Florida wine country right here in Manatee County

Larry and Lenora Wood of Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery. (Herald file photo)

East Manatee is home to two family wineries, Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard, 4250 County Road 675 E., and Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery, 8905 Bunker Hill Road, Duette.

Both of them welcome the public. Each winery has its own character, style and charm.

Naturally, when we think of wineries, we think of grapes. And indeed, both of the vineyards grow their own.

Larry and Lenora Woodham of Bunker Hill also feature something a little different.

Their "whole fresh fruit" wines of the season will be available for tasting and sale starting March 22. Among them: strawberry, papaya, lemon and red grapefruit wines.


"All of our fruit wines are made just like our grape wines with the whole fresh fruit, unfiltered and aged a minimum of one year before they are bottled. If you like the fruit, you will love the wine," the Woodhams say.

The fruit wines are available in limited quantities. Some of the other fresh fruit wines that will be coming out this year include Florida peach, banana, blackberry, blueberry, key lime, sweet potato, mango and pineapple.

For hours and times, visit their websites:

Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery: http://www.bunkerhillvineyard.com/

Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard: http://www.fiorelliwinery.com/

Antonio Fiorelli samples his grapes at Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard. (Herald file photo)