Wine tasting is an art, and not simply sipping, swishing and swallowing. A connoisseur of wine can distinguish the taste from one fine wine to the other. Stored and aged properly, makes all the difference to a tasty wine. The San Sebastian Winery has won over 550 awards so far with more to come each season. Vintage-dated varietals from hybrids such as Stover and Blanc Du Bois are produced and marketed along with blended and sparkling wines from native Muscadine grapes at this winery.

San Sebastian Winery, created in 1996 is situated at 157 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida in one of Henry Flagler’s old East Coast Railway. According to historians, this area is the birthplace of American wine, dating back to 1562. San Sebastian is considered as one of Florida's premium wineries, and remains a forerunner in the development of table, sparkling and dessert wines from hybrid and muscadine grapes. Port and Cream Sherry dessert wines are also produced by and sold under the San Sebastian brand. San Sebastian wines are sold at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida. With over 18,000 square feet under roof, they have 40,000 gallons of wine storage capacity and their automated bottling line allows them to bottle 1250 cases of wine per day.

Wine tasting involves several steps. The wine should be poured into a clear glass and a few minutes should be taken to see the colour of the wine. White wines are actually yellow, green or brown in colour, and Red wines are a pale red or dark brown. Once you taste the wine, you can feel the bold and rich flavours around your tongue. When you first open a bottle of sparkling wine, the carbon dioxide aroma instantaneously fills the air.

A feast for all of your senses, sparkling wine can instantly put you at ease. Drinking this wine is a feast for your taste buds, bringing several different flavours to rest on your tongue at the same time. All this is taught upon your arrival at San Sebastian Winery. You will be greeted by their friendly staff who will take you on an interesting journey through the complete wine making process. After a short audio-visual presentation in theatre upstairs, you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the 18,000 square foot wine production facility.

Discover the art of winemaking in the rustic but authentic Barrel Room, learn the details of the 5,000 gallon stainless steel tanks where the wine is fermented and stored prior to bottling. You will then be taken through all the exciting steps of wine tasting, while enjoying San Sebastian Premium Wines. The wines made here are mostly muscadine grapes. Recent scientific analysis has revealed that muscadine grapes contain the highest levels of antioxidants and ellagic acid of any other fruit tested. Fresh muscadine grapes and many muscadine grape products provide many health benefits as well.

Wine and Jazz Bar is open weekends, located on the third floor rooftop patio, serving light appetizers, San Sebastian wine and imported beers. The bar features incredible live music from a wide range of talented local and regional Bands. Relax to the music and enjoy the tremendous views overlooking the St. Augustine skyline. San Sebastian Winery offers a full-service Basket Department, where their staff custom-make a wide variety of special order baskets as well as a large selection of pre-made baskets. All baskets offer a wide assortment of San Sebastian Wines, with choices of gourmet cheeses, chocolates, wine accessories, specialty books, linens and tasty spreads and dipping sauces.

• They have an online shopping site, so surprise friends or family by buying online and have them shipped to their door step in a wonderful gift basket.
• It's fun and educational for the whole family. Children are welcome, however tasting wine is offered to adults of 21 years and over with a valid I.D.
• Complimentary Tours and Wine Tasting run about every 20-25 minutes, lasting approximately 45 minutes in length and offered seven days a week, (except for major holidays).
• No reservations are required except for groups of 20 and above.
• Last tours are offered at approximately 5:00 p.m.
• Avoid entering if there are 20 people ahead of you. It can get crowded.
• The staff is very friendly and informative.
• Although the wine bottles are well lit, the pictures you take inside may not come out well because of less light.

• Complimentary entry.

• Carmelo’s Marketplace: Pizza
• Georgie’s Diner: Diner
• Flavors Eatery: Greek, Mexican
• Ice Plant: American

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