Eden Vineyards Is One Of The Oldest Florida Wineries
Eden Vineyards and Winery is the closest of all the Florida wineries to my home in Naples. It is an interesting trip and a relaxing location. It is located just off SR-80 about 10 miles east of I-75 near the small village of Alva. Look for the Eden signs, and turn right on Little Lane just east of the Intracoastal farmhouse building. In a few hundred feet you will come to an open gate on the right. An Eden Winery sign guides you down a well maintained dirt driveway that leads west through a random collection of trucks, cars and other equipment that shares the property with the winery. Don't get confused, just keep driving.
You will travel another few hundred feet through ancient oaks draped with Spanish Moss. You know you are in Old Florida.
Before long, you will come to a small parking lot on the right. You will see the winery building with its broad porches on the left. The wine retail shop and tasting area is small and rustic. There is a counter on the right side of the room for tasting, and wine racks on the left wall for browsing and buying. Rocking chairs and a couple of tables are shaded under the porch in front of the old building.
The Kiser family started this winery almost 30 years ago, when they set out the first grape vineyard. Eden now has 6 different types of wines: Lake Emerald, Alva Rouge, Alva White, Coral Bell, Eden Stars and Eden Spice. I had a taste of Alva White and Coral Bell, and enjoyed each. I bought a bottle of Alva White, and enjoyed it that night with friends back in Naples. Fort Myers is the nearest major town, about 18 miles west. The nearest small towns to the east are Alva, about 2 miles away on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River, and LaBelle, 8 miles or so east on Florida State Road 80.
It is worth visiting the tiny village of Alva just a couple of miles down the road. Turn right on Pearl Street after you cross the bridge over the Caloosahatchee River. ADMISSION FEES There is no admission charge to Eden Vineyards Open daily 11AM To 4PM (Closed Major Holidays) Conducted wine tastings daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., no reservations required. View Larger Map
DIRECTIONS From I-75, take Exit 141 east on SR-80 for about 10 miles. Look for the Eden Vineyards sign on the south side of the road. Turn at the big Florida country style farmhouse on the south side of the highway. It is the headquarters of Intracoastal Realty. The winery is located on property behind the big house. Share Your Experience at Eden Winery Return From Eden Winery To Florida Wineries
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