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Fort Myers 15 People Person Passenger Ford Van Rental Vehicle and the Eden
Vineyards and Winery
Looking for an excellent day trip? Why not take your Fort Myers 15 Passenger
Mini Van Ford Club Wagon Car Rental to Eden Vineyards and Winery! Located in
Alva, near Fort Myers, Eden Vineyards and Winery is just over an hour's drive
south of the Tampa Bay area. As Florida's oldest operating winery and the
southernmost winery and vineyard in the United States, you will sample some of
the most tastiest and unique wines. Eden is also known for producing Florida's
alternative to a California Blush wine made from Tropical Carambola Starfruit.
History
Before heading over to the Eden Vineyards and Winery in your Fort Myers Mini
Van Car Rental, here is a brief but interesting history you should read up on.
The Kiser family began planting fine wine grapes in Southwest Florida over 30
years ago. They wanted to grow grapes that produced fine wines such as
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However they discovered that after a few years the
grapes would slowly die from something called Pierces Disease. The Kiser didn't
give up and instead they decided to learn more about the disease. They found out
that a small research effort had began in the 1930's by agricultural researchers
at the University of Florida and after many years later, the group discovered
that a "hybrid" grape plant could produce fine wine and be immune to Pierces
Disease. In the early 50's the research group produced the 1st set of Florida
hybrids and in the mid 70's the Kiser's purchased some cuttings from them. They
planted them in a test vineyard located in the little town of Alva. After years
of planting, growing, harvesting, and testing, the Kiser's achieved a really
fine wine by 1985. Finally in 1986 the Eden Vineyards became the southernmost
federally licensed bonded winery and vineyards in the US.
Wine, Wine and more Wine!
Today, the Eden Vineyards produce 6 wines that are enjoyed by thousands of
Floridians and visitors. These wines range from the very dry and elegant to the
sweet and luscious. Each wine has been hand crafted and combines old world
tradition with modern wine making practices.
Lake Emerald
This fine wine has an extremely dry and elegant taste as a result of being
fermented at cold temperatures in French oak barrels.
Alva Rouge
Known at Mildred Kiser's spaghetti wine, this fresh and fruity wine has been
created in the Beaujolais Nouveau style and is great with pastas and roast
chicken.
Alva White
This medium dry wine is crispy and fruity at the same time. It tastes best
when paired with seafood, pork or poultry.
Coral Bell
This is Eden's version of the popular California "Blush" wine (but not as
sweet). Its mouth-filling grape flavor also has a bright and clean finish.
Eden Stars
Made from "starfruit" grown in South Florida, this tropical version of
California "Blush" can be served chilled or as a complement to a light lunch,
salad or picnic.
Eden Spice
This is Eden's most special and popular wine! With its very sweet and exotic
flavors, most people keep buying this wine simply because of its great taste.
Ordering Wine
Eden wines can be purchased by the case (twelve 750ml bottles) and you can
even get it delivered by Federal Express right to your doorstep! This offer is
only to residents of the US. Call (239) 728-9463 to place an order.
Visiting Eden
Take your Fort Myers 15 Passenger Mini Van Ford Club Wagon Car Rental and
drive through the unique 20 year old vineyards, and then come to the winery
reception room for a conducted tasting. Here you will experience the warm
hospitality of the Kiser family that has been here for 3 generations. Drop in
anytime between 11am-4pm, however visits of groups over 11 people must be
arranged by prior appointment. Wine tasting and selling are only available to
people over 21 years of age.
Directions
Eden Vineyards is located on 19709 Little Lane, Alva, Florida - 10 miles east
of exit 141 off I-75 (State Highway 80). Watch for the small green State of
Florida EDEN VINEYARDS sign with the arrow. Turn south onto Little Lane and
drive your Fort Myer car rental to the public entrance to Eden Vineyards (400
feet down Little Lane).
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