FIORELLI WINERY & VINEYARD Perhaps the most traditional of all Florida’s wineries, Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton has been making dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines fermented from grapes for 20 years. The Fiorelli team produces nine wines on their scenic property, which overlooks acres of Muscadine-filled vines. The Breeze variety—a blend of Noble and Valvin Muscat—is a medium sweet wine that makes for a lighter riff on the classic rum mojito. The winery also regularly hosts events with live music, wine tastings, and food. (fiorelliwinery.com)
BY JULES ARON hile Florida might seem like an unlikely choice for a wine destination, it is actually one of the original homelands of American wine. Spanish missionaries harvested native Muscadine grapes to make wine as early as the sixteenth century, and Florida is currently home to around 20 certified wineries. These wineries and additional vineyards produce wines from a variety of Muscadine grapes as well as tropical fruits and citrus varieties—many of which make a great base for cocktails. From traditional vineyards to lush courtyards and oceanfront destinations, Florida’s wineries and their flavorful creations are worth exploring. Here’s a look at five properties and their unique wines.
102 NAPLES PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED ILLUSTRATED
102_FLWines_0722.indd 102
5/31/22 11:48 AM
