Best 13 Wineries in Orlando FL: A Comprehensive Guide
Orlando, Florida, is known for its theme parks, sunny weather, and vibrant nightlife. However, the city also boasts a growing wine scene with several wineries and wine bars worth checking out. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a fun and unique activity, Orlando’s wineries offer something for everyone.
History of Wineries in Orlando, FL
Orlando, FL, is not widely known for its wineries, but the area has a rich history of wine production. Florida’s climate and soil are conducive to growing grapes, and the state has been producing wine since the 16th century.
The first winery in Florida was established in 1562 by French Huguenots in what is now Jacksonville. The Spanish also brought wine to Florida in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, there were several vineyards and wineries in the state.
In the late 1800s, Orlando became a hub for citrus production, and many grape growers switched to growing oranges instead. However, in the 1970s, a renewed interest in wine production led to the establishment of several wineries in the Orlando area.
Today, Orlando is home to several wineries that produce a variety of wines, including muscadine, blueberry, and cherry wines. Many of these wineries offer tours, tastings, and events, making them popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.
While the wine industry in Orlando may not be as well-known as other wine regions, it has a rich history and continues to thrive today.
Top Wineries in Orlando
Lakeridge Winery
Lakeridge Winery is one of the largest wineries in Florida, and it is located in Clermont, just outside of Orlando. The winery offers complimentary tours and tastings, as well as a variety of events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, and of course, delicious wines. Lakeridge Winery is known for its award-winning wines, including its Southern Red and Southern White blends.
Website: http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/
Address: 19239 US Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34715, United States
Quantum Leap Winery
Quantum Leap Winery is located in the Mills 50 district of Orlando and is known for its sustainable and eco-friendly winemaking practices. The winery offers a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, and hosts regular events such as wine tastings and live music. Quantum Leap Winery is also committed to giving back to the community and donates a portion of its profits to local charities.
Website: http://www.quantumleapwinery.com/
Address: 1312 Wilfred Dr, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery is located in St. Augustine, just a short drive from Orlando, and offers complimentary tours and tastings. The winery is known for its award-winning wines, including its Vintners Red and Blanc du Bois wines. Visitors can also enjoy live music and delicious food at the winery’s rooftop bar.
Website: http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/
Address: 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Schnebly Redland’s Winery
Schnebly Redland’s Winery is located in Homestead, about four hours south of Orlando, but it is worth the drive for wine enthusiasts. The winery is known for its tropical fruit wines, including its popular Mango and Avocado wines. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tours and tastings, as well as live music and delicious food at the winery’s restaurant.
Website: http://www.schneblywinery.com/
Address: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, United States
Island Grove Wine Company
Island Grove Wine Company is located in Hawthorne, about two hours north of Orlando, and is known for its delicious fruit wines. The winery offers a variety of tours and tastings, as well as events such as live music and food trucks. Island Grove Wine Company is also committed to sustainability and uses eco-friendly practices in its winemaking.
Website: http://www.formosawinery.com/
Address: 3011 Formosa Gardens Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States
Chautauqua Winery
Chautauqua Winery is located in DeFuniak Springs, about five hours northwest of Orlando, but it is worth the drive for wine enthusiasts. The winery offers a variety of wines, including its popular Sweet Mead and Southern Red wines. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as live music and food at the winery’s restaurant.
Website: http://www.chautauquawinery.com/
Address: 364 Hugh Adams Rd, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435, United States
The Gilded Grape Winery
The Gilded Grape Winery is located in Kissimmee, just a short drive from Orlando, and offers a variety of wines, including its popular Strawberry and Blueberry wines. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as events such as live music and food trucks.
Website: http://www.gildedgrape.com/
Address: 3796 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, United States
Fiorelli Winery
Fiorelli Winery is located in Bradenton, about two hours southwest of Orlando, and offers a variety of wines, including its popular Sangiovese and Chardonnay wines. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as events such as live music and food trucks.
Website: http://www.fiorelliwinery.com/
Address: 4250 Waterbury Road, Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211, United States
The Florida Winery
The Florida Winery is located in St. Petersburg, about two hours southwest of Orlando, and offers a variety of wines, including its popular Key Lime and Mango wines. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings, as well as live music and food at the winery’s restaurant.
Website: http://www.thefloridawinery.com/
Address: 12945 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, United States
These are some of the best wineries in Orlando and its surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, events, and food at these wineries. Reviews of these wineries are overwhelmingly positive, making them great destinations for wine enthusiasts.
Wine Tasting Experience
Wine tasting is an art that is appreciated by many wine enthusiasts. Orlando has a range of wineries and wine-tasting rooms that offer a unique wine-tasting experience to their guests. A wine-tasting experience is an excellent way to learn about different wines, their flavors, and aromas.
Guests can expect to be greeted by a knowledgeable wine expert who will guide them through the wine-tasting process. The expert will provide information about each wine, its origin, and its unique characteristics. Guests will have the opportunity to taste different wines and learn about the different grape varieties used to produce them.
Wine tastings can be done in a group or individually. In a group tasting, guests can interact with other wine enthusiasts and share their thoughts and opinions about the wines they are tasting. Individual tastings offer a more personalized experience, where guests can take their time and savor each wine at their own pace.
Most wineries and wine tasting rooms offer a variety of wine tastings, including flights of wines, vertical tastings, and food and wine pairings. Flights of wines are a great way to sample different wines side by side, while vertical tastings allow guests to taste the same wine from different vintages. Food and wine pairings are a great way to experience how different foods can enhance or detract from the flavors of wine.
Wine Tours
Orlando is home to some of the best wineries in Florida, and taking a wine tour is an excellent way to experience the local wine culture. Most wineries in Orlando offer wine tours that allow visitors to learn about the winemaking process, taste different wines, and explore the vineyards.
Wine tours are typically led by a knowledgeable guide who will take visitors through the winery and explain how wine is made. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the barrels where the wine is aged, learn about the different grape varieties used to make wine and taste different wines.
Some wineries in Orlando also offer private wine tours, which are perfect for those who want a more personalized experience. Private tours are typically led by the winery owner or a senior staff member, and they may include a special tasting or food pairing.
Most wineries in Orlando charge a fee for wine tours, which typically range from $15 to $50 per person. The fee usually includes a tasting of several wines and a souvenir wine glass. Visitors should check with the winery in advance to find out about the tour schedule and fees.
Family-Friendly Wineries
Orlando has a variety of wineries that are perfect for families with kids. These wineries offer a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults. Here are some of the best family-friendly wineries in Orlando, FL:
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a popular winery located in Clermont, Florida, just a short drive from Orlando. This winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. They also offer a complimentary tour of the winery and vineyards, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery. Kids can enjoy the grape juice tasting and the outdoor playground.
Website: http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/
Address: 19239 US Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34715, United States
Oak Haven Farms & Winery
Oak Haven Farms & Winery is a family-owned winery located in Sorrento, Florida, about 30 minutes from Orlando. This winery offers a variety of wines, including fruit wines made from local fruits like blueberries and strawberries. They also offer a petting zoo, hayrides, and a playground for kids.
Website: http://www.berriesandwines.com/
Address: 32418 Avington Rd, Sorrento, FL 32776, United States
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is a chain of wineries with a location in Orlando, FL. This winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines. They also offer a full-service restaurant with a menu that pairs well with their wines. Kids can enjoy the kids’ menu and the outdoor patio.
Website: https://chwinery.com/
Address: 8005 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
True Blue Winery
True Blue Winery is a small winery located in Davenport, Florida, about 30 minutes from Orlando. This winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. They also offer a complimentary tour of the winery and vineyards, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process. Kids can enjoy the outdoor seating area and the large lawn.
Website: http://truebluewinery.com/
Address: 604 Pink Apartment Rd, Davenport, FL 33837, United States
Unique Wines of Orlando
Orlando is home to several wineries that offer unique and flavorful wines made from a variety of fruits, including muscadine grapes, blueberries, and exotic tropical fruits. These wineries are known for producing wines that are not only delicious but also distinct from traditional grape wines.
One of the most popular fruits used in winemaking in Orlando is muscadine grapes. These grapes are native to the southeastern United States and are known for their thick skins and high levels of antioxidants. Wineries in Orlando use both Carlos and Noble muscadine grapes to produce a range of wines, from dry to sweet.
In addition to muscadine grapes, many wineries in Orlando also produce fruit wines made from blueberries. These wines are known for their deep color and fruity flavor, and they pair well with a variety of foods, including cheese, chocolate, and grilled meats.
For those looking for something more exotic, several wineries in Orlando also produce tropical fruit wines made from fruits like mangos, papayas, and pineapples. These wines are perfect for sipping on a hot summer day and are sure to transport you to a tropical paradise.
Food Pairing
When it comes to wineries, food pairing is an essential aspect of the experience. Fortunately, many Orlando wineries offer delicious food options that pair perfectly with their wines.
For lunch, Quantum Leap Winery is a great option. Their menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie boards that pair well with their wines. The winery also offers a vegan and gluten-free menu, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
For seafood lovers, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a must-visit. Their seafood chowder and shrimp salad are both excellent options to pair with their wines. Additionally, their outdoor patio provides a beautiful setting to enjoy the food and wine pairing experience.
Another great option for food pairing is Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. They offer a full menu of upscale casual dining options that pair perfectly with their award-winning, hand-crafted wines. Their menu includes a variety of dishes, from seafood to steak, ensuring that there is something for every palate.