Best 5 Wineries in St. Augustine FL: A Guide to Tasting and Tours
St. Augustine, Florida, is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant food and drink scene. One of the highlights of this scene is the local wineries, which offer visitors a chance to taste some of Florida’s best wines and learn about the winemaking process. With a variety of wineries to choose from, there is something for everyone, whether you prefer reds, whites, or something in between.
Historical Overview of Wineries in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida, has a rich history of winemaking that dates back to the 16th century. The Spanish explorers who came to Florida in the 1500s brought with them the tradition of winemaking, and they began producing wine in the area.
In the early 1900s, a group of Italian immigrants established the San Sebastian Winery, which is still in operation today. The winery was originally used to produce wine for the Catholic Church, but it later became a commercial winery.
During Prohibition, the winery was forced to shut down, but it reopened in the 1930s and continued to produce wine. Today, the San Sebastian Winery is one of the premier wineries in the country, known for its unique development of premium, sparkling, and dessert wines.
In addition to San Sebastian Winery, there are several other wineries in the St. Augustine area that offer wine tastings, tours, and events. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines.
Top Wineries in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is home to some of the best wineries in Florida. Here are some of the top wineries in St. Augustine:
San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery is one of the most popular wineries in St. Augustine. Located in the heart of downtown, this winery offers free tours and tastings of its award-winning wines. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine on their rooftop bar while taking in the beautiful views of the city. San Sebastian Winery is known for its Vintner’s Red and White, as well as its Port and Sangria.
Website: http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/
Address: 157 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Carrera Wine Cellar
Carrera Wine Cellar is a boutique winery located in the historic district of St. Augustine. This winery specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines made from locally sourced grapes. Visitors can sample a variety of wines in their cozy tasting room, which is decorated with antique wine-making equipment. Carrera Wine Cellar is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Website: http://www.carrerawinecellar.com/
Address: 35 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Casa de Vino 57
Casa de Vino 57 is a family-owned winery located in the heart of St. Augustine. This winery offers tastings of their unique wines, which are made from grapes sourced from around the world. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine in their cozy tasting room or on their outdoor patio. Casa de Vino 57 is known for its Malbec and Tempranillo.
Website: https://casadevino57.com/
Address: 57 Treasury St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
The Gifted Cork & Gourmet
The Gifted Cork & Gourmet is a wine bar and shop located in the historic district of St. Augustine. This wine bar offers a variety of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards. Visitors can relax in their cozy atmosphere while enjoying a glass of wine and some delicious food. The Gifted Cork & Gourmet is known for their extensive wine selection.
Website: http://www.thegiftedcork.com/
Address: 64 Hypolita St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
The Drunken Horse
The Drunken Horse is a French restaurant and wine bar located in St. Augustine. This wine bar offers an extensive wine list, as well as charcuterie boards and other French-inspired dishes. Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine in their cozy atmosphere, which features an impressive wine collection. The Drunken Horse is known for their Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.
Overall, St. Augustine has a great selection of wineries to choose from. Each winery offers something unique, from handcrafted wines to cozy tasting rooms. Visitors are sure to find a winery that suits their taste and style.
Website: https://drunkenhorsewinebars.com/
Address: 56 Charlotte St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Wine Tasting Experiences
St. Augustine is home to some of the best wineries in Florida, offering a variety of wine-tasting experiences that are sure to please any wine enthusiast. Here are two of the top wineries in St. Augustine that offer wine-tasting experiences:
Wine Tasting at San Sebastian Winery
San Sebastian Winery is one of the most popular wineries in St. Augustine, known for its award-winning wines and beautiful vineyard. The winery offers complimentary wine tastings every day, where visitors can sample a selection of their wines and learn about the winemaking process. The wine-tasting experience is hosted by knowledgeable staff who provide information about the different wines and answer any questions visitors may have.
In addition to wine tastings, San Sebastian Winery also offers charcuterie boards and appetizers to pair with their wines. Visitors can enjoy a delicious selection of cheeses, meats, and other snacks while sipping on their favorite wine. The winery also hosts events throughout the year, including live music performances and wine festivals.
Wine Tasting at Carrera Wine Cellar
Carrera Wine Cellar is another top winery in St. Augustine that offers a unique wine-tasting experience. The winery specializes in small-batch wines made from locally sourced grapes, offering visitors a taste of the best wines Florida has to offer. The wine-tasting experience at Carrera Wine Cellar is hosted by the winemaker himself, who provides insight into the winemaking process and the story behind each wine.
Visitors can choose from a variety of wine flights, each featuring a selection of the winery’s best wines. The flights are paired with a selection of appetizers, including cheese and charcuterie boards, to complement the flavors of each wine. The tasting room at Carrera Wine Cellar is cozy and intimate, providing a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a glass of wine and some delicious snacks.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun activity to do with friends, St. Augustine’s wineries offer a variety of wine-tasting experiences that are sure to please. From complimentary tastings to charcuterie boards and appetizers, these wineries have something for everyone.
Exploring Vineyards
St. Augustine is home to several vineyards that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the art of winemaking and taste some of the finest wines in the region. The vineyards in St. Augustine are known for their unique grape varieties and the scenic beauty of their locations. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a wine-tasting experience.
One of the most popular vineyards in St. Augustine is the San Sebastian Winery. The winery offers daily tours that take visitors through the winemaking process, from grape to bottle. Visitors can learn about the different grape varieties grown at the vineyard and the unique flavors they bring to the wine. The tour ends with a wine-tasting experience, where visitors can sample some of the winery’s award-winning wines.
Another popular vineyard in St. Augustine is the Log Cabin Winery. The vineyard is known for its muscadine grapes, which are native to the southeastern United States. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the history of muscadine grapes and their unique flavor profile. The tour ends with a wine-tasting experience, where visitors can sample some of the vineyard’s muscadine wines.
For those who want to explore the vineyards at their own pace, there are several self-guided tours available in St. Augustine. Visitors can visit the vineyards, walk through the grapevines, and take in the scenic beauty of the locations. Some of the vineyards also offer picnic areas, where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine and a picnic lunch.
The Wine Bar Scene
St. Augustine has a thriving wine bar scene, with plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a glass of wine in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Here are two of the best wine bars in town:
Bar Upstairs at San Sebastian Winery
The Bar Upstairs at San Sebastian Winery is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Located on the rooftop of the winery, the bar offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Guests can enjoy a glass of San Sebastian’s award-winning wine while taking in the scenery.
The bar also features live music on weekends, adding to the ambiance and making it a great place to spend an evening. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, with a focus on enjoying good wine and good company.
French Restaurant at Casa de Vino 57
For a more upscale wine bar experience, head to the French Restaurant at Casa de Vino 57. This elegant establishment features an extensive wine list, with options from around the world. The menu also includes French-inspired cuisine, making it a great spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
The ambiance is sophisticated and refined, with a focus on creating a luxurious experience for guests. The restaurant also features live music on select nights, adding to the overall atmosphere.
Both of these wine bars offer unique experiences and are great options for those looking to enjoy a glass of wine in St. Augustine. Whether you’re looking for a casual rooftop bar or an upscale French restaurant, the wine bar scene in St. Augustine has something for everyone.
Local and Imported Wines
St. Augustine, FL offers a variety of local and imported wines that are sure to please any wine lover. Visitors can enjoy a range of options from reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and table wines.
One of the most popular wineries in the area is San Sebastian Winery, which offers a variety of local wines. The winery is known for its award-winning wines, including Vintner’s Red and Vintner’s White. In addition to its local wines, San Sebastian Winery also offers imported wines from countries such as France.
Another great option for wine lovers is Bar Harbor Cheesecake, which offers a selection of wines to pair with their delicious desserts. Visitors can enjoy a wine tasting while sampling their famous cheesecake.
For those looking for a taste of Napa, Vino Del Grotto Winery offers a selection of wines from California. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Additional Activities
Aside from wine tastings and tours, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in St. Augustine. Visitors can take advantage of the city’s rich history by visiting landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos or the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. For those interested in shopping, St. Augustine has a variety of boutiques and souvenir shops to choose from.
In addition to wineries, St. Augustine also has a few distilleries and breweries. The St. Augustine Distillery offers tours and tastings of their small-batch spirits, while the Ancient City Brewing Taproom is a great spot to try local craft beer.
For those looking for outdoor activities, St. Augustine has several options. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour, go fishing, or explore the nearby Anastasia State Park. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy a round at one of the city’s many golf courses.
Conclusion
St. Augustine, FL is home to a number of excellent wineries, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking to sample local wines, enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends, or learn more about the winemaking process, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town.
For those on vacation, a visit to one of St. Augustine’s wineries is a must. The beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms provide a perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and indulgence. Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites, and learn more about the local winemaking industry.
Business owners and sommeliers will appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of the wines produced in St. Augustine. The wineries in this area take great pride in their products, using only the finest ingredients and techniques to create truly exceptional wines.