History of Wine Making in Florida

Acentury before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock; three hundred years before California became a state; wine was being made in Florida. "Florida" was the name given by Spanish explorers in recognition of the state's beautiful fruits and flowers. And among that rich vegetation, lush native grapevines were discovered on Florida's east coast. Following the lead of the French, Spanish settlers harvested the wild grapes; and, applying the same traditions of their homeland, converted Florida's wild muscadine into the first American wine.

Through the centuries, Florida's rich soils and rolling hills have supported both vineyards and wine making. The success of muscadine wine is the byproduct of Old World traditions and new world production methods. The muscadine; it evokes memories of sleepy summer afternoons in the deep south. Smooth, aromatic and nostalgic muscadine wines are a southern specialty produced nowhere else on earth.

Scientists concerned with developing hybrid bunch grapes and improving the native muscadines, have created a wider variety of wine grapes. For 75 years, scholars at the University of Florida have been committed to improving Sunshine State grapes. This research has developed varieties that flourish in Florida's subtropical climate, well-suited to our soils and perfect for wine making. The development of these new hybrid grapes with high fruit, taste and aroma qualities,secures the promise of a bright future for Florida's vineyards.

Florida wineries and vineyards are scattered throughout the state, with harvest times ranging from May to September. This conveniently coincides with the most popular time of year for Sunshine State tourists and visitors.

Visiting a winery or vineyard in Florida is a fascinating experience for the whole family. It's a part of Florida beyond the beaches and amusement parks. Florida's vineyards, wineries and flavorful wines are interesting parts of Florida history that few people know about, but one which more and more people are discovering.

You can stroll through a vineyard, view a harvest, watch the wine making process, the corking, bottling and labeling of delicious wines, and sample the wonderful and distinctive varieties of delicious Florida wines.

Some vineyards even let visitors pick grapes right off the vines. It's a wonderful way to take home a sample of Florida's finest, if you can resist eating the fruits of your labor before you get them home! If the grapes do make it, you can try your own hand at home wine making or create a delicious jelly, jam or gourmet meals with the fruit.

Contributor: Florida Department of Agriculture

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