Wine Tours in Florida
Florida may be best known for beaches and sunshine, but it also has a varied wine scene shaped by muscadine grapes, hybrid varieties, and tropical fruit wines. A Florida wine tour can include vineyard views, guided tastings, food pairings, live entertainment, and, in some cases, transportation for a safer day out. Whether you are a dedicated wine lover or simply looking for a fun getaway, these regions offer memorable ways to sip and explore.
Before you go, check each winery or tour provider’s official website for current hours, tasting availability, reservation policies, and age requirements, as offerings may vary by date, season, and special event schedules.
North Florida Vineyard Tours
- Destinations: San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine, plus winery and vineyard stops around Monticello and the Tallahassee area
- Tour Highlights: Expect a mix of muscadine, fruit, and regional wines, along with tasting rooms, winery insights, and scenic settings that range from historic St. Augustine to the rolling countryside of North Florida.
- Planning Notes:
- San Sebastian Winery: A longtime St. Augustine favorite known for tastings and its rooftop wine-and-music venue, The Cellar Upstairs, when operating.
- North Florida visits: Smaller wineries may offer limited tour times, seasonal events, or reservation-only tastings, so advance planning is a smart idea.
Central Florida Wine Trails
- Destinations: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards near Clermont, Whispering Oaks Winery in Oxford
- Tour Highlights: Tour vineyard property, sample Florida-grown wines, and look for special events such as live music, festivals, and seasonal releases.
- Planning Notes:
- Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards: One of Florida’s best-known winery destinations, with tastings, tours, and event programming that may vary by date.
- From Orlando and nearby areas: Transportation-based wine outings are sometimes available through local tour companies, but routes, group sizes, and pickup points can change.
South Florida Urban Wineries
- Destinations: Schnebly Redland’s Winery in the Redland area, plus Miami-area tasting rooms and wine bars
- Tour Highlights: South Florida stands out for tropical fruit wines made from ingredients such as mango, lychee, guava, passion fruit, and avocado, along with tasting experiences that can feel very different from traditional grape-focused winery tours.
- Planning Notes:
- Schnebly Redland’s Winery: Known for its lush setting and distinctive tropical wine tastings in the Homestead-Redland area.
- Miami-area outings: Some visitors pair a winery stop with nearby restaurants, breweries, gardens, or Redland farm experiences for a fuller day trip.
Wine Experiences in the Florida Keys
- Destinations: Waterfront wine bars, restaurant tasting events, and select sunset or dinner cruises in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West
- Tour Highlights: The Keys are better known for curated wine lists, oceanfront pairings, and cruise-based experiences than for traditional vineyard tours, making this region a better fit for relaxed tastings than estate visits.
- Planning Notes:
- Sunset and dinner cruises: Some excursions include wine service or optional beverage packages, with availability varying by operator and sailing date.
- Wine tastings in the Keys: Look for chef dinners, tasting flights, and special events at restaurants and wine bars rather than standalone wineries.
Why Choose a Florida Wine Tour?
- Diverse Flavors: Florida wineries often feature muscadine, citrus, berry, and tropical fruit wines alongside more familiar styles.
- Scenic Settings: Tastings may take place in vineyard landscapes, garden courtyards, historic districts, or waterfront venues.
- Local Insight: Winery staff and guides can help explain Florida’s climate, growing conditions, and distinctive winemaking traditions.
- Easy Day-Trip Appeal: Many wine experiences pair well with brunch, shopping, live music, or a weekend getaway.
Tips for a Memorable Wine Tour
- Bring a Valid ID: Tastings are typically limited to guests age 21 and older.
- Dress Comfortably: Casual clothing and comfortable shoes are best, especially for vineyard grounds, outdoor seating, or festival-style events.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water between tastings and consider eating before or during your outing.
- Reserve Ahead: Tours, tastings, and special events may require advance booking, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Travel Safely: Choose a guided tour with transportation, use a rideshare, or designate a driver if you plan to drink.
