A little juice of the vine

Mix together temperate weather year round, long spring and summer seasons, plenty of rain and sunshine, and you have the right recipe for outstanding Florida wines.

Matching the diverse and discriminating clientele found on the Emerald Coast, area wineries offer an astounding variety of regional, Italian, German, Australian and California wines.

Two area wineries, having planted their own vineyards, grow Noble and Carlos Muscadines for locally produced varieties. Wine aficionados can also enjoy their selections while dining at fine and casual bistros.

Chautauqua Winery
364 Hugh Adams Rd.
DeFuniak Springs, FL
(850) 892-5887
http://www.chautauquawinery.com

The Chautauqua Winery, located near historic DeFuniak Springs, planted its vineyard in 1979, and its winery was constructed in 1989.

Connoisseurs can choose from 19 different wines including Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, Spumante, and fruity varieties featuring blueberry, blackberry, and Beachberry that is infused with natural peach and orange flavors. There are also several dessert wine selections including Chocolate Port and Vanilla Sherry.

Visitors are invited to free wine tasting and winery tours on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Harvest is from late August into September.

Chautauqua wines are sold exclusively at the winery shop and at the Emerald Coast Wine Cellars located at 1708 Scenic Gulf Drive (Old Highway 98).

Emerald Coast Wine Cellars
1708 Old Highway 98 East
Destin, FL
(850) 837-9500
http://www.emeraldcoastwinecellars.com  

Exclusive outlet for Chautauqua Wines, along with Muscadine syrup, grape juice, jams and jelly, candles, skin care items, grapeseed oils, wine gifts, and stemware.

Seabreeze Winery
13201 Hutchison Blvd.
Panama City Beach, FL
(850) 230-3330
http://www.seabreezewinery.com

The Seabreeze Winery, located in Panama City Beach, also produces its own grape varieties. Kyotee Vineyards, in Bruce, was first planted in 1998. Noble and Carlos Muscadine varieties are harvested late August to mid-September.

Opened in July 2003, Seabreeze Winery offers a dozen award-winning wines, including several varieties of red, blush and white table wines, along with fruity blends featuring blueberry and blackberry. Port and sherry varieties are also offered.

Public tours are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with complimentary wine tasting. SeaBreeze Wines are available at the following area locations:

• Estate Treasures, 504 Harrison Ave., Panama City
• Panama City Marina, 1 Harrison Ave., Panama City
• The Port, 202 Highway 98, Port St. Joe 
• St. Andrews Marina, Ships Store on St. Andrews Marina, Panama City
• Sunshine Spirits and Wine, 216 Highway 71 South, Marianna
• Two Sisters, 1010 Beck Ave., St. Andrews

Vin'tij Boutique and Bistro
10859 Emerald Coast Parkway
Sandestin, FL
(850) 650-9820
http://www.vintij.com

Vin'tij Wine Boutique and Bistro is located in Sandestin near Silver Sands Outlet Stores.

The Market features a highly allocated selection of small production, boutique wines. Patrons can purchase any bottle of wine, and for a $5 corking fee, enjoy it with their lunch or dinner in the adjoining restaurant.

The Bistro is open for casual lunch and dinner offering fresh coastal seafood, hand cut meats, and fresh, local organic produce.

Hours are lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Light fare is offered from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Market offers wine tasting, and features ongoing special events including wine education sessions.

Cuvee Beach
36120 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL
(850) 650-8900
http://www.cuveebeach.com

A fine dining restaurant and wine cellar, Cuvee Beach offers an extensive selection of domestic and international wines and Champagnes.

Open for dinner, the restaurant serves cuisine inspired by California, Asia and Tuscany.

The restaurant hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m., with early menu features from 5 to 6 p.m. The bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until closing.

Beyond the Grape
9375 Emerald Coast Parkway
Market Shops Sandestin, Suite 19
Destin, FL
(850) 424-3769
http://www.destinwinery.com

Originating in St. Petersburg, Beyond the Grape features award-winning premium specialty citrus wines made from 100 percent Florida citrus juice. Wine lovers can enjoy taste sensations like Mango Mamma, Orange Sunshine, Grapefruit Tangerine, Coco Polada and Festiberry.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free wine tasting is available.

Chan's Wine World
http://www.chanswine.com  

The nearly 70 varieties, sold by the glass in the Bistro, is only a fraction of the selection of bottled wines available at Chan’s. There is also an extensive selection of spirits, and beer. With a selection of nearly 200 domestic, foreign, microbrews beers, and nearly 100 different kegs available, there is something to match anyone’s tastes.

The main Destin location features a wine and martini bar/bistro with daily lunch and dinner menu specials. Chan’s also has a well-stocked cooler with more than 100 different varieties of cheese. Wine related accessories and gifts are available.

Special events throughout the year include an annual Champagne walkabout and sale, wine festivals, and wine education programs. Chan's also hosts a Friday evening wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. with discounts on mixed or straight case purchase of any of the featured wines.

The full-service shop offers wine cellar consultation, catering, gift baskets, cigars, accessories, party planning, delivery service available, and a guest speaker program.

Chan's also has two certified wine specialists accredited by the Society of Wine Educators.

Four locations are open, call for store hours:

• Destin - 4424 Commons Dr. Suite E3, (850) 269-2909
• Sandestin - 655 Grand Blvd., Suite 100, (850) 622-0802
• Panama City - 11501 Hutchinson Road, Suite 100,(850) 249-2166
• Wine World Outlet, Miramar Beach - 10859 Highway 98, #301, (850) 654-8805