While some visitors might not immediately think of Florida as being a spectacular place to wine taste, they would be pleasantly surprised after learning what our great state has to offer. Florida has quite a few wineries throughout the state, including a waterfront winery that features truly epic sunsets. But this one particular winery is one of the biggest around and is a unique way to spend an afternoon in Florida.
For visitors to Florida who are looking to taste a side of the state that many do not get to taste, wine country in Lake County is where to go.
A little slice of wine country is hiding right here in Clermont, Florida at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.
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Opened in 1989, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard is Florida’s largest winery, producing close to 200,000 gallons of wine and champagne each year.
The winery itself sits on 127-acres of rolling hills in Central Florida and offers tours and tastings for visitors to the area.
At Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard, guests will be able to try their award-winning wines seven days a week.
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With a range of varietals offers, visitors can enjoy sipping on dry wines to sweet wines and everything in between.
You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to visit this sprawling vineyard and experience the inner workings of the winery.
And if you plan your trip to Lakeridge accordingly you can visit during the vineyard’s annual grape stomp.
The community gathers at the vineyard every year to stomp some grapes, enjoy the sunshine, and sit back to catch the live music.
The next time you want a new experience in Florida, check out the largest winery and vineyard—Lakeridge Winery.
The address for Lakeridge Winery is 19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715. To learn more about this winery, visit the website or Facebook Page. Have you ever been to Lakeridge Winery before? Share with us your experience in the comments section!
Here at OnlyInYourState, we love wandering off-the-beaten paths to find places that add to the community and make you want to revisit again and again. On a recent trip to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, I wandered into Typsy Unicorn's Brewing in nearby Edgewater, one of the coolest microbreweries in Florida. Run by a husband and wife duo - JR and Michelle, this tucked-away gem is an experience from start to finish. Where else can you find home-brewed craft beers and a personalized pickle flight?!
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Welcome to Edgewater, Florida’s very first brewpub - Typsy Unicorn’s Brewing.
Helmed by a husband and wife team, JR is a Master Brewer and Michelle, or Mika, is a classically trained culinary artist. Put them together and what do you get? Deliciously crafted beers and scrumptious eats with every visit.
My recent trip to Typsy Unicorn’s Brewing was completely accidental. Whenever I visit the area, I’m always looking for new things to do and new things to try. So with a quick Google search of breweries near me in Florida, I stumbled upon this gem.
When I say tucked-away, it’s because this brewery is hidden in a strip mall about a block behind a main road. But once you’re inside, it’s a different ballgame altogether.
The atmosphere is welcoming, with an eclectic decor and unique ambiance. JR is behind the bar, and Mika popping in and out from behind the kitchen.
Locals adore this place. You can tell by the repeat customers who know the owners by name and proudly sit at the bar looking over the beer options. And let me tell you, these options are not your typical beers by any means.
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With options that rotate, but some permanent staples, you’ll find unique beers like Uni Toots, a Fruity Pebbles wheat beer, or Rivera’s Roost, a red ale with caramel notes.
I recommend you grab a flight so that you can try a taste of four options in one fell swoop. I was able to try Rivera’s Roost and Hold My Sobrero, a delicious lime-infused Mexican-style lager that is a perfect after-the-beach drink.
We talked about the drinks, so now, let’s talk about the food! It’s not every day that you come across a brewery in Florida with an incredible dining menu like this.
Starting with the pickle flight. These homemade pickles are a stand-out on the menu, offering a quick snack in a variety of flavors.
Other appetizer options include air-fried fries, roasted garlic hummus, and baked brie.
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The light bites on the menu really steal the show. I mean, splitting a giant charcuterie plate between friends as you sip delicious beer? It doesn’t get much better than that!
But outside of light bites, you can also have a full-blown meal, with decadent paninis, hot dogs, salads, and more. They even have vegan options for those with dietary restrictions!
So the next time you’re visiting New Smyrna Beach, make a detour through Edgewater and visit Typsy Unicorn’s Brewing. You can say OnlyInYourState sent you.
What do you think about this microbrewery in Florida? Would you visit for a pint and some pickles? Sound off in the comments section! Speaking of beer brewing…want to try your own? Check out these incredible beer brewing kits courtesy of Uncommon Goods.
Also, if you want to see more of what this place has to offer, then visit the Typsy Unicorn's Brewery Facebook Page. Also, check out our interview with owner and Master Brewer JR:
Typsy Unicorn's Brewing: An Interview With Owner & Master-Brewer JR
Can you tell us about the history and inspiration behind starting this brewery?
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Having been gifted a Mr beer kit nearly 10 years ago opened up a hidden passion for beer creation. I thought beer-making was only for the big wig companies. Brewing at home then entering a national home brewers contest and receiving 3 ribbons of the 4 beers I’ve entered told me I was on to something. I practiced consistency and established my own record-keeping to be able to fine-tune my beers. All the while preparing myself to get real-world experience brewing professionally to then open our own brewery. I wanted to give people something different, and unique in beer. Finally, we also wanted to create a space that is also different and unique. Not your typical style brewery but something that reflects our personalities and shares it with guests.
What are some unique aspects of your brewing process that set your beers apart from others in the market?
I like to do beers that have been long forgotten like a pre-prohibition lager as well as bringing everyday flavors to uncommon beer combinations such as a coconut and macadamia in a blonde ale.
How do you come up with new beer flavors and styles?
I listen to our locals and their preferences. In addition to sourcing local seasonal ingredients, I love taking traditional styles and putting a different spin on them such as a campfire s’mores smoked lager.
Can you share a bit about your creative process?
One thing I can say is that recording every aspect of a brewing session creates a way to be able to improve each future beer I make.
What challenges have you faced in the craft beer industry, and how have you overcome them?
There are always challenges we’re faced with in a brewery. Overcoming the slow season is by far the biggest challenge. We have found that being genuine, honest, and most importantly, treating every guest as though they are family has made “word of mouth” advertising our biggest asset.
What role do you believe your brewery plays in the local community, and how do you engage with local events and initiatives?
As our brewery grows we will be involved in even more events that help raise money for things like toys for kids over the holidays, helping the local humane society be able to take care of animals before they are adopted to name a few. We believe it’s paramount to help our community where we can through beer fests and community events.
There was once a time in Florida when breweries were few and far between. But with the surge in craft beer popularity within the past decade, breweries seem to be practically on every corner! South Florida has tons of delicious breweries, each offering seasonal specialties, unique flavor combinations, and a wide variety of weekly events. But Gulf Stream Brewing Company is one of my favorite Florida breweries, which I think remains a hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale. Not only do you have delicious rotating beers on tap and trivia night every week, but there is also an award-winning pizzeria inside, perfect for a night out on the town.
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Gulf Stream Brewing Company is an independent family-owned craft brewery in Fort Lauderdale that has won numerous awards for its craft beer.
For most beer enthusiasts trying a new place, it’s always great to start with a flight of beer, that way you’ll be able to try a variety of options in one fell swoop.
This brewery always features at least 15 rotating beers on tap, all brewed on-site, with creatively balanced flavors, with high-quality ingredients. There is a little something for everyone here.
Plus, if you start getting a little bit hungry, inside the brewery is Pizzeria Magaddino, a family-owned and operated Neapolitan-style pizzeria.
What makes this pizza a star in our book is the fact it’s made with traditional Neapolitan hand-crafted dough, an old family recipe passed down through the generations.
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You’ll find scrumptious artisan pizza options, with vegan and vegetarian choices too, all fired up in the on-site pizza oven.
Come try a slice, or even a calzone, and then finish the entire meal off with a homemade Italian dessert.
Plus, you’ll find weekly events too, whether it’s weekly trivia in the taproom, pups and pints where dogs are definitely allowed, or even board game night!
To me, nothing pairs better than pizza and beer and Gulf Stream Brewing Company has perfected the art of both.
What do you think of this unique brewery in Florida with a pizzeria? Have you been here before for either? Sound off in the comments section! Or, if you want to learn more about visiting, including monthly events and current hours of operation, then check out the Gulf Stream Brewing Company Facebook Page.