Surrounded by massive bodies of water on three sides and on a relatively low (hot) latitude, Florida is ideal for growing all kinds of citrus and tropical fruits, but hospitable only to muscadine grapes—which is fine, as they can produce some real good wines.
The large economic impact of wine on Florida’s economy is due to consumption, not production. The state has only about 100 wineries, but the large population and many entertainment meccas mean that the wholesale and retail sectors which support sales play an outsized role in wine’s economic benefit to the Sunshine State. .
True Blue Winery lives up to its name, showing that wine can be made with fruits other than grapes, with blueberries the inspiration for its wines (and a wild blueberry beer). Located on Pink Apartment Road in Davenport, the popular winery also offers brick over pizza and salmon, plus steak, lasagna, and salmon dinners made from scratch and featuring local ingredients.
Great Grapes: Carlos
The bronze-colored Carlos muscadine grape is very well suited to Florida and other southern states, and typically produces a flowery, sweet white wine (or juice) that often shines in wine competitions.
