Planning a Day Trip to ‌Fiorelli Winery

• 4250 Co Rd 675 E, Bradenton, FL
• fiorelliwinery.com
• Open Thursday-Sunday

Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard has been an establishment in Bradenton, Florida, for over twenty years! Founded in 1998 by the Fiorellis, a Sicilian family with humble beginnings, the vineyard today spans approximately 7.5 acres and is owned by John and Kristin Hokanson.

What to Know BEFORE You Go

A few things to know before you head over to Firorelli Winery.

• Leashed pets are welcome, but please clean up after them.
• Reservations for tastings are strongly recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
• Visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy the grounds, but only guests 21 and older can participate in wine tastings. Lawn games and a playground are available for children to use.
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Getting to Fiorelli Winery

Regardless of where you're coming from on Anna Maria Island, you can reach the vineyard and winery in approximately 40 minutes by car.

From Anna Maria City and Holmes Beach, take the FL-64 and FL-64E; from Bradenton Beach, take State Highway 684 and FL-64.

Best Time to Visit Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard

Photo Credit: Cyril Moore

Each season has something to offer, depending on your personal preferences. Here are some seasonal highlights of visiting the vineyard:

Spring

Spring sees a burst of color and a flourish of greenery as the dormancy of winter fades away. As temperatures begin to rise, you'll be able to enjoy the pleasant weather while strolling around the vineyards or enjoying an al fresco tasting experience. Spring is a great time to enjoy the vineyard's scenic beauty.

Summer

Harvest season begins in July, so summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit. It's perfect if you want to experience the annual grape harvest but expect to see more crowds. The vineyards are bustling with activity during this exciting time. Keep in mind that the Florida sun can be quite stifling, so plan your visit accordingly.

Fall

Fall weather in Sarasota and Manatee Counties tends toward cool and dry, making it a lovely setting. The harvest season seeps into the autumn months, so if you want to catch the end of the harvest, September is the perfect time to go. Fall weather absolutely makes outdoor activities more enjoyable at Fiorelli Winery.

Winter

Despite a drop in temperatures, Florida weather is mild, and winter on Anna Maria Island is a great time to visit neighboring Bradenton and the Fiorelli Winery, particularly if you're coming from a colder climate. Winter tends to see fewer guests, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and have a more personal experience.

Things to Do at Fiorelli Winery

Wine Tastings

Photo Credit: New Africa

Despite the fact that the winery only grows muscadine grapes, they offer nine different types of wine, all of which are available for tasting. Their wines vary from sweet to dry and even include a couple of fruit wines. They even have wine sorbets! Starting around $12, you can sample six of the nine wines; for an additional $5, you can try all nine, including wine sorbets!

Guided Wine Tours

Photo Credit: Fractal Pictures

For groups of ten people or more, there's the option to take a guided vineyard tour. Learn about the process of cultivating and harvesting grapes, different varietals, muscadine grapes, the bottling process, and the general art of winemaking. For more information on guided tours, please contact the vineyard.

Enjoy Weekend Live Music & Lunch

On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by Fiorelli for live music, a bite to eat, and, of course, vino. The on-site restaurant offers a small menu featuring pressed sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and light snacks. Wine sorbet, as well as beer and non-alcoholic beverages, are also available. Live music typically features local artists, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Special Events at Fiorelli Winery

Whether you want to host your own event, such as a wedding or anniversary party or are interested in some of the vineyard's upcoming events, you can check their  events calendar to see what's going on at the vineyard during your visit.

A visit to the vineyard offers the perfect opportunity to see if its aesthetics align with your vision for the event. If you do plan on hosting your own celebration at the vineyard's event space, be sure to make prior arrangements.

Other Things to Do Around Anna Maria Island

Photo Credit: Ken Schulze

As you head back to Anna Maria Island via FL-64, you'll pass both Robinson Preserve and Perico Preserve in the Bradenton area.

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is one of the most popular day trips from AMI. This coastal preserve offers trails, raised boardwalks, viewing platforms, biking trails, and water channels for canoeing or  kayaking. You can head there on your way to or from the winery, depending on the time of your tasting (if you've reserved one). Robinson Preserve is just ten minutes by car from AMI.

Perico Preserve

Slightly smaller and more secluded than Robinson Preserve, Perico Preserve is perfect for those who are looking for minimal crowds. Perico Preserve boasts coastal wetlands, mangrove channels, scrub hills, and a wide variety of avian species. It was originally planned to serve as a bird sanctuary, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

Where Stay Near Fiorelli Winery

Whether you're heading to Fiorelli Winery for a tasting, a tour, a leisurely stroll through the vineyard, or to scope out a potential wedding venue or event space, you're sure to have a fulfilling day trip. This hidden gem on the Gulf Coast of Southwestern Florida has a little something for everyone, regardless of age.

The winery has easy access from both  Bradenton Beach and  Holmes Beach, as well as  Longboat Key.

Haven't booked your accommodation yet?  Let Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals host your perfect getaway.