Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip

Exploring Charleston’s surrounding Lowcountry offers a different side of South Carolina—more peaceful, more rural, and packed with authentic sights. This tour, operated by Snap! Picture Perfect Tours & Transport, promises a well-rounded glimpse into Wadmalaw Island’s natural beauty, its impressive Angel Oak Tree, the lush Charleston Tea Garden, and a chance to taste locally produced wines at Deep Water Vineyard.

What makes this experience appealing? First, we love the chance to see some of the oldest and most iconic natural landmarks in the region — like the Angel Oak, which at 500 years old is truly a sight to behold. Second, the personalized nature of the tour, with a small group limited to 10 participants and a dedicated guide, ensures visitors aren’t just another face in a crowd.

However, a possible consideration is the absence of lunch, which might be a drawback for those who prefer to have a full meal included or need more substantial sustenance during the day. Still, the tour’s price of $149 per person offers good value, especially considering the quality of sights and experiences packed into just 5.5 hours.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed outdoor experience away from Charleston’s busy historic streets. It’s especially suitable for those interested in nature, local wines, and tea, and who enjoy engaging guides who enhance the journey with stories and photos.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a personalized experience with plenty of attention from the guide.
• All-inclusive experiences like tea samples, wine tastings, and local snacks add value and flavor to your day.
• The Angel Oak Tree provides an awe-inspiring photo opportunity and a lesson in age and resilience.
• The Charleston Tea Garden offers a scenic trolley ride and insight into tea production, plus the chance to taste freshly brewed tea.
• Locally grown and bottled wine at Deep Water Vineyard makes for a memorable tasting experience.
• The guide’s knowledge and friendliness consistently earn praise, making the day both educational and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting from the Charleston Visitor Center, the adventure unfolds on a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter Van. The tour’s logistics are well thought out, with timely pickups and a smooth transition between sites. The entire trip lasts about 5.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day escape.

Angel Oak Tree

The tour kicks off with a visit to Angel Tree Park to see the aging, sprawling Angel Oak Tree, believed to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi. Standing 65 feet tall with a 25.5-foot circumference, this tree’s size and age are inspiring. It’s a natural monument that often leaves visitors speechless, and many reviews highlight the fond memories and photos taken here. One reviewer called it “an awe-inspiring sight,” emphasizing its importance as a must-see landmark.

Charleston Tea Garden

Next, the focus shifts to the Charleston Tea Garden, where hundreds of thousands of tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see. The highlight is a trolley ride through the plantation, including a stop at a state-of-the-art greenhouse. The tour guides are knowledgeable, sharing how tea is grown, harvested, and processed, which many visitors find surprisingly fascinating.

You’ll also enjoy complimentary tea samples as you stroll the gardens, making this a sensory experience as well as an informative one. Guests often praise the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to see how such a crop is cultivated in the South, quite different from traditional tea regions.

Deep Water Vineyard

The final stop is at Deep Water Vineyard, where the wine tasting is a real highlight. The vineyard grows, harvests, and bottles wines onsite, providing a genuine farm-to-glass experience. Visitors can explore the vineyard, walk along trails, and enjoy the presence of animals, gardens, and a pond—all of which make for a scenic backdrop.

The wine sampling is described as generous, and many reviews mention how knowledgeable the staff are during tastings. Some visitors appreciated that they could try local wines directly from the source, giving a sense of authenticity. Note that wine tasting is only for those over 21, and the tour offers options if you prefer not to participate.

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Return to Charleston

After the vineyard visit, the group heads back to the starting point, often with some local snacks and bottled water to round out the experience. The entire day encourages relaxed exploration with plenty of time to take photos, ask questions, or just soak in the scenery.

The Details: Transportation, Group Size, and Pricing

Traveling in a Mercedes Sprinter Van, the small group size limits participants to 10, which enhances the personalized and engaging nature of the tour. This makes it easier to get questions answered and to enjoy the company of like-minded travelers.

At $149 per person, the price covers all major stops, entrance fees, trolley rides, samples, and local snacks. Considering the quality of the sites and the expert guides, many guests say the experience offers excellent value. The tour also provides flexibility: you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Accessibility and Restrictions

It’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, as the itinerary involves outdoor walking and some uneven terrain. Travelers should bring a valid driver’s license for identification during the wine tasting.

What the Reviews Say

Customer feedback consistently highlights the knowledge and friendliness of guides. Many rave about the personal touches, such as guides taking photos or sharing interesting anecdotes. For example, one reviewer said, “Leanne, our guide, was fantastic! She gave us plenty of time to look around and take pictures and added information about each place we visited.”

Others emphasize the stunning views and authentic experiences. Comments like “the tea garden was especially interesting” and “the Angel Oak was breathtaking” appear frequently. Several describe the tour as “educational and fun,” praising its well-organized nature and value for money.

A few guests mentioned that the tour feels tailored, with guides accommodating different paces and interests. This personalized approach seems to be a key factor in the tour’s high overall rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Why This Tour is a Great Choice

If you’re looking to escape Charleston’s urban hustle and want a relaxed day exploring the natural and agricultural heritage of Wadmalaw Island, this trip hits the mark. It combines iconic landmarks, scenic beauty, and local flavors in a way that feels both genuine and enjoyable.

Travelers who appreciate small group tours with expert guides will find this a satisfying experience. It’s perfect for nature lovers, food and drink enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The combination of educational stops, scenic walks, and tastings ensures there’s something for all.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is ideal for visitors to Charleston wanting a half-day escape that’s rich in sights and stories. It suits those who prefer outdoor activities over museums, and who enjoy learning about local agriculture and traditions. If you have a love of wine, tea, or natural landmarks, you’ll likely find this tour both fun and rewarding.

However, if you need full accessibility or prefer meal-inclusive options, you might want to explore alternatives or plan for a lunch before or after the trip.

FAQs

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, the tour does not include lunch. You might want to plan to eat beforehand or afterward as the tour ends.

Is wine tasting available to everyone?
Wine tasting is only for guests over 21 years old, so underage you will not partake but can still enjoy the vineyard and other activities.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 5.5 hours, making it a nice manageable half-day trip.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid driver’s license for wine tasting. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are also recommended since the stops are mostly outdoors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, as the walking areas may be uneven and involve outdoor terrain.

Final Thoughts

This Wadmalaw Island tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, local culture, and tasty experiences. You’ll walk away with memorable photos, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the Lowcountry’s rural charms. The small group size and expert guides ensure an intimate and personalized experience, making it a great choice for those eager to see a different side of Charleston.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a tea lover, or simply looking to escape the city for a day, this tour delivers a soothing, educational, and fun adventure. It’s particularly suited for travelers who value authentic experiences, stunning scenery, and friendly guides. Just remember, a picnic or early lunch might be your best bet to enjoy this experience fully!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby