Wineries may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Central Florida, but there are so many amazing local wines in this area for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the best wineries and vineyards in the area!
1. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
One of the busiest and best wineries out there, Lakeridge is known locally and across the state. It is home to 80+ acres of planted vineyards, and turns award winning muscadine grapes into wine. It’s one of the most popular places to visit with over 160,000 people expected to visit annually and many wines available to purchase throughout Florida. Complimentary wine tasting and tours are available and many festivals and events are hosted here. Lakeridge has been around since 1989 with Gary Cox as their founder, and has always focused on the quality of wine that is being made. It has won over 700 awards for wine and continues to grow. The hours for the complimentary wine tasting and tour are Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m, and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Last tour is offered until 3:45 p.m and tours run every 30 minutes.
2. Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens
At this location, there are many things available. From fresh fruits and vegetables to a microbrewery and fresh fruit wines. Here, guests feel welcome to share the plant friendly environment. There is a lot happening here from food, wine tasting and unique events like the Blueberry Festival. The staff here love sharing their love for local wines and Central Florida with the rest of the world. Being in the central hub of Disney and other major attractions, guests come by to taste a delicious glass of wine or a local beer. Hours for the winery are Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
3. Quantum Leap Winery
This local winery aims to be natural and environmentally friendly. Their strategy is to find environmentally friendly ways to transport wine to the market and the consumers. They found a way to lower their carbon footprint by using environmentally friendly packaging like boxes, kegs, and pouches to transport their wine. This allows consumers to enjoy the local wine while protecting the environment, all at the same time. This winery created a wine tasting room that is welcoming to all. It has communal seating in a modern atmosphere. Complimentary tours are offered during winery hours. Tasting room hours are Tuesday to Friday 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Hours are subject to change if there is a private event happening.
4. True Blue Winery
True Blue Winery opened in 2012 in Davenport, and their owners have been growing blueberries for twelve years now. They are the first winery to specialize in blueberry and blackberry wines in Polk County, while serving other fruit wines as well. They starting out by making wine with family and friends, working the farm they had and harvesting the berries by hand. Some of their wine flavors include peach, muscadine, and orange. The winery has a bistro that carries many food options with seating inside or outside under a covered patio. The bistro is closed from June to October. It features homemade soups and even a brick oven for pizzas. Also, it has space for events such as weddings with a private room for the bride. Winery hours are June – October, Wednesday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October – June 11 a.m – 5 p.m.
5. Hutchinson Farm Winery
Hutchinson Farm Winery provides a small, homey feeling to guests, where questions are encouraged so guests can learn about the wine they are tasting. Eight wines are featured here. They are on the Florida Farm Winery list, and have been awarded gold, double gold, and bronze medals at the Florida state fair over the years. Hutchinson Farm Winery is the newest winery to be a part of the Certified Florida Farm Winery list. Since 2007, they have expanded their vineyard on what was formally their East Pasture. One of the unique things about Hutchinson Farm Winery is that they get their Etched Wine Glasses made by Bear Brown, a Vietnam Veteran, who is also a Lakota Sioux Native American. These wine glasses are for sale in the tasting room. Winery hours are Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m – 7 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m – 6 p.m closed Monday – Wednesday.
