Do You Like Green Eggs and Ham? How About Green Eggs and (Florida) Wine? Welcome to Henscratch Farms!

Let’s be honest, as parents, many of us have endured countless readings of Dr. Seuss’s rhyming masterpiece, "Green Eggs and Ham."

While our ears may have secretly pleaded for "The End," our little ones were captivated by Sam-I-Am’s persistent quest to introduce a new culinary delight. "I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.

I do not like green eggs and ham!" became a familiar war cry in households worldwide.

Now, imagine my surprise – and utter delight – when I stumbled upon a place that takes that whimsical concept and elevates it to a whole new, surprisingly delicious level.

Forget the ham; we're talking about green eggs and (Florida) wine! Yes, you read that correctly. And no, you haven't had too much of their lovely muscadine.

I’m talking about Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery in Lake Placid, a place that’s less about doggerel poetry (thank goodness) and more about delightful eccentricity,

Delicious libations and some seriously charming poultry.

Not Your Average Winery: It’s a Fowl (and Fruity) Play!

When you hear "winery," your mind probably conjures up images of vast, manicured rows of European-style grapes, maybe a tasting room with hushed tones,

And certainly no errant chickens clucking underfoot.

Well, my friends, Henscratch Farms is here to delightfully shatter all those preconceptions. As the name boldly implies, this isn’t just a vineyard; it’s an honest-to-goodness small working farm.

And that, my curious comrades, is where the magic (and the green eggs) truly begins.

Planting began in 1999 – a good four decades after Dr. Seuss penned his iconic tale. While Henscratch also brings in grapes from their Panhandle acreage and other growers in the Southeast to ensure a robust wine selection,

The true heart of this place lies in its 10 acres of native southern muscadine and scuppernong grape varieties.

These aren’t your pretentious European grapes; these are the hardy Floridians of the viticultural world, thriving in our unique climate.

But here’s the unexpected twist, the feathery protagonist in our Dr. Seuss-ian dramedy: 200 free-ranging hens!

Yes, as you wander the verdant rows of grapes, you’re likely to encounter a clucking, pecking cavalcade of Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Barred Rocks,

and (drumroll please) Aracuanas. And it's these glorious Aracuanas, ladies and gentlemen, that are the rockstars of the poultry world because they, indeed,

Lay large, beautiful green eggs.

See?

I told you there was a connection! It’s like Dr. Seuss himself sprinkled a little whimsical dust over this particular plot of land.

Who knew that the journey from "I do not like them, Sam-I-Am" could lead to a delightful wine tasting experience with an actual green egg as a party favor?

It’s genius, I tell you. Absolute genius.

The Country Store: A Florida Cracker Gem (No Green Ham, Sorry)

The centerpiece of this delightful agricultural circus is undoubtedly the country store. And if you’re a fan of authentic Florida charm, you’re in for a treat. This isn't some soulless modern edifice; it’s built in the old-fashioned Florida Cracker style.

For those not in the know, this means it sits proudly above the ground with a crawl space beneath – a brilliant architectural solution from a century ago (or less) to deal with Florida’s occasional dampness and critters.

It’s like the building itself has high-water boots!

Access is through inviting sliding barn doors that open into a large, airy breezeway, instantly transporting you to a simpler, more charming time.

Inside, your senses will be delightfully overwhelmed. Forget the stuffy wine shop vibe; this is a treasure trove.

Of course, there's a dazzling array of wines, from dry to sweet, all made right there or from their sister vineyards. But the bounty doesn't stop at the grape.

You’ll discover shelves brimming with homemade jams and jellies, crafted from the very fruits grown on the farm.

Think strawberry preserves so vibrant they practically sing, blueberry dressing that could make a rock taste good, and a rotating cast of seasonal delights.

These aren't just for looking at; they’re often displayed right on the tasting counter, beckoning you to sample their deliciousness.

And let me tell you, when you’ve got a product that tastes like sunshine and homemade goodness, you want to try every single one.

But WAIT, there's more! Remember those green eggs? Yes, they have eggs for sale from their free-ranging flock.

Imagine serving up a breakfast of farm-fresh green eggs, knowing they roam under grapevines.

Talk about bespoke! And if that wasn’t holistic enough, they also offer raw honey from their very own hives. It’s like nature’s entire pantry, conveniently located in one charming building.

Browsing this well-stocked store is an experience in itself – part treasure hunt, part culinary adventure.

But sometimes, the best activity is no activity at all. Just stepping out onto the wide, shady porch and taking in the sights and sounds (the gentle hum of the farm,

The occasional cluck of a chicken, the distant sound of someone stomping grapes in joyous abandon. is pure bliss.

It's the perfect spot to sip a glass of wine, contemplate the mysteries of green eggs, and forget about the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Beyond the Bottle: An Experiential Feast

Henscratch Farms isn’t just a place to buy wine and eggs; it’s an interactive, family-friendly destination that promises more than just a quick stop.

First off, they offer a self-guided farm tour. And here’s where the humor truly comes in: they provide you with Cheerios to feed the friendly hens as you wander around the property.

Imagine this: you, a sophisticated wine connoisseur, now tasked with being a poultry snack dispenser, surrounded by a gaggle of expectant chickens following your every move.

It’s hilariously wholesome, a gentle reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of interactions. Just try not to mistake a particularly fluffy Rhode Island Red for an oversized grape.

But the fun doesn't stop with chicken-feeding. Depending on the season, you can become a part of the harvest.

From December through March, the strawberry production kicks into high gear, thanks to their hydroponic growing system. That means you can pick your own strawberries!

Nothing beats the taste of a sun-warmed, freshly picked strawberry, especially when you know it's destined to become a delicious jam (or just a snack right then and there).

And then, dear friends, there are the grape stomping events.

Yes, you read that correctly. Forget modern machinery; embrace your inner Lucy Ricardo! Just imagine the scene: squishing grapes between your toes,

Laughing, maybe a little competitive splashing, all in the name of creating a truly unique vintage.

And the best part? They offer private labels for your personally stomped wines. Imagine the bragging rights!

"Honey, this Merlot?

I stomped it myself!" It's the ultimate party trick and a fantastic memory, though perhaps best done before you've sampled too much from the tasting counter.

The farm also hosts a variety of musical events throughout the year. For instance, during May’s blueberry season, they throw a "Blueberry Bluegrass Festival."

Picture this: live music, the sweet scent of blueberries in the air, maybe a glass of blueberry wine in your hand,

and the knowledge that somewhere, a green egg-laying chicken is clucking contentedly.

It’s an idyllic fusion of culture and agriculture.

For larger gatherings, such as family reunions or special events, Henscratch Farms boasts a great open-air pavilion with a kitchen.

It’s the perfect setting for a laid-back, rustic celebration where you can enjoy the farm's ambiance without worrying about the weather.

Imagine a wedding reception with the gentle clucking of free-range hens as background music – truly unforgettable!

Beyond the Farm: Exploring Lake Placid

A visit to Henscratch Farms is easily combined with exploring the charming town of Lake Placid.

Known as the "Town of Murals," Lake Placid boasts over 40 large, vibrant outdoor murals depicting the area's history and culture.

It's a fantastic visual journey through Florida's past and an excellent way to extend your day trip. And, depending on the season,

You might even catch the famous Caladium Festival, celebrating the town’s status as the "Caladium Capital of the World."

It’s an explosion of color that’s almost as vibrant as the green eggs themselves.

Plan Your Henscratch Adventure (and Check Those Hours!)

Given their commitment to a working farm cycle, Henscratch Farms' hours of operation can vary with the harvest seasons.

This isn't a factory; it's a living, breathing agricultural enterprise! So, before you pack your bags (and your Cheerios for the chickens),

It’s always a wise idea to check their website or call ahead to confirm their current schedule.

You wouldn’t want to arrive eager for grape stomping only to find it's strawberry picking season!

In conclusion,

Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery is more than just a place to buy wine; it’s an immersive, delightful, and slightly whimsical experience that celebrates Florida's agricultural roots with a playful nod to a beloved children's book.

It’s where humble chickens lay extraordinary eggs, where grapes become glorious wine, and where you can truly connect with the land in a fun, unforgettable way.

So, next time you’re debating whether you like green eggs and ham, skip the ham, head to Henscratch, and discover a whole new reason to say, "Yes, Sam-I-Am! I do like them!

I will try them in a house! I will try them with a mouse! I will try them here and there! I will try them anywhere! Especially with a glass of muscadine wine!"

"Thanks for reading. Until next time, keep exploring Florida's peculiar charm!"

Florida Unwritten Staff