Are There Wineries Near Tampa Worth Visiting?
- TripTips
- Jul 31
- 12 min read
Which Tampa-Area Wineries Offer Food and Tastings?
Florida may not have the vineyard reputation of California or Oregon, but Tampa travelers can still build a genuinely enjoyable wine day without crossing the state.
The key is understanding what each destination actually offers.
Some Tampa-area wineries operate as full agricultural destinations with vines, outdoor seating, tours and restaurants. Others are urban production wineries built around guided tastings, tropical fruit wines or live entertainment. The right choice depends on whether you want a complete meal, a romantic outdoor setting, an educational tasting or simply an unusual bottle to bring home.
For this guide, TripTips compared:
Approximate driving time from Downtown Tampa
Wine-tasting format
Food availability
Vineyard and outdoor atmosphere
Reservations and group suitability
Date-night potential
Overall value as a Tampa winery day trip
Important: Google ratings, menus, tasting prices and operating hours can change. The ratings and operating information below were checked in July 2026. Confirm directly with each winery before making a long drive.
Quick Comparison: Best Wineries Near Tampa
Winery | Approx. drive from Downtown Tampa | Google rating* | Tastings | Food | Best for |
Keel Farms | 25–35 minutes | 4.6 stars | Eight-wine guided tasting | Full restaurant | Best overall winery day trip |
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery | 45–60 minutes | 4.8 stars | Tasting-room samples | Rotating food trucks; schedule varies | Most authentic vineyard atmosphere |
Aspirations Winery | 35–45 minutes | 4.9 stars | Samples, flights and guided experiences | Charcuterie and casual tasting-room food | Groups and indoor wine experiences |
Florida Orange Groves Winery | 35–45 minutes | 4.8 stars | Tropical fruit-wine tastings and tours | Gourmet packaged foods; no full restaurant | Most distinctive Florida wines |
*Google ratings are dynamic and should be rechecked before publication.
1. Keel Farms
Best Overall Winery Near Tampa for Food, Tastings and Atmosphere
Google rating: 4.6 stars
Address: 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FL 33565
Phone: (813) 752-9100
Website: Visit Keel Farms
Approximate drive from Downtown Tampa: 25–35 minutes
Keel Farms is the strongest all-around answer for travelers asking whether there are wineries near Tampa worth visiting.
The Plant City property is home to Keel & Curley Winery as well as Keel Farms Agrarian Ales and Ciders. Unlike a small tasting room where guests may leave after one flight, Keel Farms can support a complete half-day experience with wine, food, outdoor seating, farm scenery and scheduled activities.
Keel & Curley began with blueberry wine made from the farm’s crop. Its lineup now includes three styles of 100% blueberry wine along with grape-and-fruit fusion wines.
Wine Tastings
Keel Farms offers an immersive tasting with eight one-ounce pours and an explanation of each selection. The published tasting price is $15 per person, and the tasting room accommodates groups of up to 10 at a time. Reservations are particularly useful on busy weekends.
Winery and brewery tours are also offered, subject to availability.
Three Standout Wines and Tasting Offers
Semi-Dry Blueberry Wine
Made with 100% Florida blueberries, this is the most balanced introduction to the farm’s original specialty.
Sweet Blueberry Wine
The better choice for guests who prefer a softer, fruit-forward dessert-style pour.
Wild Berry Pinot Noir
A Pinot Noir-based fusion featuring strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry flavors.
Best-value experience: The eight-wine tasting gives first-time visitors a broader comparison than ordering a single glass.
Food Options
Keel Farms has the most substantial food operation in this guide. Its full-service restaurant offers upscale pub-style and farm-inspired dishes with indoor tasting-room seating and an outdoor patio.
Selections can change, but the menu has included:
Burrata toast
Bruschetta
Local gator bites
Burgers and sandwiches
Salads and shareable starters
Entrées and seasonal farm-driven dishes
Children’s menu options
Beer, cider and non-wine beverages
Hours of Operation
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Reservations and Group Suitability
Reservations are recommended for tastings, weekend dining and larger groups. Groups above the standard tasting-room capacity should contact the event team before arriving.
TripTips Review
TripTips Rating: 4.8/5
Keel Farms is the safest recommendation for couples or groups who want a Tampa winery day trip without assembling the experience themselves.
The full restaurant is the decisive advantage. Guests can taste several wines, order a proper meal and spend time outside without needing to drive to a second destination. Beer and cider also make the venue easier for mixed groups in which not everyone prefers wine.
The atmosphere is more energetic and family-friendly than secluded or ultra-romantic. Couples seeking complete privacy may prefer a quieter weekday visit, but Keel Farms still delivers the best combination of wine, food, accessibility and entertainment near Tampa.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, birthday groups, mixed-drink preferences and full afternoon outings.
2. Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
Best Tampa-Area Winery for a Genuine Vineyard Setting
Google rating: 4.8 stars
Address: 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Phone: (352) 799-7612
Website: Visit Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
Approximate drive from Downtown Tampa: 45–60 minutes
Strong Tower is the best choice for travelers who care more about seeing vines and relaxing outdoors than finding a full restaurant.
The certified Florida Farm Winery was established around estate-grown grape varieties suited to Florida’s climate. The property offers a tasting room, veranda and vineyard setting that feels more like a traditional rural winery escape than an urban wine bar.
The winery is particularly associated with Norton, also known as Cynthiana, along with Ison and Carlos Muscadine grapes. Seasonal fruit wines may also be available.
Wine Tastings
Guests can visit the wine shop for tastings and purchases during normal operating hours. Groups should call ahead, particularly for private tastings, celebrations or busy Friday events.
Availability and format can change, so confirm the current tasting structure before driving from Tampa.
Three Standout Wine Styles
Norton/Cynthiana Wine
The most distinctive choice for guests who want a richer, more structured estate-grown red.
Ison Muscadine Wine
A fruit-forward Southern wine built around one of the vineyard’s primary Florida-adapted grapes.
Carlos Muscadine Wine
A lighter Muscadine expression that can appeal to guests exploring Florida wine for the first time.
Food Options
Strong Tower does not operate a conventional full-service restaurant.
Food availability generally revolves around:
Rotating food trucks
Special-event vendors
Friday evening programming
Occasional scheduled markets or celebrations
The specific truck and cuisine can change from week to week. Check the winery’s current event calendar or social channels before visiting if food is an essential part of the trip.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Sunday–Tuesday: Closed
Major-holiday closures may apply.
Reservations and Group Suitability
Casual visitors may not need reservations, but groups should call ahead. Friday evenings can be more social and event-driven, while Wednesday or Thursday visits are generally better for a quieter vineyard experience.
TripTips Review
TripTips Rating: 4.6/5
Strong Tower wins on atmosphere rather than operational convenience.
This is the better option for couples who want vineyard rows, a veranda and a slower rural setting. It feels more like an escape from Tampa than an extension of the city.
The tradeoff is food certainty. A food truck can create an enjoyable casual evening, but it is not equivalent to having a permanent kitchen. Confirm the event schedule or eat beforehand if the meal matters as much as the wine.
Best for: Romantic day trips, vineyard photography, Muscadine exploration, quiet couples and relaxed Friday evenings.
3. Aspirations Winery
Best Boutique Winery Near Tampa for Groups and Guided Tastings
Google rating: 4.9 stars
Address: 22041 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: (727) 799-9463
Website: Visit Aspirations Winery
Approximate drive from Downtown Tampa: 35–45 minutes
Aspirations Winery is a veteran-owned boutique production winery located in Clearwater.
This is not a sprawling outdoor vineyard. It is an indoor winery, tasting room and event venue where more than 40 wines may be produced on-site annually. The selection includes dry reds, whites, fruit-infused wines, dessert wines and kegged sangrias.
That distinction matters. Aspirations works especially well for groups seeking a structured tasting, live event or casual indoor date without committing to a long rural drive.
Wine Tastings
Guests can order samples, flights or wine by the glass during tasting-room hours. The winery also offers a guided tour-and-tasting experience that may include three wine selections, a small meat-and-cheese plate and an explanation of the production process.
Advance booking is advisable for guided experiences and groups.
Three Standout Wines and Offers
Poolside Rosé
A raspberry-forward blush wine that has received recognition in the Florida State Wine Competition.
Catchin’ Some Rays
A blend of açaí, raspberry and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with a lighter, fruit-driven style.
Lazy Days
A crisp green-apple wine designed for chilled service, spritzers or warm-weather sipping.
Bottle offer: The winery’s online store advertises 15% off six bottles and 25% off 12 or more, with mix-and-match purchasing permitted. Confirm the offer before ordering because promotions can change.
Food Options
Aspirations offers casual food rather than a full restaurant menu.
Options may include:
Individual meat-and-cheese plates
Charcuterie boards and boxes
Cheese, salami, nuts and crackers
Flatbreads on selected evenings
Event-specific meals or pairing menus
Local craft beer, cider, cocktails and sangria
Outside food may be restricted, so confirm the current policy for private groups.
Hours of Operation
Published summer hours:
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 3:00–9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 1:00–7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00–6:00 p.m.
Saturday closing times may be extended for scheduled events. Private events and group tours can sometimes be arranged outside normal hours.
Reservations and Group Suitability
Walk-ins can enjoy samples and flights during regular hours. Guided tours, large groups and private events should be booked in advance.
The winery is located in a commercial complex off US 19, so follow the official directions carefully rather than expecting roadside vineyard signage.
TripTips Review
TripTips Rating: 4.7/5
Aspirations is the most flexible social tasting-room option in this guide.
The large wine selection makes it useful for groups with different preferences, from dry reds to sweet fruit wines and sangria. Events such as live music, trivia, comedy and wine-pairing nights can turn a standard tasting into a complete evening.
The main limitation is visual atmosphere. Guests expecting vineyard rows, farm scenery or a romantic sunset over the vines will not find that here. Aspirations should be chosen for its wine variety, hospitality and programming—not for outdoor agriculture.
Best for: Group outings, indoor date nights, guided tastings, private events and fruit-wine drinkers.
4. Florida Orange Groves Winery
Best Florida Winery Near Tampa for Tropical Fruit Wines
Google rating: 4.8 stars
Address: 1500 Pasadena Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Phone: (727) 347-4025
Website: Visit Florida Orange Groves Winery
Approximate drive from Downtown Tampa: 35–45 minutes
Florida Orange Groves Winery offers the most distinctly Floridian tasting experience on this list.
The third-generation family operation produces more than 40 varieties of tropical, citrus, berry and specialty wines. These are not simply grape wines with artificial fruit flavor added. The winery emphasizes wines made from the juice of the fruit identified on the bottle.
The result is an experience that feels closer to exploring Florida agriculture than recreating a California Cabernet tasting.
Wine Tastings and Tours
Wine tastings and production tours are offered throughout the week.
Tours operate on the half-hour during published tour periods.
Tastings run later than the final tour.
Reservations are recommended for groups of six or more.
The winery also has a wine bar, gift shop and retail area.
Three Standout Wines and Prices
Hurricane Class 5 – approximately $28.98
The family’s signature white sangria blend combines pineapple, passion fruit, key lime, mango and watermelon wines.
Key Limen – approximately $27.98
A crisp, semi-sweet key-lime wine that works particularly well as an aperitif or with seafood.
Florida Banana – approximately $27.98
Made from 100% bananas, this is one of the winery’s most unusual and conversation-starting bottles.
Online prices and tasting-room availability may change.
Food Options
Florida Orange Groves Winery does not have a full-service restaurant.
Food is centered on:
Gourmet packaged foods
Wine-pairing snacks
Gift-shop products
Items suitable for purchasing with bottles
Plan lunch before or after the tasting.
The location works well as one stop in a larger St. Petersburg or Gulf Beaches day trip.
Hours of Operation
Retail, wine bar and gourmet shop
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–5:00 p.m.
Tours
Sunday: Noon–3:30 p.m.
Tastings
Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Call for holiday hours.
Reservations and Group Suitability
Couples and small parties can usually visit during tasting hours. Groups of six or more should reserve in advance.
TripTips Review
TripTips Rating: 4.6/5
Florida Orange Groves Winery is the best choice for travelers who want to taste something they are unlikely to find in a conventional wine bar.
Hurricane Class 5 and Key Limen deliver a recognizable Florida identity, while banana, mango, guava and other tropical wines make the tasting approachable for adventurous guests.
This is a production winery and retail tasting destination—not a vineyard picnic or dinner venue. Combine it with lunch in St. Petersburg, Gulfport or St. Pete Beach to create a stronger full-day itinerary.
Best for: Tropical wine, Florida souvenirs, educational tastings, rainy-day activities and St. Petersburg day trips.
Which Tampa-Area Wineries Offer Both Food and Tastings?
The direct answer depends on what you mean by “food.”
Best for a Complete Meal
Keel Farms is the clear winner. It combines guided wine tastings with a full restaurant, outdoor seating and enough activity to justify a dedicated half-day trip.
Best for Charcuterie and Casual Tasting-Room Food
Aspirations Winery offers charcuterie, small plates and selected casual meals alongside flights, samples and guided tastings.
Best When a Food Truck Is Scheduled
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery can deliver an enjoyable wine-and-food evening, particularly on Fridays, but food-truck availability must be confirmed before visiting.
Best as a Tasting Stop Before or After Lunch
Florida Orange Groves Winery offers tropical wine tastings and gourmet retail items, but travelers should plan a separate restaurant meal.
How to Plan a Tampa Winery Day Trip
Choose One Primary Destination
Tampa Bay traffic can turn an ambitious multi-winery schedule into more time in the car than at the tasting bar.
For most visitors:
Choose Keel Farms for a complete afternoon.
Choose Strong Tower for vineyard atmosphere.
Choose Aspirations for a group tasting or scheduled event.
Choose Florida Orange Groves as part of a St. Petersburg or beach itinerary.
Reserve Weekend Tastings
Call or reserve online when:
Visiting on Friday evening or Saturday
Traveling with six or more guests
Booking a guided production tour
Celebrating a birthday, bridal event or company outing
Depending on an on-site food truck or special event
Build in Transportation Before Drinking
Florida law prohibits driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, but impairment can occur below that level.
The practical TripTips rule is simpler: if more than one tasting or glass is planned, assign a sober driver or arrange transportation before leaving Tampa.
Rideshare coverage may be slower around rural properties such as Strong Tower. Do not assume a return vehicle will be immediately available late at night.
Bring Identification
Guests must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Children may be permitted at some properties, but they cannot participate in alcoholic tastings.
Check the Weather
Outdoor seating and vineyard walks are more comfortable during Florida’s cooler months. Summer trips should account for heat, humidity and sudden thunderstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there real vineyards near Tampa?
Yes. Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery provides the most traditional vineyard atmosphere in this guide. Keel Farms also offers an agricultural setting, although its overall experience is larger and more restaurant-driven.
What is the closest winery to Downtown Tampa?
Keel Farms in Plant City is generally the most convenient full winery destination, approximately 25 to 35 minutes from Downtown Tampa under normal traffic conditions.
Which Tampa winery is best for date night?
Choose Strong Tower for a quiet vineyard atmosphere, Keel Farms for dinner and wine in one location, or Aspirations for an indoor tasting paired with entertainment.
Which winery near Tampa has the best food?
Keel Farms has the most complete permanent food program and is the strongest choice when dining quality and convenience are major priorities.
Do Tampa-area wineries require reservations?
Not always. Reservations are nevertheless recommended for guided tastings, weekend visits, large groups and special events. Florida Orange Groves specifically recommends reservations for groups of six or more.
Are Florida wines always sweet?
No. Florida wineries produce dry, semi-dry and sweet wines. However, Muscadine, blueberry and tropical fruit wines are prominent, so travelers should expect more fruit-forward options than they would find on a traditional California tasting menu.
Can children visit Tampa-area wineries?
Policies differ. Some properties are family-friendly, but only adults 21 or older may participate in wine tastings. Call ahead before bringing children to an event-focused evening.
Are winery tours available near Tampa?
Yes. Keel Farms offers winery and brewery experiences, Aspirations offers guided production-room experiences, and Florida Orange Groves schedules tours throughout the week. Strong Tower provides a more casual vineyard and tasting-room visit; group arrangements should be confirmed directly.
Final TripTips Review: Are Tampa-Area Wineries Worth Visiting?
Yes—but Tampa winery trips should be chosen for the experience they actually deliver, not compared directly with Napa Valley.
Tampa Bay’s strongest advantage is variety.
Within approximately one hour of Downtown Tampa, visitors can find a working farm with a restaurant, a quiet vineyard growing Florida-adapted grapes, a boutique winery producing dozens of small-batch wines and a tropical fruit winery that tastes unmistakably Floridian.
TripTips’ final recommendations:
Best overall: Keel Farms
Best vineyard atmosphere: Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
Best for groups and events: Aspirations Winery
Best uniquely Florida tasting: Florida Orange Groves Winery
Best winery with a full meal: Keel Farms
Best romantic rural escape: Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
For the strongest first visit, reserve a late-afternoon tasting at Keel Farms and follow it with dinner on the property. For a more intimate experience, visit Strong Tower earlier in the day, verify the food-truck schedule and arrange transportation in advance.
Tampa does not need to imitate a major American wine region to deliver a worthwhile winery escape. Its best destinations succeed by leaning into Florida agriculture, tropical flavors, relaxed hospitality and experiences that work equally well for couples, groups and curious first-time wine drinkers.
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