Lakeridge Winery
On eighty gently rolling acres, thirty minutes west of Disney, sits Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards.
The stunning, expansive mission-style tasting room welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually.
The brainchild of Gary and Carole Cox, Lakeridge Winery was the result of a love for European wineries.
Acquiring the acreage in 1988, the Cox’s never looked back.
Although they were involved in a winery out of Tallahassee, as Lakeridge operations grew, the Tallahassee venture merged into Lakeridge.
Wines
Southeastern heat and humidity require a different grape type than those in more recognized appellations.Here, Blanc Du Bois, Stover, Suwannee, Noble, Carlos, Welder and Magnolia grapes thrive.
Additional grapes, for blending, are purchased elsewhere.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards produce twelve distinctive and delicious wines.
Since the first production, in 1989, more than 700 awards and ribbons have been won by Lakeridge varietals.
Six white wine selections are offered.
The Blanc Du Bois, a single variety, has a spicy nose and mouth. The Chablis, Cuvee Blanc, Southern White, Stover Reserve and Blanc Du Bois Reserve are masterful blends that would pair well with cheeses, chicken dishes and fruit featured desserts.
Three hearty red wines – the Southern Red, Cuvee Noir Reserve, and Proprietor’s Reserve -- showcase the Muscadine varietals.
These wines deserve great meats to accompany them.
Sunblush is a pink blush wine that would compliment light appetizers such as shrimp, a crab dip or cheese and fruit.
The sparkling wine, Pink Crescendo, is the special occasion choice.
Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or any celebration will be enhanced with this wine. Enjoy the mood with this wine.
San Sebastian Port, in the carafe-shaped bottle, is the finishing touch to any day.
Pair this great drink with chocolate or a special movie.
Seasonal Events
Nearly every month sees one-of-a-kind events at Lakeridge Winery.Summer and Winter Music Festivals, Jazz and Blues; music is a big part of Lakeridge.
Annual Chocolate and Wine and Seafood and Wine events sell out quickly.
Weekend long Holiday, Harvest and Wine Festivals are well attended, with the talents and wares of more than eighty local artisans on display.
Lakeridge Winery is not only the place for great wines and events, but for empowerment.
Their website instructs in the proper methods of tasting wine, how to evaluate wine, recommended wine reading and wine and food pairings.
Tours and Tastings
Tours and tastings are always free.
Tours last approximately forty-five minutes.
Additionally, Lakeridge offers visitors an extensive gift shop with olive oils, salad dressings, gourmet cheeses and all their wines.
Gift baskets or boxes are made up onsite.
Some hostess will be very appreciative.
Recently, a second winery, San Sebastian, was opened in San Augustine, Florida.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards is waiting to welcome you for a tasting or a special event.
This exciting place is located at 10239 US 27 North, Clermont, Florida.
For more information, call 1-800-768-WINE or visit their website at www.lakeridgewinery.com
