One of Central Florida’s longest-running agritourism destinations is heading into another busy summer season as crowds gather among the rolling hills of Clermont for live music, festivals and wine weekends at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.

Known for its sprawling vineyard views, weekend entertainment and Muscadine wines, the winery has spent more than three decades building a reputation that stretches well beyond traditional wine tastings. Founded in 1989, the winery now welcomes thousands of visitors annually and has earned recognition both statewide and nationally for its wines and visitor experience.

While wine remains the centerpiece, the atmosphere has become just as much a draw.

“We can’t wait to bring back our Summer Music Series,” says Christian Slupe, Lakeridge marketing director. “It will take place every weekend in July, and then we’ll celebrate harvest at our Annual Harvest Festival, August 21-23.”

The three-day event will feature vendors, live music, food court, and grape stomping. 

On Saturdays and Sundays, guests spread lawn chairs and picnic blankets across the vineyard green for Weekends at the Winery, while live musicians perform outdoors from noon to 4pm. Food vendors, wine bars and seasonal drinks like wine slushies help transform the property into one of the area’s more established recurring weekend gathering spots.

The winery’s location among Clermont’s hills has long helped set it apart visually from what many people expect from Central Florida.

Tours and tastings continue seven days a week, giving visitors a closer look at the production process, vineyard operations and Florida’s growing wine industry. In fact, Florida now has roughly 40 wineries statewide, with more than half recognized as Certified Florida Farm producers.

Part of that evolution includes winemaker Andrew Meggitt, whose background includes more than 30 years working in wine regions such as Alsace, Burgundy and Missouri’s Ozarks.

“Wine doesn’t have to be pretentious to be exceptional,” Andrew says. “It should always be accessible and a part of every celebration.”

Beyond the regular weekend entertainment schedule, the winery also hosts larger seasonal events throughout the year, including Jazz on the Vineyard Green, Blues at the Winery and seasonal festivals that draw visitors from across the state.

For many locals, the winery has become less of a one-time tourist stop and more of a recurring tradition tied to outdoor concerts, festivals and summer afternoons overlooking the vines.

Tours and tastings are offered daily at the winery, located at 19239 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. For event schedules and information, visit lakeridgewinery.com.