live music while savoring the tastes of wine, cider, beer, and light fare.

For additional outdoor excursions in town, head to the West Nassau Museum of History. Located in the elevated freight room of the Callahan depot, the museum features items and artifacts that have been donated by the community. Old maps, books, farming equipment, and tools are just a few of the contributions that have been made. For a final localized experience in Callahan, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to see the Northeast Florida Fair. Since 1947, the fairgrounds have hosted events year-round, with the annual fair usually held around October. Be sure to check the events schedule before visiting.

DeFuniak Springs

In the center of historic DeFuniak Springs, patrons can find the Chautauqua Winery. With locally sourced Carlos muscadine and noble muscadine grapes, the winery produces muscadine Chardonnay, Merlot, Concord, and fruit wines. Using traditional techniques perfected over the years, the winery invites you to join its wine club, attend wine festivals, and enjoy the expansive outdoor space it offers. All the wine is made on-site, and guests are invited to participate in a wine tasting to sample the latest flavors.

While in one of Florida’s more lucrative wine towns, immerse yourself in more flavors at Chateau Le Coeur. The winery has been working with the University of Florida to research new techniques to grow authentic wine grapes in the southeast region. To spend some outdoor time outside of a winery, take a dip in the waters at Lake Stanley Park. With access to over 100 acres of open water, the park is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Drop a line from the fishing pier and enjoy a relaxing day by the water.

Plant City

Visit Plant City and experience the history of Keel Farms. It began in 1981 with a plant nursery on 10 acres, which turned into a unique wine-making experience 22 years later. In 2003, the landowner, Joe Keel, decided to use his end-of-crop blueberries to experiment with wine making and successfully produced 10 gallons of blueberry wine. Today, the family-owned and operated winery is chugging towards becoming Florida’s leading agritourism destination. Visit the vineyard and explore the farm, or participate in a wine tasting to have the full experience.

For an original encounter in Plant City, locomotive enthusiasts will want to visit the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum and Train Viewing Platform. The depot, built in 1909, now proudly displays a very sizable collection of railroad memorabilia, including a completely restored Seaboard Airline, no. 5735 Caboose constructed in 1963, and a 1942 Whitcomb Locomotive. Across from the depot is the Train Viewing Platform. Roughly 20 trains pass each day, including the Tropicana Orange Juice Train and TECO coal trains. For a final adventure in Plant City, nature lovers should plan a stop at the Lower Green Swamp Nature Preserve. With 20 miles of trails over 12,800 acres, views of golden grass, the Itchepackesassa Creek, and pine savanna are abundant.

California might have the monopoly on wine production, but other states have proven to be just as lucrative when it comes to the grape-infused drinks. The Sunshine State has proved it can excel in more than just citrus beverages and hold its own in the wine category. Sip on the beach or under a palm tree for the ultimate experience, and also enjoy everything else offered in these five best wine country towns in Florida.