Visit Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards for a Fun Florida Winery Visit

Florida’s sun-kissed landscape might conjure images of citrus groves and sandy beaches, but tucked amidst the palm trees thrives a surprisingly popular wine scene. While California’s Napa Valley or France’s Bordeaux region might be top of mind for most wine lovers, Florida’s unique terroir, vibrant spirit, and native Muscadine wine offer an exciting adventure if you’re open to wines that are off-the-beaten-path. Curious to learn more? Take a look at our recent visit to Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards in Brooksville, Florida.

A True Family Vineyard

Sparacia Witherell Family Winery & Vineyards is a family-owned winery in the truest sense of the word. This first and second-generation Italian family left New York City for Florida in the mid-2010s and set out to create a winery that would make their ancestors in the old country proud.

The winery and vineyards are managed by Joe Sparacia, and he is supported in the family business by his sister and two brothers – all from Brooklyn, New York. The family planted their first grapes in 2016 and have been living the Italian vineyard dream in Florida ever since.

Wineries in Florida & The Muscadine Grape

Unlike its West Coast counterparts, Florida boasts a distinct identity rooted in native Muscadine grapes. Haven’t you heard of the Muscadine grape? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This thick-skinned grape largely flies under the radar unless you happen to try it at a winery in its native Florida.

Here’s what you need to know about Muscadine:

The Muscadine, a native American grape with thick skin and resilience to heat and humidity, boasts a history in the US, where it has thrived for over 400 years. It may have even been cultivated by indigenous populations before the Spanish missionaries began importing grapes in the late 1600s.

Muscadine wines, known for their distinctive personality, are a world away from the typical Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon that seasoned sippers are used to. Their thick skins contribute to bold, complex flavors that can range from sweet and jammy with notes of blueberry and grape jelly to dry and spicy, reminiscent of pepper and leather. 

What to Expect When You Visit

The vibe at Sparacia Witherell Family Winery is warm and welcoming. Outside seating offers expansive vineyard views, and you almost feel like you’re sitting in someone’s backyard enjoying a casual glass of wine with friends.

If you’re used to wine tasting in more commercial regions like Willamette or Napa, be prepared for a very refreshing tasting fee of just $7! There’s also no need to make a reservation if you decide to visit, show up, sample some wines, and listen to some live music. 

Should you fall in love with the winery’s offerings, you’ll be happy to know that Sparacia is launching a wine club in 2024.

Sparacia Witherell Family Winery Portfolio of Wines

In addition to seasonal wines and ciders, this Florida winery offers five signature wines, all crafts with Muscadine grapes, including:

• Duet Rose – A low-alcohol rose that has notes of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.
• Honeymoon – A sweet white wine infused with honey. 
• Fratelli Red Wine – A perfumed red wine of Muscadine.
• Sicilian Punch – A sweet rose wine with notes of peach and orange.
• Inzio – A dry red wine.

The winery also has a line of sweet blueberry and black currant wines that may appeal to those who like that style of vino.

Tips

• This Florida winery has a fantastic retail shop that sells Italian, French, Washington, and California producers – and some great producers at that. The mark-up is lower than you would expect at a wine retail shop, so do take advantage of this and grab a bottle of two.
• Come for the wine and stay for the live music. Just about every review of Sparacia Witherell Family Winery mentions how great the atmosphere is. In addition to live entertainment, food trucks also stop by.

Closing Thoughts

We’re new to the Florida winery scene, and we found Sparacia Witherell Family Vineyards the perfect place to start our explorations. The atmosphere was welcoming and inviting, and the staff was so helpful in getting us acquainted with the local wines. They do a great job of meeting everyone’s needs, regardless of where you are on your wine knowledge. 

FAQs

What does Muscadine wine taste like?

Many Muscadine wines taste like sweet blueberry jam or dry, peppery spice, almost like a super jammy, dessert-style syrah, if you can imagine such a bottle. 

Is Muscadine wine the same as Moscato?

While they may sound similar, these two grapes are completely different. Muscadine is native to the United States, and Moscato is a sweet Italian white wine made with the Muscat grape.