Clermont — Lakeridge Wine, the Citrus Tower & the Chain of Lakes

Just forty minutes west of Orlando's theme-park sprawl, Clermont trades roller coasters for rolling citrus hills, spring-fed lakes, and Florida's largest winery. This unhurried day pairs a morning wine tasting and vineyard tour at Lakeridge Winery — the oldest and largest producer in the state — with a climb up the mid-century Citrus Tower for a green-and-blue panorama across the Clermont chain of lakes. Afternoon slides down to the Lake Minneola waterfront and the working groves and animal barns of the Showcase of Citrus, where you can ride a monster-truck grove tour and squeeze fresh juice. It is a slow, sensory day of wine, fruit, and water that feels a world away from the parks, yet is close enough to be home before dark.