MAIN Wines North America USA Florida

Naming the territory Florida for its rich flora (including its wild, native muscatine grapes), 16th century Spanish explorers settled in the region and brought with them the Old World traditions in winemaking.

Thus, the Spaniards are generally credited with creating the first American wine - a century before Puritan pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.

Today, over a dozen wineries dot the Florida landscape from the Panhandle on down to the southern tip, offering a respite from the everyday tourist fare of beaches, amusement parks and performing dolphins!

Learn more about the Sunshine State's love affair with the grape in our guide to Florida's wines, wineries and vineyards...

More information about Florida wineries around the Web:

Florida Wineries and Vineyards - From the Florida Department of Agriculture, with a history of Florida's winemaking industry, a complete directory to the state's wineries and vineyards, and a promotional video clip.

Florida Grape Growers Association - A clickable, interactive map to wineries and vineyards throughout Florida with descriptions and contact information, recipes starring the muscadine grape, a complete tutorial on making Florida wines at home, resources for preservation, grape growing tips, vineyard necessities and related links.

Florida Wine Fest & Auction - The annual bash supported by companies and wineries worldwide to help raise charitable funds for kids in the Manatee and Sarasota county area, with a links to participants, sponsor and contact information.

also see -> Florida Beaches | Florida Tourist Attractions