Grapes ripe for the picking

A grape vineyard, a full-time job

When Don Loftus began planning for his retirement about five years ago, he had no idea he would be working full-time at his own grape vineyard.  But as he got further into the venture during his off-time he soon realized just how much work was involved with maintaining the grape growing operation.

After retiring from the University of Florida earlier this summer, Loftus is dedicating his retirement to the Loftus Family Farm which includes the muscadine grape vineyard he has built and grown from scratch.  In 2004, Loftus first started converting the field that once grew persimmons into 1.5 acres of grapes. 

The u-pick farm is one of a handful in the area and is open to the public.  For now, the Loftus Family Farm is specializing in the ison and supreme varieties of muscadine grapes.  Loftus said he plans to expand the vineyard by another half-acre, probably including golden muscadine varieties.  For now, he has his hands full, carefully attending to the 14 rows of grape vines, each several hundred feet long and none of which are sprayed with potentially dangerous chemicals and pesticides.

Indigenous to the southeast region of North America, muscadine grapes are ripe for the picking right now, especially at Loftus’ vineyard, where thousands of pounds of the juicy dark purple and black grapes await eager pickers.

The vineyard had already become a popular spot among many people who are aware of the u-pick farm.  Loftus credits some of that success to the well-manicured rows of grapes and relaxing atmosphere at his family’s farm.  Loftus said many pickers like to eat the grapes as they are, some use them for producing wine and others for making jelly and sauces and freezing for later consumption.

The Loftus Family Farm keeps it simple, charging an even $1 per pound of grapes. 

The address for the vineyard is 15585 NW 29 Street, Gainesville.  East of Alachua on NW 156^th Avenue, the farm is at the midway point between State Road 121 and County Road 231.

Generally open from mid-August to early October, pickers are welcome on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 until 6 p.m.  Appointments are also available Monday through Friday for anyone wishing to arrange a picking party.

Additional photos, health benefits and uses for muscadine grapes and information are available at LoftusFamilyFarm.com.