From Mickey Mouse to an Urban Winery
Their industrial location in the Mills 50 district
When you need a grown-up break from the world of Disney, where should you go? How about a Florida winery!
Quantum Leap Winery is a unique destination in Florida. They do not make wines from the Florida native grape, Muscadine, but focus on creating great tasting wines from around the world. They do this by purchasing wine juice from small wineries in premier growing regions and then age, finish, blend, and package the wine in their facility. Their focus is on being environmentally friendly and reducing their carbon footprint in the process.
The winery is owned by Jill Ramsier and David Forrester. The friends have a passion for wine and decided to take the leap and open a winery of their own. Norman Saley, the winemaker, joined them in 2014 bringing his California winemaking experience with him.
Upon arrival to this urban winery, you will notice the eclectic, artsy, vibrant neighborhood. Quantum Leap’s home is a former warehouse building and retains many of its industrial attributes. The interior is very open and inviting. There is a large central bar for tastings and an open area with ample tables, chairs, and couches. The exposed ductwork is visible against the high ceilings with plenty of lighting. Bright artwork adorns the walls, which you can purchase and there is an area in the corner for musical artists to perform. Outdoors, the prior loading dock serves as a covered porch area to sit a spell and enjoy great wine.
Stepping inside, we were greeted warmly and offered one of two tastings. We choose to do both, Lucy’s Whites and Buster’s Big Reds. A variety of wine regions were represented from Washington to California and Veneto, Italy.
Our tastings included:
Whites
- Grape Pedaler White Blend, Columbia Valley, WA 2014 -Viognier, Gewurztraminer, and dry Riesling.
- Pinot Grigio, Veneto, IT 2016
- Garda White Blend, Veneto, IT 2014 -Traditional Northern Italian blend
- Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, Russian River Valley, CA 2014
Reds
- Tempranillo, Ancient Lakes AVA< WA 2013
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA 2014
- Merlot, Napa Valley, CA 2013
- Sangiovese, Paso Robles, CA 2014
They have a large selection of amazing wines for purchase and I’m sure you will find a few that you want before heading back to Disney!
To learn more about them head to their website: http://www.quantumleapwinery.com
The farmer views their vineyard through a special lens. They not only have to see the needs of the coming growing season, but they have to be able to envision what is necessary for the coming years. Cuts made today will impact the health and productivity of the vines. Decisions have to be made about which canes to keep and when a portion of the cordon (lateral growing arm) may need to be replaced by another. If they only had a crystal ball this would be easy, but is anything ever easy?
On my first day, I was given instructions about which canes to cut and why to keep others. I was told how many buds to leave and how to tell when to “lay down” a new vine to replace an old one. There was a lot of information in a short amount of time. After watching and discussing why they chose the cuts they made, I was entrusted with a pair of clippers and was off on my own.
Steve and his wife Karen are owners of Tesla Vintners and The Singing Wine Maker. Their desire is to celebrate, “Truth, Beauty and Goodness through Wine, Music and Art.” This is apparent throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. You are welcomed by beautifully carved wooden statues and a colorful flower garden that surrounds a lovingly refurbished home turned winery. Inside the bright colors and artwork continue. There is a large grapevine painted on the front of the wine tasting bar and vineyard inspired mural-like artwork adorn the walls.
Carrie Hanrahan Photography 