Enjoy a Day of Relaxation at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Central Florida!
Located just west of Orlando, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a hidden gem in Central Florida… although we’re not sure how it stays hidden- the vineyard encompasses 127 acres of land! Complete with wine tastings, special events, live music, and yummy food, Lakeridge is Florida’s largest winery and is a must-see. And since it is just a few minutes outside of the Disney area, there’s no reason not to visit this Central Florida vineyard when you are in town!
How to Get to Lakeridge Winery
The winery and vineyard is seated in Clermont, just outside of Orlando, Florida. Because of the convenient location in Central Florida, it is easy to take a day trip to the vineyard from Orlando, Tampa, Mount Dora, and from the Villages. Guests visiting the Disney area can enjoy a day between park-hopping to relax underneath huge oak trees while sipping wine at the winery!
Why You Should Visit This Central Florida Vineyard
A Central Florida staple since 1989, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is a well-loved place to relax and un-“wine”-d. The gentle rolling hills surrounding the winery (yes there are hills in Florida!) evoke feelings of being in a Napa or Sonoma vineyard. This area was once the center of the state’s grape industry, and Lakeridge remains Florida’s largest premium winery.
Lakeridge Winery is a True Vineyard in Central Florida
Where else can you see rows upon rows of grapevines other than this Central Florida Vineyard?! While you may not think of Florida when picturing a vineyard with rolling hills, the Sunshine State does do one thing that other wineries can’t: grow plentiful muscadine grapes.
These grapes are native to the southeastern U.S., and the thicker skin protects against pests and allows the grapes to thrive even through hot and humid weather. Muscadine grapes also require extra sugar to ferment so you are left with a sweet, tasty wine.
Note: Because it is a working vineyard, you can only walk through the grapevines while on a guided VIP tour. But you can get a great view from the parking areas, and from above during the free tasting!
Free Wine Tastings
Yes, you heard right! Lakeridge winery offers free admission to their Spanish-style estate and free tastings of all their varietals of wine. Once you have chosen your favorite (or two), pick up a bottle and they will hold it for you at the check-out area while you enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
After your tasting don’t miss shopping in the wine shop! Here you can find anything and everything a wine enthusiast needs, including special glassware, unique wine accessories and gifts, and perfect wine pairings like gourmet snacks and cheeses, olive oils, mustards and sauces.
Complimentary winery tours and tastings are offered 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday starting at 10AM and Sundays at 11AM. The last tour before the vineyard closes is at 4PM. The wine tasting can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how in-depth you want to get, and each employee is super helpful when describing the wines and can answer just about any question you can think of!
Fun fact: On your tasting you may notice the wine tastes very similar to another Florida winery, San Sebastian in St. Augustine. And you would be correct! The native varieties of the muscadine grapes used in making San Sebastian wines are all grown at the Lakeridge Winery, and both wineries are owned by the same family.
Live Music Every Weekend
Lakeridge’s “Weekends at the Winery” is our favorite time to enjoy this Central Florida vineyard. Every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 5PM guests can sprawl out on the expansive lawn and enjoy a live band, acoustic duo, or solo artist. Bring a blanket, your own chairs (we love these backpack chairs), or grab one of the picnic tables while you sit back and relax nestled among the grapevines.
Listen to local artists jam out to a wide range of music including jazz, soft rock, soul, funk, classic rock, and blues. The live entertainment, outdoor food court and wine bar are open on the weekends from noon to 4PM. Since food is served, no outside food or coolers are allowed.
Grape Stomping in the Fall
Harvest Weekends at the Winery happens throughout August when the grapes are being harvested. This means you can participate in the super-fun tradition of grape stomping! Purchase a ticket (currently $5 in 2023) and squish those grapes either solo or with a large group. Kids are invited to join in as well!
The grapes are cool and squishy under your feet and between your toes, it is surprisingly quite a pleasant feeling. I was reassured the grapes go through an extensive “washing process” prior to becoming the wine we were currently sipping. Afterwards a foot wash station is set up so you don’t have to continue your afternoon at the vineyard with purple feet.
Seasonal Festivals
In the past Lakeridge Winery has hosted tons of seasonal events and festivals, including a Wine & Seafood festival in the spring, craft shows, a Wine & Chocolate festival in the winter, and a BBQ & Blues event in the summer. Most of these events are free admission, but some do have a nominal entrance fee. Check out the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards website for the latest news and events, these are very popular and can fill up quickly!
Fun for the Whole Family
What better place for a day date, a family outing, or an afternoon with the girls than a central Florida vineyard? Lakeridge has tons of room for kids to run and explore in their large open greenspaces. Don’t forget to check out the Twistee Treat hut, perfect for anyone who loves soft serve ice cream!
There are cornhole boards set up on the lawn for those who want to have a little friendly competition. Also, Lakeridge has plenty of shade trees to sit under and catch up with friends.
Enjoy Seasonal Wines
Lakeridge Winery is open year-round for guests to enjoy, from Florida’s mild winters to hot summers and every month in between. We have visited in all four seasons and have never had a bad time!
Besides the wine tastings, there is an outside bar offering the trademark Lakeridge wines along with domestic and import beers, ciders, seltzers, and seasonal drinks. Cool off with a frozen wine slushy or ice cold sparkling blush wine in the summer under the shade trees. In the cooler winter months grab a hot mulled wine to stay warm while you listen to music.
So Many Food Options!
Along with the outdoor bar is a “food court”, with a large variety of options to choose from. Charcuterie boards with Boars Head meats and cheeses that pair perfectly with a glass of wine are sold at one station. Others offer a gigantic wok filled with fresh fried rice, barbeque burgers, large fresh salads, Greek gyros, loaded fries, and sandwiches for kids. Come for a glass of wine and stay for lunch!
Other Fun Things to Do in Central Florida
- Also in Clermont, Lake Louisa State Park is a 20 minute drive from Lakeridge Winery and is a great park to spend a day on the water
- Visit Downtown Sanford, a Hidden Gem in Central Florida
- Pick blueberries and sunflowers at Southern Hill Farms: A Central Florida Blueberry Farm
- See alligators and the “real Florida” on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
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Happy Travels!
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