Once a year in AUGUST, fresh muscadine grapes fill the vines in Putnam County and some generous farmers 
allow folks to come out and admire and taste their year-long efforts. These plump, sweet, colorful, tasty treats require lots of water, fertilization, mowing and pruning throughout the year. But the luscious fruit is worth the wait. There are lots of different varieties and colors to choose from as some are bred for making wine while other are specifically grown for fresh market. August is the month to enjoy these refreshing summer treats. Here is a list of some local growers that welcome folks onto their land for UPICK grapes. I’ve personally contacted each of these local Putnam County farms to confirm their schedule for the 2022 season.
Ever After Farms – 372 Sisco Road, Pomona Park
August 12, 13, 19, 20 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Seven luscious varieties are available for picking – Dixie Red, Carlos, Ison’s, Noble, Fry, Late Fry and Supreme. My personal favorite was the Ison’s variety. Make sure you purchase a glass of fresh muscadine lemonade made by Amy Thomason (Event Planner Extraordinaire). I want to personally welcome Ever After Farms to Putnam County as they snuck in during the COVID lock down and planted 8 lovely acres of muscadine grapes that are beautifully manicured and producing quite bountifully in their third year. 
They also offer a truly exquisite wedding barn if you are in the mood to get married!
Lilly’s Vineyard – 728 Coral Farms Road, Florahome
Season starting Saturday August 13 through September 30, 2022
Prepicked by appointment only (Tuesday – Thursday) call 386-659-2598 Price: 3-lb bag for $10
UPICK Schedule and Pricing: Friday 4:00PM – 6:00PM; Sat 10:00AM-6:00PM; Sun 2:00PM – 6:00PM
Price: $2/lb red; $3/lb bronze
This is a classic staple in Putnam County and currently Lilly’s great grandson is running the show. He has added some nice shade structures and has successfully succeeded at creating a social, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.
Allison Farms – 124 Diamond Lake Lane, Crescent City
Open to the public but must call for appointment – Crystal 386-515-0845
Although Comer Farms in Grandin, Hilltop Vineyard in Hawthorne, Meadowmere Farms in Melrose, Royal Manor Vineyard in Interlachen, and Sirvent’s Vineyard in Florahome were listed on the Putnam County UPICK website https://www.pickyourown.org/FLnorth-Putnam.htm I was not able to personally contact them for any information. Log Cabin Farm, Vineyard & Winery in Satsuma, Continental Farms in Crescent City and Forest Groves Inc. in Crescent City also grow muscadine grapes but they are strictly commercial. They use a commercial harvester once a year and their crops are strictly used for local wine production. 
This is an impressive advanced technology that you can check out on this youtube video that I took during last year’s harvest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoK820WGe8.
The best way to beat this summer heat is to get out and enjoy the fresh air on a family farm and pop a juicy muscadine in your mouth and suck all the sweetness out of the thick skins. This is REAL FLORIDA.
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