Spend a few hours tasting wine at the picturesque Lakeridge Winery. With views of rolling countryside and immaculate vineyards, the winery is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. Sample the award-winning wines, get a tour of the facilities and pick up some gifts in the store.
Lakeridge Winery was founded in 1989 and sits amid 127 acres (51 hectares) of pristine countryside in Clermont, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) outside of downtown Orlando. It has about 80 acres (32 hectares) of vineyards, which produce a variety of grapes of the native muscadine varieties. This region was once the heart of Florida’s wine-making industry. Come and experience a modern winery which has retained its age-old traditions.
Embark on a guided 45-minute tour and wine-tasting session. Start with a video presentation depicting the process of growing grapes in Florida, as well as the bottling and labeling methods. Then set off with a knowledgeable guide to tour the rest of the facilities, including the production area. There is also a stop to take in a photo-worthy view of the vineyards.
At the end of the tour is the much-anticipated wine-tasting session. Sample the award-winning wines, which range from dry to sweet and sparkling. These include the blanc du bois reserve, cabernet sauvignon, chablis, pink crescendo and sunblush, to name just a few. In fact, the winery produces over 100,000 cases a year, equating to more than 1 million bottles. These are sold in supermarkets and wine stores throughout the state.
The winery hosts several annual events and festivals. If you are lucky enough to be in town during one of these then be sure to visit. Enjoy live music, food, arts and crafts.
The Lakeridge Winery is located in Clermont, Florida, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) outside of downtown Orlando. There is ample parking for cars and RVs. Tours are free and are offered 7 days a week, every 30 minutes. Ensure you bring identification in order to be able to take part in the tasting.
