Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House

Island Grove Wine Company Tasting House is located in Hawthorne, Florida, a small town in Alachua County about 20 miles southeast of Gainesville. With a 4.6 rating from 23 reviewers, it's earned a genuine reputation among wine lovers who make the drive out to experience Florida-grown wine in a tasting house setting. The rural location is part of the appeal, giving visitors a wine country atmosphere that's hard to find in a state better known for citrus than Cabernet. It's a destination visit rather than a quick errand.

The tasting house offers structured tastings of Island Grove's own wines, most of which are made from Florida-grown fruit including muscadine grapes, blueberries, and other local varieties. Visitors can work through a flight to find their favorites before purchasing bottles to take home. The rural setting also lends itself to a relaxed afternoon visit where there's no rush to move on. Groups and couples often find this a refreshing alternative to the louder, more commercialized wine bars closer to the city.

The tasting house draws visitors from Gainesville, Ocala, and the broader North Central Florida region. Hawthorne's location along SR-20 makes it accessible from both the Gainesville area and Palatka to the east. It's a worthwhile day trip for wine enthusiasts in the region who want something different from the typical bar or restaurant experience.