The Wine Garden: A New Favorite for Wine Lovers in Lakeland

Tucked into the heart of Lakeland, The Wine Garden has quickly become one of our favorite new spots in town. With a relaxed ambiance and a well-curated selection of wine from around the world, this locally owned wine shop is raising the bar for what a wine retail experience can be. Whether you are a casual wine drinker or a passionate enthusiast, The Wine Garden offers a welcoming space to explore, sip, and savor. 

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by shelves lined with old and new world wines. The selection ranges from the traditional varietals of France and Italy to exciting finds from Chile, Argentina, and other emerging wine regions. While many wine shops stop at bottles on shelves, The Wine Garden goes a step further by offering a thoughtfully curated menu of wine you can buy by the glass. This means you can enjoy a glass or two while browsing for your next bottle to purchase. 

If the bottle you are eyeing is not available by the glass, do not worry. For a small corkage fee, you can enjoy any bottle from the retail selection right there in-house. It’s an option we loved, especially when trying something new without the commitment of saving it for later. It blends the best of both worlds. You get retail value with the experience of a wine bar. 

But what is wine without a little something to snack on? The Wine Garden offers an a la carte charcuterie experience, allowing you to choose from a variety of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, jams, pickles, nuts, and more. It is a cheese and charcuterie lover’s dream, with selections that rotate regularly. Many of the items available for charcuterie are also sold on the retail side, making it easy to recreate your tasting board at home. We appreciated the balance between flexibility and intentional curation. It feels like your own little picnic every time. 

During our visit, we sampled wines from Italy, Chile, and Argentina. One of our standout favorites and a bottle we brought home for a second round was the Baron D’Arignac Depuis 1979 Demi Sec Rosé. Light, slightly sweet, and endlessly sippable, it’s a great example of the approachable yet elevated options that The Wine Garden keeps in stock. 

The atmosphere is equally worth talking about. With both indoor seating and an open-air private patio, it is the kind of place you could settle in for an hour or an entire evening. The indoor space is chic yet unpretentious, making it an ideal setting for meeting friends, enjoying a quiet solo moment, or celebrating a special occasion. The patio, with its airy feel and soft lighting, offers a cozy escape. It is perfect for cooler evenings or sunny afternoons. 

Whether you’re stopping by to grab a bottle on your way home or looking for your new favorite hangout, The Wine Garden is a spot we’re excited to see thrive in Lakeland. It’s a beautiful blend of retail and experience, where wine is the star, but the people and vibe are just as memorable. 

We will be back, and we hope to see you there, glass in hand. 

 The Wine Garden 

1204 Florida Ave S, Lakeland 

Monday: Closed 

Tues – Sat: 11 am – 10 pm 

Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm