We were three thirsty enophiles wandering the Outback of Florida’s Miami Beach. No beaches, no traffic, no skyscrapers in South Florida’s Redlands. An occasional line of palm trees suggested we were still in the Sunshine State despite my thoughts to the contrary.
Somewhere in Homestead, Florida's Redlands.
I also thought our destination a mirage in this rural agricultural desert when at last we ceased our wandering. Yes, I have a tendency to overthink things.
Paradise Lost? We found it all, and then some, at Schnebly Winery.
Eat your heart out, Napa Valley. South Florida’s Schnebly Winery, the southernmost winery (and now brewery) in the U.S.
Almost there!
was a tropical oasis nestled amid 96 acres of orchards devoted to growing exotic tropical fruits like lychee, passion fruit, carambola, mango, and guava. No vineyards associated with this winery, although I did notice what looked like grape vines growing just outside the visitor’s center.
Would you believe passion fruit grows on vines? Indeed, they do.
Then again, what do I know, particularly when it comes to making wine or growing grapes! Consumption is the extent of my experience on both counts.
I do know, thanks to a delightfully wonderful afternoon devoted to wine tasting at Schnebly’s, courtesy of Lynda’s dear friend, Sharon (what a wonderful idea, Sharon!), that grapes are highly overrated when it comes to good wine.
I do know, thanks to a delightfully wonderful afternoon devoted to wine tasting at Schnebly’s, courtesy of Lynda’s dear friend, Sharon (what a wonderful idea, Sharon!), that grapes are highly overrated when it comes to good wine.
We might as well call Sharon family!
Yes, blasphemy in some circles. But vintners know it can be sour grapes when it comes to growing these berries in south Florida’s punishing heat, daily rain, high humidity, and all the pests. Everybody knows, particularly entrepreneurs Peter and Denisse Schnebly, that when you’re given lemons, you simply must learn to make lemonade.
Peter's lemonade has a decidedly soft side that allows the velvety elixir to go down very smoothly.
The Schneblys have made some really fine lemonade, officially tropical fruit wine, made from lemons otherwise known as overripe tropical fruit that is less than perfect for shipment or for the discerning customers who frequent the local farmer’s markets in Florida’s Redlands (so named for the red clay that dominates the area). And while my lack of experience may not carry much weight (only area in which I can attest to carrying so little weight), the number of wine bottles adorned with ribbons might!
We made ourselves comfortable at the wine tasting table in the center of the 5,000 square foot Florida Plantation/Key West style visitor’s center and got right to it (no good reason to put off tasting wine!),
choosing a handful of table wines to sample with names like Passion Fruit, CocoVino, Cat 2 Hurricane and Sweet Avocado.
Lynda and Sharon have always been very studious!
The sweet, tangy and tart flavors of Schnebly’s Passion Fruit (don't ask me how they managed all those flavor sensations in one glass of wine!) proved to be my favorite. You might say I’m passionate about my wines; just like the Schneblys.
This should whet your whistle. Go grab a glass.
The Schneblys opened Miami-Dade’s first commercial winery ten years ago, initially selling the fruits of their labor (by day they devoted their time to growing and marketing exotic tropical fruit; by night they made wine in their garage) from a small trailer. They now leave the crafting of the wine to Milton Montanez, who holds a master’s degree in chemistry and brings experience that includes a stint working in Cuba’s Havana Club Distillery. Experience that has proven valuable when it comes to the Schneblys' latest venture, the Miami Brewing Company, the official craft beer for the Miami Panthers.
Pull up a stool and try some Shark Bait, Big Rod, Vice IPA, or Gator Tail.
No gators outside the visitor’s center; just a tropical paradise befitting Miami and a good bottle of wine (or beer, or lemonade, depending on your preference).
This is a favorite venue for weddings, too. Jimmy and I should renew our vows!
Lynda fed the fish while I fed my fascination for photographing fish, flora and fauna.
It was a beautiful ending to a delightful afternoon with friends and family; and the beginning of a love affair with tropical fruit wine. Here's a toast to our lovely host, Sharon!
Here's to our hostess with the mostest.
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The Bottom Line on Schnebly Redland’s Winery
Verdict: This is now officially one of my top destinations when it comes to the Miami area. The trek to get to south Florida’s Redlands added an element of adventure to a thoroughly enjoyable wine tasting experience. Can’t wait to return with Jimmy.
How to Get There: Schnebly Winery is approximately 30 miles southwest of Miami. From Miami, take I-95 South toward US-41/SW 7th St/Brickell Avenue. Stay straight to go onto S Federal Highway/US-1 S/FL-5. Continue to follow US-1 S/FL-5 for 24 miles. Take a slight right onto SW 296th Street and head west for 5.5 miles. Take a left onto SW 217th Avenue. Schnebly’s (30205 SW 217th Avenue) will be on the left almost immediately.
How to Get There: Schnebly Winery is approximately 30 miles southwest of Miami. From Miami, take I-95 South toward US-41/SW 7th St/Brickell Avenue. Stay straight to go onto S Federal Highway/US-1 S/FL-5. Continue to follow US-1 S/FL-5 for 24 miles. Take a slight right onto SW 296th Street and head west for 5.5 miles. Take a left onto SW 217th Avenue. Schnebly’s (30205 SW 217th Avenue) will be on the left almost immediately.
Insider Info: I was hoping to get a tour of the winery after our tasting, but the 30-40 minute tours are only available on weekends, every hour between 12 and 4 pm at a cost of $7 per person. Save $4.95 off the $9.95 wine tasting price by bringing your etched Schnebly wine glass acquired at former tastings. Let’s toast to that sweet deal!
The real caveat surrounding a trip to Schnebly’s: the winery is just one of ten stops on the Redland Tropical Trail promoting agro-tourism in the area. Many of the local businesses in this agricultural area offer fresh, fabulous food, lots of hosptiality and history, and plenty of Old Florida charm!
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Rob’s Redland Riot Road Rallye, “a fruity, tropical history tour through Miami’s bountiful countryside”, is one way to see it all via the guise of healthy competition; or you can get an early start on your own and begin at historical Cauley Square about 8 blocks northeast of Schnebly Winery, stopping along the way to see everything in between, from alligators, monkeys, and orchids to sticky buns, Coral Castles, fruit stands and U-pick options that truly define fresh.
If all the fresh, exotic fruit doesn't speak to you, try the milkshakes; they're out of this world.
Nearby Food: Guests to Schnebly Winery can choose from sandwiches or snacks available in the visitor’s center or bring in their own picnic lunch to accompany a bottle of wine from Schnebly’s. There is plenty of seating by the pond and waterfall to make the experience memorable.
Fortunately wine goes with all food groups.
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