You might be surprised that Florida has 34 commercial wineries. Wine grapes thrive in Florida because native Muscadine grapes — both white and red — and disease-resistant hybrid varieties are well-suited to our warm, humid climate, which supports a long growing season and rich soils. While traditional European Vitis vinifera grapes struggle due to diseases such as Pierce’s disease, Muscadines and developed hybrids are resistant to the Southwest Florida’s particular pest and fungal challenges, making them viable for winemaking in Florida.
There are several commercial wineries and wine-tasting rooms in and around Fort Myers, offering a variety of experiences, from on-site production to wine-and-dine events. According to Yelp, some of the top wineries near Fort Myers are:
R&D Winery & Cidery — Estero
RAD Corkscrew Winery — Estero
Hangar 41 Brew Shop — Fort Myers
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant — Fort Myers
