Whether you are a first time visitor to Clearwater or a long-time fan, you will find lots of great things to see and do. From extreme water sports to relaxing days on the beach, Clearwater never disappoints.

When you are ready to leave the beach behind and explore the surrounding area, just gather your friend and create your wine tour. The Clearwater area is home to some exceptional wineries, including some of the best in the nation. When you are ready to rent that limo and start your wine tour, you can include these fine wineries on your tasting list.

Murielle Winery

Murielle Winery is one of the best wineries in the Clearwater region, and one of the most popular with locals and tourists alike. The winery is known for its friendly staff, and for its wide variety of available wines.

There is an on-site wine shop so that tasters can take their favorite wines home on the spot. And since there are so many great wines to choose from, everyone in your group is sure to leave with something they love.

Murielle Winery offers tastings on most days, but it is best to check the website to make sure tastings are available when you want to go. All tastings are free to the public, so you can leave your money in your pocket, at least until you get to the wine shop.

The winery offers a wide variety of wines, including a great selection of sweet red wines, sweet white wines, dessert wines, blush wines and traditional vintages. If you are looking for a great place to start your wine tasting adventure, Murielle Winery is an excellent choice. Murielle Winery is open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so make your tasting plans accordingly.

Aspirations Winery

Aspirations Winery is another excellent choice for both local tasters and those visiting from out of town. The winery has an outstanding local reputation, and plenty of incredible wines to choose.

If you do plan to add Aspirations Winery to your tasting list, be sure to plan ahead. Unlike some other wineries on our list, Aspirations requires reservations for tours and tastings. That is so the staff can greet their tasters appropriately, with a variety of tasting wines and a brief introduction to the winery and its history.

In addition to the wine, tastings at Aspirations Winery include food pairings, including baguettes, cheeses, fruits, seasoned dipping oils, and chocolates. Tasters will get to sample a minimum of five wines, including reds, whites and unique varieties. There is no charge for the tastings and food pairings, but come prepared to shop for some bottles to take home.

Aspirations Winery has convenient hours so that you can add it to any part of your tasting tour. The winery is open from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1-6 p.m. Friday and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays. The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday.

The Florida Winery

If you are willing to travel a bit further afield, you might want to add the Florida Winery to your tasting list. The Florida Winery has two locations in the area, one in Madeira Beach and the other in St. Pete. When you arrive for a tasting, you will find that your drive is about to be well rewarded.

No matter which location you choose to visit, you will find an exclusive tasting bar, a quiet space where you can taste some varieties and find your new favorites. Tastings are always free, and you can drop in any time - no reservations required. The Florida Winery offers a wide variety of reds and whites, as well as specialty wines they have created throughout the years. If you would like a cigar with your wine, there is even a walk-in humidor. This winery is indeed one of the best, and most eclectic, wineries in the Clearwater area, though it is not technically in Clearwater.

The Florida Winery is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, so you can stop by anytime to check out the wines and do some shopping. Feel free to add this great winery to your tasting tour.

Florida Orange Groves Winery

The Florida Orange Groves Winery is another superb choice and another excellent addition to your tasting tour. This exceptional winery offers 43 varieties of wines, including some very unique citrus and berry-based wines. All of those wines are made from 100% juice, so the full flavor really comes through.

The Florida Orange Groves Winery has received lots of praise, including form newspapers throughout the St. Petersburg region. Their berry and citrus wines get high marks, and they are sure to be a highlight of your wine tasting tour. If you are interested in seeing their wines in person and scheduling a tour, you should contact them directly to schedule an appointment. The winery itself is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tarpon Springs Castle Winery

If you are looking for something a little bit different, you might want to add the Tarpon Springs Castle Winery to your list. The Tarpon Springs Winery is the only authentic European winery in the south, and it is indeed something special.

The Tarpon Springs Castle Winery is known for its fine vintages, including Italian style wines, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel and many more handcrafted wines. The winery is still family owned, and the owners are always happy to talk wine with visiting tasters.

When you come to Tarpon Springs Castle Winery for a tasting, you will find great surroundings as well as fabulous wine. You will taste the wines in Italian style walled courtyard, complete with four beautiful fountains, a wrought iron gazebo and lots of lovely native plants. This creates the perfect environment for your tasting, and when you finish, take home your favorites.

The Tarpon Springs Castle Winery closes on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The winery is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Vino Sympatico

Vino Simpatico is another beyond Clearwater choice, but it is well worth the trip. Vino Simpatico is located in South Pasadena, just a short drive from the heart of Clearwater and its beautiful beaches.

You will need to plan to visit Vino Simpatico and taste some wine. The winery offers wine tastings every Thursday from 6-8 p.m., giving you plenty of time to discover your new favorite. The winery also provides some happy hours, another great chance to taste your favorite wines.

Vino Simpatico offers a wide variety of wines, including classic reds, crisp whites and specialty wines they have developed throughout the years. There is also a wine club, so you can get your favorite wines shipped to you month after month.

Vino Simpatico winery is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2-10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 2-10 p.m. The winery is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Try Wine

Located in nearby St. Pete, the aptly named Try Wine is another fabulous addition to your wine tasting tour. With 88 wines on tap, Try Wine has one of the most abundant varieties in the region. If someone in your tasting group is hard to please, or who has eclectic tastes, they are sure to find something to love at Try Wine.

The Try Wine tasting bar is located in downtown St. Pete, so it is easy to get to and easy to enjoy. The tasting bar offers a variety of wine specials, as well as unique tasting events for visitors. Check the website for specific details and hours. Try Wine happy hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and Sunday from 2-7 p.m. During those times, you can enjoy ten select wine varieties starting at $5.00 per glass.

Wine Madonna

Wine Madonna is another exceptional choice for your wine tasting tour, and another St. Pete institution. Located near downtown St. Petersburg, the Wine Madonna wine bar offers many special events, including tastings from their extensive menu.

Wine Madonna is known for its trendy surroundings, its exceptional ambiance, and its friendly staff. The favorite wine bar attracts a hip crowd, and you can expect to share the vintages with lots of other fans. The schedule for wine tastings and other special events varies, so it is best to check the website for the most up to date information.

Going on a wine tasting tour is a great way to enjoy your next trip to the Clearwater area. Clearwater is known for its warm weather, its clean beaches, and its crystal clear water, but it is also home to some of the best wineries in the country. Whether you are a dedicated wine aficionado or just curious about this unique world, you will find a lot to love on your Clearwater wine tour.

A Few Wine Etiquette Tips

If you do go on a wine tasting tour, whether by yourself or as part of a group, it is essential to follow specific etiquette tips. Here are a few things to keep in mind when going on your first wine tasting tour:

• Avoid coffee before the wine tasting. The esters in the coffee can interfere with the flavors of the wine.

• Bring bottled water to drink between sips.

• Dress in layers; it can get chilly in the wineries and surrounding fields.

• Bring a cooler to take home your purchases.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.

• Have a light meal before your scheduled tasting begins. You want to focus on the wine, not your growling stomach.

Thank you for visiting our blog, make sure to stay tuned for more to come. If you were interested in any of these wineries located in the Clearwater area, check out the links below!

The Best Wineries to Visit in Clearwater, FL