Rosa Fiorelli Grapes photo: B C Hil
We have a hidden gem near the lakes and rolling hills of eastern Manatee County in Florida.
Thanks to a recommendation from Javier, chef-owner of Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar on Siesta Key, I enjoyed a unique tour and experienced award-winning wines. I look forward to returning after a trip to California’s Temecula wine region to hand pick fresh grapes. The bronze and red Muscadine grapes will be in season from August 15 until early September.
Javier's photo: B C Hill
Vineyard owners Rosa and Antonio moved to Manatee from Sicily. They were struck by the similarities in mid coast Florida to their native land. A few rows of a bunch of grapes in their back yard garden grew into a ten acre productive vineyard and winery.
It was a warm night when I visited Javier’s for a few Peruvian tapas. Javier buys his premier meats from the same place I do, The Sarasota Sausage Company in Gulf Gate. He recommended the silver award winning Blanc Du Bois. This young, dry white paired perfectly with the spicy sausage bites. Notes of grapefruit and green apple jumped in my mouth at first sip.
Another favorite is the bronze awarded Southern Red Reserve. My favorite Zinfandel grape is blended for a robust flavor, ideal with Javier’s rich and spicy peppercorn steak. This week a small group of international food lovers will meet to sample Javier’s 4 course tapas dinner special. Even on a warm summer weeknight, Javier’s had a full house in their charming dining room.
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Javier's Tapas photo: B C Hill
The Fiorelli Winery and Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar are ideal places to visit with the family or out of town guests any time of year.
Javier's photo: B C Hill
Call the winery for hours and to schedule a special tour or party in their pavilion surrounded by grapevines
Rosa and Antonio Fiorelli
4250 CR 675
Bradentown, FL 34211
Email: rfwinery1998@aol.com
http://www.fiorelliwinery.com/
Mary and Javier Arana
Javier’s Peruvian Restaurant and Wine Bar
6621 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, FL. 34242
Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where And What in the World
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
