Wine & Dine Tour (St. Augustine)

Travelers seeking a relaxed yet richly flavorful experience in St. Augustine will find this Wine & Dine Tour a delightful way to explore the city’s charm. This three-hour guided adventure combines the pleasures of good food, fine wine, and historical scenery—all in the comfort of an open-air electric vehicle. It’s a tour that’s perfect for those who love authentic eateries, want a taste of local culture, and prefer a small-group setting for a more personal experience.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its focus on local, independently owned venues that reveal the city’s culinary landscape. The fact that all food and wine are included means you won’t be left wondering about extra costs, and the fully guided aspect ensures you get insights about the city’s history alongside the tastings. On the flip side, it’s an adult-only experience, so travelers with young children or infants will need to look elsewhere. This tour suits food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and history buffs who enjoy a leisurely, social outing.

Key Points

• Small-group tour with personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide
• All food and wine pairings included, equating to a full meal
• Explore historic St. Augustine in a comfortable open-air electric vehicle
• Visit 4-5 local venues, often hidden gems that travelers might miss
• Approximate duration of 3 hours, making it a manageable excursion
• Suitable for those 21+ with no pets allowed; advance booking recommended

A Flavorful Spin Through America’s Oldest City

The Wine & Dine Tour offers a chance to enjoy St. Augustine’s rich history and vibrant food scene simultaneously. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural insights and culinary delights, all wrapped up in a compact, three-hour experience. The tour costs $155 per person, which may seem steep at first glance, but given the inclusion of all food, wine, and private transportation, it often provides excellent value—especially considering the high praise from previous guests.

You start at 8 Carrera Street, where the tour’s small group—limited to just eight participants—gathers. The intimate size ensures that everyone receives attention, and the guide’s expertise shines through. The electric vehicle, open-air and eco-friendly, offers a relaxed way to see the city’s streets, passing iconic landmarks like Flagler College and the Huguenot Cemetery along the route.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Itinerary

This tour takes you through a sequence of four to five carefully chosen venues, each offering a taste of local flavor and charm. Unlike generic food tours, these stops are often beloved by locals and run by independent owners, giving you a more authentic experience.

First Stop:
The tour kicks off with a welcome at a local venue where you’ll indulge in an initial wine pairing paired with appetizers or small bites. This sets the tone for the rest of the journey—delicious, well-curated, and immersive.

Subsequent Stops:
Each subsequent venue offers a different taste of St. Augustine’s culinary scene. One might serve a savory dish paired with a crisp white wine, while another offers a hearty offering matched with a robust red. Among the reviews, many guests mention the generous servings, with one noting, “The food was delicious and servings were generous as were the wine pairings.” This indicates that you’re not just nibbling but getting quite a satisfying amount of food.

Dessert & Final Tasting:
Most tours conclude with a sweet note—dessert paired with a dessert wine or perhaps a craft beer substitution if requested. With all pairings included, you won’t leave hungry.

What Makes the Stops Special?

Guests consistently praise the unique venues chosen for this tour. Unlike commercial chain restaurants, these are often small, locally owned spots with a true community vibe. The guide’s insider knowledge means you’ll learn about each venue’s history and its place in the city’s fabric, making each stop more than just a meal.

Several reviews highlight the quality of the wine—not just a quick sip but thoughtfully selected pairings that enhance each dish. “The wine was paired with each course perfectly,” one guest remarked. The inclusion of beer substitutions on request also reflects flexibility and attention to guest preferences.

The Scenic Route and Historic Landmarks

While the focus is on food and drink, the ride through St. Augustine’s historic district adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Pass by Flagler College—a stunning former hotel with impressive architecture—and the Huguenot Cemetery, among other landmarks. Your guide provides snippets of history and local stories, enriching your understanding of the city’s past.

Most guests find the driving portion a relaxing way to see the city without the fatigue of walking. The electric vehicle’s open-air design ensures you get fresh air and unobstructed views, making the sightseeing component both fun and comfortable.

The Social and Educational Aspect

Reviews rave about the guides, with many mentioning their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make everyone feel at ease. One guest summarized it well: “Judi with an i was very fun and knowledgeable!” The small size means personalized interactions, and guides often share interesting tidbits about St. Augustine’s food scene, architecture, and history.

Guests also appreciate that the tour is more than just eating and drinking; it’s an educational experience. Learning about local cuisine, wine pairings, and city landmarks adds depth to the outing.

Practical Considerations

Most travelers book this tour about three weeks in advance, and it’s recommended to do so, especially during peak seasons. The $155 fee includes everything—food, alcohol, transportation, and guidance—making it straightforward and transparent.

Since the tour is for guests 21 and older only, it’s not suitable for children or infants. It’s also worth noting that gratuities for the guide are not included, so if you enjoy the experience, a tip is customary.

The tour operates rain or shine, as it’s primarily an outdoor experience, but severe weather might cause cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds offered if that occurs.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re a lover of good wine, local cuisine, and authentic city scenes, this tour offers a compact, well-curated taste of St. Augustine. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate not just what’s on their plate but also the stories behind the city’s eateries and landmarks.

The fact that previous guests rave about their guides and the quality of the food shows that this experience delivers on its promises. Plus, the small-group setting ensures a relaxed, personalized vibe that larger tours often lack.

While it’s priced higher than some standard sightseeing tours, the inclusion of all tastings, drinks, and private transportation makes it a good deal for those wanting a full, immersive experience packed into three hours.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy socializing, discovering hidden culinary gems, and learning about history in a relaxed setting. If you’re after a lively, flavorful introduction to St. Augustine, the Wine & Dine Tour is a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or specific dietary restrictions?
The tour cannot accommodate special dietary requests like vegan, kosher, dairy allergies, or gluten-free options. If you have severe food allergies such as nuts or shellfish, you should notify the provider at booking.

Can I bring children or pets?
No, this tour is strictly for guests 21 and older. Pets are not permitted either.

What’s included in the price?
All food, wine (or beer substitute if requested), and private transportation are included in the $155 fee.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours.

How many stops are made?
Expect 4 to 5 venues, each offering a full or substantial tasting.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Yes, the electric vehicle is open-air and designed for a relaxed sightseeing experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, severe weather can cause cancellations, but full refunds are available if the tour is canceled.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 22 days ahead; early booking is recommended during busy seasons.

Can I request alcohol substitutes?
Yes, beer substitutions are available upon request.

What if I have food allergies or intolerances?
You should notify the provider at booking. However, they cannot guarantee accommodations for all restrictions.

In summary, the Wine & Dine Tour in St. Augustine offers an engaging, flavorful way to explore the city’s sights, tastes, and stories. It’s a perfect match for adults who enjoy good company, good food, and a bit of history—all wrapped into a three-hour experience that’s as enjoyable as it is enriching.