We decided to venture out to Lakeridge Winery today for the 18th Annual Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp. Located just outside of Orlando, Florida in Clermont, the 77 acre estate vineyard consists of Florida hybrid bunch grapes as well as varieties of Muscadines including Noble, Carlos, and Welder. Easily the largest and most recognizable winery in Florida, Lakeridge produces more than 50,000 cases of wine each year, available throughout Florida and online.
Lakeridge Winery
After carefully making our way through the crowd, we jumped in line for a tour of the winery which included several samples of wines. I was not overly impressed with the Muscadine samples, but enjoyed the hybrids including the Cuvée Blanc, a blended wine made with Suwannee, Miss Blanc and Blanc du Bois. A nice patio wine, that probably scored much higher on my palate in the 95 degree temps. For red wine fans, check out the Reserve Cuvée Noir, a dry red wine with light tannins and a hint of oak.
Muscadine Grapes
After the tour, we made our way upstairs where visitors are treated to a short video presentation which shows the growing of the Florida grapes to the wine making process. The tour concludes with a walk through the production area and then outside to the balcony to see the spectacular view of the vineyards where the grapes are grown and harvested.
Live music, Greek food, and a lot of sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for a Saturday afternoon. I recommend a visit to Lakeridge Winery and be sure to tell them The Other 46 sent you. Cheers!
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June 13, 2009
Travels