If you were asked to think of a state known for growing and producing wine, which state would come to mind? California? Washington? Texas? Your mind may not automatically think of Florida. However, muscadine grapes have been grown in Florida and used for winemaking for centuries!

Muscadine grapes are one of the easiest grape varieties to grow in Florida due to the thick outer skin. This skin plays an important role in muscadines' existence, as it protects the fruit from disease, fungi and pests.

For many years, Native Americans harvested and cultivated muscadine vines to enjoy their fresh fruit. They even learned to preserve grapes on the vine to create America's first raisins! Later on, colonial explorers and settlers would feast on muscadines across the southeastern United States and eventually use them to create muscadine wine! Captain John Hopkins even reported that Spanish missionaries in Florida were using these grapes to create muscadine wine as far back as 1565.

Muscadine grapes have often been called "Mighty Muscadines" and are said to have health benefits like high fiber and antioxidant content!

The next time you visit, check out our muscadine grape vines behind the Tasting Room.