A Legacy in Every Sip: How Florida Orange Groves Winery Blends Innovation, Leadership, and Heart
Tucked away in the sunny heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, where citrus groves once ruled the land, one family dared to dream beyond the grove. What started as a simple fresh juice business in 1975 has since become Florida Orange Groves Winery—Florida’s original tropical fruit winery and a thriving symbol of reinvention, leadership, and legacy.
But this isn’t just a story about fruit or fermentation. It’s a story about adapting to change, staying rooted in values, and building a business that tastes like home.
From Citrus Setback to Creative Comeback
When Florida’s citrus industry began to decline—struck by disease, global competition, and increasing urban sprawl—many saw the end of an era. But for one family, it was the beginning of something new. Faced with a dwindling market, they asked a bold question: What if wine didn’t have to come from grapes?
The answer: mangoes, key limes, oranges, and berries—Florida’s own sweet treasures. With a blend of ingenuity and grit, the family transformed their juice business into a winery unlike any other. Today, Florida Orange Groves Winery boasts over 40 fruit-forward varieties that capture the true taste of the Sunshine State.
Reinventing Tradition, One Bottle at a Time
Unlike most wineries, Florida Orange Groves has never been about fitting in—it’s about standing out. What began with just seven wines has blossomed into a vibrant collection of tropical, citrus, and berry blends. Each bottle reflects not just the flavors of Florida, but the courage to do things differently.
“We wanted to create something people had never tasted before,” says Vince, President and co-founder. “That mission continues to this day.”
In a world flooded with copycat brands and formulas, their commitment to originality is more than refreshing—it’s a bold lesson in entrepreneurial thinking.
Family First, Always
Step inside the winery, and you won’t just find barrels and bottles—you’ll find family. Vince now runs the business alongside his son, Lance, continuing a vision that’s as much about connection as it is about commerce.
Their leadership style? Less corporate, more communal. “It’s like being the parents of everyone who works here,” Vince explains. “You learn not to take offense right away—and to keep a sense of humor.”
It’s this people-first approach that keeps their team loyal and their culture thriving. In an era when leadership often feels distant and transactional, Florida Orange Groves offers a warm reminder: empathy is still a superpower.
Growing Without Losing Soul
Expansion is on the horizon. From independently owned tasting rooms popping up across Florida to crafting new flavors for younger wine lovers, the winery is growing—but never at the expense of its heart.
For Vince, success isn’t measured in sales alone. “Success is being able to give wage increases each year to everyone depending on the winery for their family income,” he says.
That kind of leadership—measured by impact, not just income—is increasingly rare, and deeply needed in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Lessons in Leadership and Legacy
So what can today’s leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs learn from Florida Orange Groves Winery? A lot, actually:
- Reinvention is essential. When change comes knocking, meet it with curiosity and creativity.
- People matter most. Whether it’s your employees or your customers, lead with kindness and authenticity.
- Stay rooted, grow forward. Honor your history, but never be afraid to innovate.
- Lead with humor and humility. It builds culture, connection, and trust.
A Toast to Purpose-Driven Business
Florida Orange Groves Winery isn’t just a place to sample delicious fruit wines. It’s a living, breathing testament to what’s possible when a business is built on resilience, family, and purpose. Their story proves that when you lead with heart, success is just the beginning.
So next time you take a sip of their mango or key lime wine, remember—you’re not just tasting fruit. You’re tasting a legacy.
