Why You Should Visit this Winery in Central Florida
Driving down I-4 from Orlando to Tampa we often see the signs for the Keel and Curley Farm and Winery right outside of Central Florida. So glad we stopped in one day to check it out!
This family-owned farm is a gem right off of the interstate, and is less than an hour from the Disney World area in Orlando. Here are 7 reasons to visit this farm and winery in Central Florida, from enjoying the chill atmosphere and all the outside seating areas to the great food and live music!
9 Reasons to Head to this Farm and Winery in Central Florida
1. Wine Tasting at Keel & Curley Winery
Upon arrival to the farm you can put your name in for a table at the restaurant, or sign up for a wine tasting session inside the tasting room. We happened to visit on a Sunday afternoon and there was a one-hour wait to eat – a common occurrence as we were told. Planning ahead we learned that reservations for guided wine tours and tastings could be made on their website, offering a convenient option for future visits.
The immersive wine tasting allows for trying 1-ounce pours of six different Keel & Curley flavors, along with an in-depth personal description of each wine. The tasting typically takes about 30 minutes depending on the size of your group, the Tasting Room is open for wine tastings for up to ten guests at a time.
Founded in the spring of 2003 by Joe Keel, Keel & Curley Winery began in his farmhouse kitchen as a creative solution to utilizing excess blueberries from his farm. Starting with just 10 gallons of blueberry wine Keel perfected the process, resulting in the unique and delightful flavors the winery is celebrated for today.
Presently, the winery offers three distinct blueberry wines all crafted from 100% blueberries, along with seven fusion wines blending grape wine with fruit juice for a truly refreshing experience.
Our pick: Semi-Dry Blueberry Wine, perfect chilled on a hot Florida summer afternoon.
2. Taste Craft Beers and Specialty Ciders
Established in October 2013 out of a passion for handcrafted beer and the endless flavor possibilities offered by fresh farm ingredients, Keel Farms Agrarian Ale & Cider brews both modern and traditional beer styles in small batches at the farm and winery in Central Florida. Always innovating, they continuously introduce new and seasonal beers alongside their 5 signature craft brews.
David’s pick: Cherry Sour, the perfect blend of sweet and sour
For their hard ciders Keel Farms sources a variety of apples from western New York state, with the gala apple leading the blend for its delightful semi-sweet profile. Pressed at the orchard without preservatives, the cider is then enhanced with locally-sourced fruits post-fermentation for a truly distinctive flavor experience.
Erin’s pick: Elderberry Agrarian Cider (gf)
3. Family-Friendly Activities at the Farm
Keel Farms is all about family and having family-friendly fun on the farm! From cornhole boards to a giant Jenga set, there’s plenty of friendly competition to be had for the kids and the adults alike. The expansive kids’ play area ensures little ones are entertained while the adults sit by the fire pits admiring the lake.
Looking to elevate your experience? Consider renting the charming covered private patio for special events. Whether it’s a birthday bash or a family reunion, hosting your gathering amidst the rustic beauty of the farm promises an unforgettable time for all.
4. Explore the Expansive Farm
Walking around the grounds is the best way to see how large this property really is. Grab a drink and explore the expansive 25-acre farm, where you can greet the goats, pigs, and chickens, go behind-the-scenes of the farm operations, and stroll through picturesque blueberry fields. Families are encouraged to let the kids roam the farm, pet the animals, and play on playground.
This farm and winery in Central Florida is the ideal setting for outdoor fun all members of the family, so bring the pups too! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the covered outdoor patio.
5. U-Pick Seasonal Fruits
Similar to Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Keel Farms offers strawberry and blueberry fields that are open to the public during the harvest seasons. Running from January to March, the strawberry fields offer prime picking opportunities. As one of Florida’s top U-Pick destinations, visitors from near and far can can gather and then enjoy the {literal} fruits of their labor.
From April to May, the farm welcomes guests to the U-Pick fields for the best blueberry picking in Tampa. Fill your bucket with high-quality, juicy, fresh blueberries for only $5 a container. Be sure to wear sunscreen and closed-toed shoes for the best fruit picking experience.
6. Enjoy the Great Food Options
The farm has plenty of options for dining either indoors or outside on the giant covered patio. On warm summer afternoons the patio is cooled by large fans, and there are strategically-placed heaters in the winter so you will always be comfortable. Sitting outside allows for a view of the pond, and more often than not ducks will be waddling between the tables asking for handouts.
You can enjoy wine, beer, and cider flights from both inside and on the patio. The menu offers everything from small bites including empanadas and hearty charcuterie boards to pork belly tacos, burgers, and shrimp & grits. The food is locally-sourced and farm fresh!
7. Live Music Every Weekend
The outside patio comes alive with music every weekend from Friday to Sunday year-round. The lineup spans a spectrum of musical styles from soulful solo performances and captivating acoustic duos to energetic full cover bands so there is something for every musical taste to enjoy.
An added bonus during the summer months is the Sunset Sounds Summer Music Series. Every Wednesday evening as the sun sets, local artists are featured performing live music. What a great way to wind down during the week!
8. The Farm is a Great Day Trip from Orlando
Being in Plant City, this central Florida farm and winery makes for an excellent day trip from Orlando. The convenient location just a short drive away allowing for easy access, making it ideal for either a spontaneous adventure or a planned outing. Visiting the farm creates a chance to escape the theme parks and city, and to become immersed in the charm of Old Florida.
9. Stay for the Special Events
There are several large events hosted by the farm, including the Strawberry Bash in the winter and Blueberry Festival in the summer. These are not-to-miss occasions where there is sure to be plenty of opportunities for lounging, sipping, fruit-tasting, and even more options for kids like bounce houses and face painting.
The farm also offers smaller events such as Yoga in the Vines, Trivia Tuesday nights, monthly Sip’n’Shop Craft Markets, and small art classes including things like candle-making and building a terrarium. See all the events on the Keel Farms calendar.
If you are a Central Florida local or you’re just visiting and needing a break from all of the theme parks, we definitely recommend checking this place out. You can enjoy wine and beer as a couple, listen to live music, have a wine yoga day with your friends, or bring the family for dinner and fun. It’s a win-win for everyone!
More of our local Central Florida favorite spots:
Cheers!
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