Destination: San Sebastian Winery

Address: 157 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Directions from Jacksonville: Take I-95 south towards Daytona Beach; Take the SR-16 exit towards St. Augustine/Green Cove Springs; turn left on SR-16E; Turn right on N Ponce de Leon Blvd.; Turn left on W King St.

Details: San Sebastian Winery was founded in 1996 and is in a part of the state considered to be the birthplace of the American wine industry, dating back to 1562.

Family Friendly: Yes, for winery tours.

Cost: Complimentary winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week from 10 am-6 pm with Sunday tours starting at 11 am.

Contact: 904-826-1594

According to historians, St. Augustine is the birthplace of American wine, an industry that dates back to 1562. 

The San Sebastian Winery is keeping that tradition alive. Company officials consider themselves pioneers in the development of table, sparkling and dessert wine. Their facility has over 18,000 square feet of space inside, 40,000 gallons of wine storage capacity and houses an automated bottling line that allows them to bottle 1,250 cases of wine per day.

The wine is all made from hybrid and muscadine grapes. In addition to producing wine, the facility offers tours and wine tasting.

Don’t want to do the tour? Check out the cellar upstairs for music and drinks on the rooftop deck. The location provides beautiful views of the city with appetizers. And the best thing about the winery is that it’s free. It’s open 7 days a week, followed by a tasting. Visitors who want to avoid driving can catch a trolley that has convenient stops right in front of the winery.