Clearwater: Aspirations Winery Tour & Wine Tasting with Souvenir

Summary

Fruit-infused wine flights, stories from locals, casual tastings in Clearwater

You’ll share laughs over unique fruit-infused wines in Clearwater, snack on cheese plates, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this family-run winery crafts its bottles. With friendly guides and a relaxed vibe, it’s easy to settle in—plus you’ll leave with your own souvenir glass as a little reminder.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped inside Aspirations Winery in Clearwater when the owner, Mike, waved us over like we were old friends. He asked where we were from (I said “up north” and he guessed Michigan—close enough). The place smelled faintly of sweet grapes and something toasted, maybe from the crackers they set out later. There was a little hum of voices from other tables but nothing too loud. I liked that it felt easy to breathe here—not stuffy or formal at all.

Our local guide, Jen, handed out flights—three wines each—and let us pick whatever caught our eye from their long list. I went for the blueberry pinot (tasted almost like summer), a dry red, and something called “Key Lime” that I honestly didn’t expect to like but ended up finishing first. Jen explained how they make these fruit-infused wines right on site; she even showed us the production room. It’s not huge or fancy—just tanks and barrels lined up—but she got into the details about fermentation and labeling. I tried to remember some of it for later but mostly just enjoyed the way she told stories about past batches going sideways (she laughed about a peach wine disaster once—apparently it exploded?).

The meat and cheese plate came with crunchy crackers and these candied nuts that disappeared fast. We wandered back to our table with our souvenir glasses (mine still has a fingerprint on it—I should probably wash that off). Some folks stuck around for more drinks after the tour; there’s craft beer and sangria if you want to switch things up. I kind of wish I’d tried the cider too. The whole thing took maybe an hour or so, but nobody rushed us out or hovered.

I still think about that Key Lime wine sometimes—how weirdly good it was—and how Jen made everyone feel like regulars even if we’d never been before. If you’re looking for a day trip in Clearwater that’s low-key but memorable, this wine tasting at Aspirations Winery is one of those things you don’t really plan for but end up talking about later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour and wine tasting at Aspirations Winery

• Receive flight of 3 wines
• Enjoy meat and cheese plate
• Receive souvenir wine glass
• Take guided production room tour
• Learn wine making process
• Option to continue tasting drinks

Top questions

How many wines do you taste at Aspirations Winery?

Each guest gets a flight of any 3 wines from their list of over 35 options.

Is food included during the wine tasting?

Yes, each person receives a meat and cheese plate with crackers and nuts.

Do they offer non-wine drinks at Aspirations Winery?

Yes, they have local craft beers, hard cider, spiked seltzers, sangria on tap, prosecco, and cocktails available for purchase.

Is the winery accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can use prams or strollers.

How long does the tour & tasting last?

The main experience takes about an hour but guests can stay longer to enjoy more drinks if they wish.

Do you get to keep anything from the experience?

Yes, each guest receives a souvenir wine glass to take home.

Is transportation provided to Aspirations Winery?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are nearby.

What is the minimum age for drinking on this tour?

The minimum drinking age is 21 years old.

What’s included

Your visit includes a guided tour through Aspirations Winery’s production room led by friendly staff, a flight of any three wines you choose from their big list (over 35!), plus a meat and cheese plate with crackers and nuts for each guest—and you’ll head home with your own souvenir wine glass as well.