Currently, commercial production of muscadines is divided between fresh fruit sales and wine. Acreage for wine grapes is contracted to or owned by wineries. The market for single-strength muscadine juice has been tested and found positive but remains untapped in Florida. Muscadines grow well throughout Florida. Vineyards should be located on soils which are well-drained or raised beds constructed in poorly drained areas.
Productivity is enhanced on sloped areas with good air drainage.
The high cost of picking labor is avoided and local popularity of muscadines remains strong. These markets are quickly saturated, however, and little acreage is needed in an individual operation to fill demand. Retail grocers have begun selling packaged pints of berries. Sales of fresh fruit are strongest in north, west and southeast Florida. Muscadine wine production has expanded in the last ten years.