Jacksonville, Florida is known for hundreds of miles of beaches, a vibrant art and music scene, and….wine? That’s right, oenophiles skipping over Jacksonville are missing out. With a surprising variety and care of quality available, Jacksonville’s wine scene stands out.
Rising stars in the food and beverage scene are taking bold steps to make Jacksonville synonymous with good wine. Whether you’re a local wine enthusiast expanding your breadth or a tourist looking to make the most out of your trip, there’s something for you! Take a look at The Bold City’s top wine tasting spots.
Grape and Grain Exchange
Grape and Grain Exchange has been a cornerstone of the San Marco Square neighborhood for nearly a decade. Offering a trendy marriage of liquor store and bar, Grape and Grain Exchange is known for bringing the “garden to bar” approach to Jacksonville. The management here works hard to find high-quality, low-batch producers of beer, wine, and spirits.
Boasting live music and a hip interior, customers can sip as they shop. With an impressive wine list that has everything from a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to a Termes Tinta De Toro from Spain, you’re sure to find something you like. Try a featured wine Sunday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m for only $6.
Riverside Liquors and Village Wine Shop
Located in the Riverside neighborhood, this one-stop shop offers the most complete food and wine experience around. Referred to as “RSL” by the locals, this is one of Jacksonville’s hidden gems.
Although it may seem like another liquor store out front, visitors may be surprised to find full tables and a bar inside. Offering wine by the glass and bottle allows you to try before you buy.
Hungry? Management has taken great care to assemble a team of talented chefs, bartenders, and a sommelier that all work together to bring you an unforgettable experience. There’s more than meets the eye at this location. Don’t miss out on the complimentary wine tasting each week!
Conagree and Penn
Featured in The New York Times and Food and Wine Magazine, Conagree and Penn offer a unique “field to fork” dining experience. Located on the grounds of a gorgeous Floridian farm, this eatery is the perfect fusion of natural, high-quality food and drink.
Come to the grounds to tour the farm, eat a meal, and sip on some exceptional wines. Between October through May, guests may opt to dine among the grapevines. Evening hours of 4:00-10:00 p.m are reserved for a quiet, adult-only atmosphere centered on fine dining, and of course, fine wine. The bar offers an extensive wine list featuring sparkling, whites, reds, and even oranges.
Don’t forget to call ahead; reservations are required.
Bernie’s Wine Stop
Bernie’s is a Jacksonville favorite. Located in the historic Murray Hill neighborhood features a no-frills atmosphere coupled with friendly service and extensive knowledge of wine by Bernie himself. Fridays are wine tasting nights from 5-7p.m.
Another bonus? Bernie’s Wine Stop is near a cheese and meat shop, Silver Cow, which has a few boutique wines themselves. The quick walk is less than half a mile away! Ranging from $10-$50 a bottle, there’s something for every palate and purse. Bernie’s is also home to the wildly popular Bubbles and Cheese event.
Book your events fast! This wine and cheese pairing event frequently sells out and is a local favorite.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Inspired by Napa’s wine country, Cooper’s Hawk was founded in 2005 by Tim Mcenery. With under 50 locations around the country, Cooper’s Hawk is focused on handcrafted wine and is a gem to the Jacksonville community. The in-house winemaker and team travel around the world, working with growers and nurturing high-quality products.
The restaurant includes a tasting room as well as a monthly wine club. The must-try? Cooper Hawk’s own Lux Pinot Noir has amassed 30 individual awards. Boasting over 500 total awards from wine competitions around the world, Cooper’s Hawk is not to be missed.
Kathryn’s Wines
Kathryn’s Wines operates on three self-described pillars: nature friendly, low intervention, and community-minded. Kathryn was inspired by the natural wine scene in LA and felt that bringing the movement to Jacksonville was just what the city needed.
Kathryn’s specialty is natural wines, but what exactly does that mean? Kathryn’s shop offers wines that are organic, ethically farmed, and made without additives or processing aids. Kathryn’s Wines offers a variety of events, including a sparkling wine class, private tastings, and Saturday Sips, a private shopping and tasting experience. A wine club is also offered, featuring wines from a different region or country each month.
Alewife Bottleshop and Tasting Room
Located in historic Five Points, the vision behind Alewife was to create a community-focused environment to fuel the excitement of beer geeks and oenophiles seeking craftsmanship and quality.
Located in a neighborhood known for eclectic shops and eateries, Alewife Bottleshop fits right in. Rated among the top 3 nightlife spots in Jacksonville, customers love the trendy, hip vibe. Even though Alewife’s main focus is beer, they have a selection of wine that should not be overlooked by the oenophile community.
The Winey Wench
Half art class half wine selection, the Winey Wench is a much-loved location by painters and wine enthusiasts alike. The idea behind the shop is art classes paired with wine, and just as the owner likes to say, “With a little wine, everyone can create a masterpiece.”
Participate in fun themed art nights paired with excellent wine. Not in the mood to paint? Never fear! Due to their large selection, the Winey Wench sells wine by the bottle as well. The Winey Wench is located inside the Avenues Mall in Jacksonville.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville’s vibrant wine scene has something for everyone. From trendy to classy to unique, take your pick on what type of environment suits your needs for your next wine tasting. Home to the family-friendly and the exclusive, there are many great options for your next wine tasting event in Jacksonville. Grab a friend or two and get exploring Jacksonville’s wine scene!