Florida is not only known for its beautiful beaches and theme parks but also for a burgeoning wine scene that hides some delightful secrets. Among them are five hidden wineries, beloved by locals, each offering a unique blend of exquisite wines and mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas. These destinations provide a unique culinary experience, combining the art of winemaking with the craft of gourmet pizza making. Whether you’re a wine lover, a pizza enthusiast, or both, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable taste adventure and a cozy escape from the usual tourist trails.
1. Chain Reaction Winery
Chain Reaction Winery, tucked in the Lakeland area, delights locals with its Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted in a wood-fired oven. The use of OO‑flour dough, fermented for up to 48 hours, results in a crust that’s crispy yet tender. Imported Italian meats and cheeses add a gourmet twist, elevating classics like Margherita to exciting specials such as pulled‑pork. The secret lies in dough proofed for days and a high-heat oven that delivers beautifully blistered crust. Premium imported toppings further enrich the flavors. This winery not only offers exquisite wines but also a culinary experience that keeps locals returning. It’s the perfect spot for an indulgent escape, where pizza and wine create harmonious magic.
2. Windridge Vineyards
Windridge Vineyards, located near Doylestown, offers a unique dining experience with pizzas served from a food truck. Picture yourself surrounded by scenic vineyard views, savoring authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. The pizzas are traditional, yet each bite pairs perfectly with the vineyard’s bold wines, offering a delightful contrast that locals adore. It’s the simple pleasures here that charm visitors: the rustic setting, the smell of fresh dough, and the warmth of the oven. This spot captures the essence of laid-back elegance, where food and wine unite to offer a memorable culinary journey amidst the vines.
3. True Blue Winery
True Blue Winery, in Davenport, is a pioneer as Florida’s first blueberry winery, and it surprises with a wood-fired brick oven. The pizzas here boast crisp, smoky crusts that complement the winery’s vibrant selection of blueberry wines. Nestled on a working blueberry farm, this winery offers a seasonal menu rooted in local ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and flavorful. Alongside pizzas, dishes like wood-fired salmon and steaks make this spot special. The blend of rustic charm and culinary innovation draws food lovers to this Central Florida gem, where each visit promises a delicious escape into the heart of Florida’s farming and winemaking traditions.
4. Station 49
Station 49, cozily nestled in the Vero Beach area, offers a warm, inviting atmosphere attached to a vineyard. Here, the pizzas are hand-stretched to perfection, showcasing thin crusts with blistered edges and a smoky flavor. Inventive combinations of fresh local toppings make each pizza unique, appealing to adventurous palates. The intimate setting enhances the dining experience, making it a beloved secret among locals who appreciate quality and creativity. Station 49 stands out for its dedication to crafting pizzas that are both delicious and artistically presented, turning every meal into an event to savor slowly, paired beautifully with their select wines.
5. Bagigio’s
Bagigio’s, hidden in Woodville near Tallahassee, is a family-run treasure that draws enthusiasts from across the region. Nestled among the trees, its wood-fired pizza spot is renowned for a rotating stone oven that produces pizzas with a perfectly thin, crispy center. The tomato sauce here is fresh, flavor-packed, and balanced, avoiding any acidic bite. The forest setting provides a tranquil escape, where diners can enjoy the simple pleasure of exceptional pizza in a serene environment. This spot is cherished for its commitment to quality and the warmth of family traditions, making every visit a delightful journey into culinary excellence.
