San Sebastian Winery for Florida Wines

Now that every state in the United States makes wine, it's up to each to prove that they can make good wine. San Sebastian Winery is taking the lead for Florida in that department.

St. Augustine may the oldest city in the country, but there's nothing antiquated about the San Sebastian Winery, with the exception of the area it's in, a few blocks from the historic buildings that surround the city. It's even a convenient stop on the Old Towne Trolley if you don't feel like walking there.

San Sebastian was established in 1996 and is owned by Seavin, Inc. It is one of the largest wineries in the state. The winery has won over 300 awards and has bottled as many as 1,000,000 bottles in a year. They only produce about ten different wines at a time and concentrate on getting them right, while keeping the prices around $20 or less so they are affordable to everyone.

Check out the wines created from the Muscadine grape, a native to the area which grows in red and white varietals. Their Rosa is a semi-dry with berry notes, making it complementary to a barbecue. Vintners White is less fruity and more filled with vanilla overtones.

The Castillo Red is full bodied but not nearly as sweet as Vintners Red, San Sebastian's top seller. Definitely try the Proprietor's Lakeridge Cream Sherry, not quite what you are used to in Sherry, but delicious. The company also makes a Blanc Du Fleur, which is a sparkling wine produced Methode Champenoise.

Tours and tastings are complimentary at San Sebastian Winery and available seven days a week. The gift shop has (in addition to wine for sale) and interesting selection of gifts and gourmet food items. San Sebastian has a Wine & Jazz Bar, "The Cellar Upstairs." It's open on weekends and showcases local bands while you enjoy the St. Augustine view and the San Sebastian wine. Light appetizers are also served here. Special events, such as the Annual Harvest Festival in April, take place at the winery, which has banquet facilities and has been the site of everything from meetings to weddings.

For more information on visiting San Sebastian, go to their website. The same company also owns Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Claremont, Florida, where they own vineyards that are grown for both labels. If you would like to learn more about Florida wines, visit the Florida Grape Growers Association.