Exploring the South one vintage at a time!
Long before William Shakespeare was born, French Huguenots and Spanish monks were making wine in Florida. Today, like those pioneers who came before them, the winemakers at San Sebastian Winery carry on a tradition that is over 450 years old. Using native Muscadine grapes, and more recently developed Florida hybrids, they craft their wines using... Continue Reading →
Wine Chair Travel Series ~ If you ask state agritourism officials which one was the first to make wine in America, they’ll each say it was them. It’s an ongoing Florida versus North Carolina battle and neither side is ready to give in. We’re only talking about a few years here, but for these states,... Continue Reading →
Certified-Florida-Farm-Wineries-MapDownload The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has created an agritourism designation called “Certified Florida Farm Winery.” There are currently 23 of these throughout the state, a little more than half of the total number of Florida wineries. This certification has nothing to do with the type or quality of wine made, but rather... Continue Reading →
Was it only three years ago I was on the road in north Florida, visiting wineries, tasting their wines and talking with winemakers from Pensacola to St. Augustine? I had fun, and my book, Florida Wine Country Guide to Northern Wineries, has been a great success. Time sure flies. But these days, like so many... Continue Reading →
Yes, that's right! Florida Wine Country Guide to Northern Wineries is sold out of publisher copies. But, if you want to know where all the Florida wineries are in a fun and easy to read format, don't despair. You can still buy the book on Amazon.com. Just click here. Florida Wine Country Guide to Northern... Continue Reading →
Each year at the end of summer, Florida A & M University opens its gates to the public and hosts a day in the vineyard. Its nearly 50 acres of vines, located east of Tallahassee on Highway 90, are a great place to learn about how vintners put grapes into bottles for the rest of... Continue Reading →
Next week, January 17-19, wine makers and vineyard owners from across the state will descend on the historic, central Florida town of Deland as the 2019 Florida Wine and Grape Growers conference gets underway. The annual two-day event brings together hobbyists, professionals and university researchers who are there to talk about their favorite beverage, Florida... Continue Reading →
It was long in coming, but worth the wait. DeLuna Wines in Pensacola is now open to the public for tasting and relaxing. After focusing for the past several years on distribution throughout the state, the winery has come home to roost with plenty of wine production and event space in its 25,000-square foot facility.... Continue Reading →
Outgrowing your space can be a good thing. For Katya Vineyards, expansion means even more room for the creative fun they have come to represent in downtown Ocala. Open less than a year, the family-owned boutique winery has created quite a stir in Ocala's food and wine scene. Owner David Sokol as Dr. Wine periodically... Continue Reading →
For 95 years, grape growers and wine makers in Florida have had a unique resource to help with honing their skills. The Florida Wine and Grape Growers Association provides year-round information and assistance to those creative people who choose to grow grapes and make wine. Whether they are pursuing their passion as a career, or... Continue Reading →
Southern Wine Trails 