I was looking for a day date idea when I came across this winery in Bunker Hill, Florida appropriately named Bunker Hill Vineyard. I hadn't heard of it prior to but as I started reading reviews, I knew we had to check it out. Although not required, we did make a reservation online for a taste testing. Upon arrival a woman (Lenora) greeted us and told us to come on in! It was an instant welcoming vibe. Lenora and Larry are owners of the Bunker Hill Winery. They introduced themselves and got started on friendly conversation, Q&A, and information about the winery and what the tasting included. Larry gave us a little history lesson on what it is their winery does and how they stand out from the rest. FUN FACT: They are 1 of a small 20 percent of wineries that create all natural, UNFILTERED wines! We then got to choose our 5 desired wines to try, and the owners provide you with a wild card option, 6 samples per person. We chose the medium dry side as we are new to the world of wine, but we do know DRY wine is not for us. At the end of our session, we decided to leave with a bottle of their new Starfruit wine. YUM! Most wines are for sale for $15.99 plus tax. They are also selling smaller bottles for $7.99.
As my husband and I tried our wines, we socialized with Lenora and learned her and Larry's story, both love and professional. Lenora is an absolute gem of a human being. She was so personable, accepting, welcoming, and honestly made me (us) feel so loved as if I was her own family. The passion for living and their winery is immediate upon conversation. They are a down to earth, laid back, and made a life for themselves that brings them joy.
Not a wine person? That is okay, GO ANYWAY! Lenora makes her own jams, jellies, and syrups and my goodness they are a treat! I am honestly surprised they are not talked up more on their website. We walked out of there with a Blackberry Jam and a Jalapeño jam...yes Jalapeño and it is heaven on the taste buds. Perfect mix of sweet and spicy. All natural jams are $5.99. Some say a steal, I say a gift! We will be back for the seasonal flavors as fall approaches.
THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS! Not only do Larry and Lenora create various wines, jams, jellies, and syrups; they also host weddings and recently started a tree farm to cut your own tree down for Christmas. Florida Red Cedars. Google them. Gorgeous trees. Last year was their first year doing it and they sold 50 trees and in turn planted 50 more. If the ingredients are not on their own farm, they outsource from as many LOCAL farms as they can within the area and then of course other farmers throughout the world. On top of that, Bunker Hill vineyard uses recycled wine, beer, and soda bottles for every bottle. Any glass bottle is accepted as long as washed out (for obvious reasons). So, if you are a wine drinker, send them your bottles instead of throwing them away! BHV also has a rewards program, are kid friendly and they support military personnel.
This winery is amazing, and it is no wonder due to the owners. Their love for life, their vineyard, people, and the planet is a rare find. They are a rare find in this world! My husband and I will be back, not only for all they offer but for Lenora and Larry! Do yourself a favor and go to Bunker Hill Vineyard!
*PSA my husband and I are an interracial couple. We did not get any negative vibes or have political conversations. I cannot speak on what they believe or who they choose to follow. I saw some reviews discussing this but we had no such experience and my review is completely based off of that. read more