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 Most people are familiar with the wines that are bottled in California
and New York State. However, Florida is also high on the list of states
that produce some of our nation’s finest wines.
Actually, there are eleven wineries located across Florida, extending
from Destin, in the Panhandle, to Alva, near Naples in the south. These
wineries have developed a variety of wines as a result of years of
research conducted by the Florida Grape Growers Association. They have
developed grapes that are specifically adapted to Florida conditions,
and the results speak for themselves.
The Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, located in Clermont, offers an
assortment of award-winning wines
that are produced from grapes grown on the 127 acres surrounding the
winery.
 During
its twelve years of operation, the winery has been granted about 300
awards for its quality wines. A staff of about fifty employees maintains
the vineyards, processes the grapes, and conducts daily tours for
visitors (which includes a popular wine-tasting session). They also keep
the gift shop well-stocked for the hundreds of visitors that come
through every day.
Wine production begins when grape plants are started below a single line
trellis. As the plants develop, they are manipulated to increase
exposure to the sun. When the grapes ripen about four months later, a
harvester machine shakes the plants to remove the grapes from the vines.
A crusher and stemmer apparatus removes the seeds and stems to prevent
bitterness, and the resulting juice is placed in 5000 gallon
fermentation tanks, along with yeast and sugar. In about 4-6 weeks for
white wines, and 6-8 weeks for red wines, the wines are ready for
bottling.
 Some of the champagne wines undergo a special process called Methode
Champenoise, in which a second fermentation occurs after the wine has
been bottled. This process requires the bottles to be stored at angles
with the top downward, and each individual bottle has to be rotated by
hand 10-12 times every day - a total of 120-130 turns before the
sediments are removed.
In addition to its daily tours and wine-tasting sessions, the Lakeridge
Winery holds other activities throughout the year. Jazz bands provide
musical entertainment in May and September. The Annual Harvest Festival
in June includes arts and crafts displays, live music, food and wine, as
well as the ever-popular grape stomping. The Summer Music Series takes
place in July and August. The Vintage Venture in October includes live
50s and 60s music, a vintage car show, and plenty to eat. November and
December festivals also provide music, food
 and
wine, and visitors are encouraged to make use of the picnic grounds
located next to the winery.
The proximity of the winery to the Pringle communities provides an
opportunity for residents of these communities to become involved in its
operation. Terry Beebe (conducting the tour in these photos) and his
wife Peggy of Highland Lakes, and Ginny Horn of Royal Highlands, assist
with the tours and wine-tasting sessions. Peggy Beebe and Hank Horn, and
Josette and Ernie Amaral (Royal Highlands), explain the winery’s
operations and products during Festivals.
The Lakeridge Winery is a must-see (and “must taste”) attraction in
Central Florida. It is located on Hwy 27, just a few miles south of
Royal Highlands. You can learn more by taking a peek at their website:
www.lakeridgewinery.com
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