Find the Hidden Gem in Southwest Florida - The Fiorelli Winery
Years ago, while out On The Road Less Traveled, we saw a sign for a winery in the north Bradenton area. We made a quick turn and headed east to find wine. It was a ways from the interstate, but when we reached Route 675, we knew we were close. Up on the right, was a quiet, dirt road leading to a small trailer parked in a grove. This trailer was the front porch of fruit trees and grapevines. We sampled wines, chatted with the gentleman in the trailer, and went on our way.
Twenty-five years later, we set out to discover the hidden treasures nestled amongst the growth and development of the neighboring communities. What was happening with the Fiorelli winery and the elder gent in the trailer these days? We were awed by what we saw as we turned into what was once a quiet, dirt path: a wine cellar building with a beautiful mural, a residence, patio, grounds, and live music awaited us, as did a variety of wines nurtured from those long-ago days of the trailer.
Once a small trailer, now a cozy wine cellar
The dreams of Antonio and Rosa Fiorelli of Casteldaccia, Sicily blossomed into over ten acres of beautiful fruit trees and vineyards
As you enter the Wine Cellar, there’s now a lovely gift shop, wine tasting menus, and friendly staff to help you pick just the right flavor for your palate. The grapes grown in the south are the Muscadine variety. With over 400 species of muscadine grapes growing from central Florida and Texas up to Delaware, it was the first native species to be cultivated in North America. Fiorelli grapes produce wine from six varieties of these: Stover, FAMU, Conquistador, Carlos, Triumph, and Noble.
The Stover Muscadine
On your way to the bridal suite, stop and smell the grapes and enjoy a ripening taste sensation
While at Fiorelli, take a tour, listen to live music in the grove by the vines, or get married! The winery tour incorporates the history of the winery, six samples of wine, or, for an additional charge, you can try them all! If you love live music, stop in on the weekends from 1-5 p.m. to listen to some nice acoustic southern rock or sounds from Motown to Latin stylings. Do you want to tie the knot? It’s a beautiful setting amidst the grapes where you and your love can immerse yourself in the vines, either alone or with the whole family.
Buon Matrimonio
There’s nothing like a wedding in the vines.
Join the family: John and Kristen Hokanson and their children welcome you to be a part of theirs. Benvenuti in vigna!
The Hokanson Family
You can also sport the Fiorelli family shirt. These and other fine items are available in the gift shop.
Saluti!
Per favore visita di nuovo
Map your visit
Watch the kids play, tour the grounds, peek in on the wedding facililities, and enjoy the live music. Tell them you heard it through the grapevine…
