Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Florida

Apparently, I do not know as much about Florida as I thought.

When I decided to visit Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont, Florida in 2015, I weren’t expecting much in the way of a typical winery experience.

Not that I have much experience. When I think of wine country, I think of gently rolling hills and well-dressed warehouses encompassed by outstretched vineyards that seem to invite you to stop the car and have “a taste” — a mural that does not align with the native Floridian experiences. Florida brings to mind beaches, palm trees, cows (yes, cows), orange groves, trips to theme parks, and old tourist attractions. However, I do not think of vineyards and wineries.

Upon our drive up the entrance to the Lakeridge Winery compound, we encountered exactly what I was expecting not to encounter: rolling hills, a well-dressed warehouse and, of course, outstretched vineyards. In other words, I forgot I was in Florida.

In fact, Florida has been making wine since before the Pilgrims arrived.