Do I need to be 21 to attend?

Yes. This event enforces a 21+ policy; valid photo ID is required at check‑in.

What is included with the $45 ticket?

Your ticket covers six beer samples, a full pour, a buffet dinner, brewery swag, and time with the brewers.

Are reservations required?

Yes. Spots are limited to roughly 20 participants and reservations secure your place.

Is there parking available?

Yes. Wekiva Island provides parking, but arrive early to secure a nearby spot, especially on event nights.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Outside alcohol is not permitted during the tasting; the buffet provided is included, and small snacks brought for dietary needs should be discreet.

What is the refund or reschedule policy?

No refunds or reschedules are permitted 7 days before the event, per the event listing details.

Fall Beer Tasting at Wekiva Island with Southern Tier Brewing

Wekiva Island sits on the Wekiva River just outside Longwood, Florida, and on evenings like this the shoreline fills with lantern light and laughter. On October 14, Southern Tier Brewing takes over The Tooting Otter from 6–8 PM for a Brew Review that pairs six fall‑inspired samples and a full pour with a buffet dinner, brewery swag, and face‑time with the folks who make the beer.

The scene is unpretentious Florida riverside: a wide, slow ribbon of tannin‑stained water framed by live oaks, cypress knees, and stands of palmetto. The Tooting Otter’s deck gives a clear view across the river, where the current reflects late‑day color and wading birds probe the shallows. That combination of craft beer and open sky is what makes this event sing: it’s as much a social riverfront night as it is a tasting.

Tickets include six sample pours and one full pour; food and swag are part of the price, and spaces are intentionally limited to about twenty participants to keep conversations flowing. Come ready to ask questions about recipe choices, aging, and why certain spices and malts work in a pumpkin porter versus a brown ale. For anyone new to beer tastings, the host will guide proper sipping order and palate resets so you leave tasting smarter, not just merrier.

Practical details matter: The address is 1014 Miami Springs Dr, Longwood, FL 32779. Reservations are required and the event enforces a 21+ policy. Arrive early to grab a seat on the deck, claim a view, and check out the riverside ambiance before the tasting starts. Parking and river access at Wekiva Island mean you can make a night of it—rent a kayak earlier in the day or linger on the bank after the last pour.

Why book this when visiting Central Florida? Southern Tier brings regional seasonal expertise, and Wekiva Island gives the tasting a place‑based soundtrack: frogs, night herons, and the slosh of river traffic. It’s an accessible, social evening that folds beer education into a genuine local setting. That combination — small group, brewer interaction, riverside setting, and fall flavors — turns a simple tasting into one of the more memorable nights you can have around Longwood.

Expect brisk talk and down‑to‑earth explanations rather than marketing jargon; brewers at Southern Tier are happy to explain mash schedules, hop choices, and how aging in different vessels alters a beer’s tone. The buffet is designed to pair broadly with malty and spiced beers, offering salty and savory options to reset the palate. If you want greater intimacy, check for future limited seating sessions or private tastings at The Tooting Otter; organizers sometimes run small follow‑ups tied to seasonal releases. Bring a friend and curiosity.

About Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is a riverfront recreation and rental destination in Longwood, Florida, offering cabana rentals, group spaces, guided paddle experiences, and seasonal family events. The property features multiple private and semi-private cabanas—Audubon Cabana, Otter Cabana, Barefoot Cabana, Cabana #1, Cabana #2, Cabana #3, Canoe Cabana, The Point, and The Beach Club—each with outdoor seating and amenities that include gas grills, coolers or beverage refrigerators, and direct water access where noted. The Beach Club is the largest rentable space and accommodates up to forty guests, while several cabanas serve groups of ten to twenty-five people.

Guided offerings include the Wekiva Island Paddle Adventure, which begins with a brief paddling lesson and proceeds with a guided tour on the Wekiva River; participants may have opportunities to swim in clear springs during suitable conditions. Seasonal and holiday programming includes family-friendly events such as Donuts with Santa, Breakfast With Santa, Ornament Decorating with Elves, and Stories with Mrs. Claus. One cabana—The Point—permits pop-up tents, a unique allowance on the island that supports small gatherings and customized setups.

Wekiva Island operates on the Wekiva River corridor and supports responsible recreation near local conservation partners. Rentals clearly list capacities and included amenities, while larger spaces provide picnic tables, fire pits, and direct water access for paddling and swimming. Visitors can reserve day rentals for private events, group outings, or relaxed beach-style days. The venue emphasizes convenience with stocked coolers or beverage refrigerators, upgraded privacy features, and on-site grills to support cooking and catering options.