The Top 2 Providence Wine Tours

The 2 Best Wine Tours in Providence

Providence offers a surprising variety of wine-related experiences that go beyond the usual tasting rooms. Its compact size and scenic waterways make it a perfect setting for unique wine outings, whether you prefer cruising the river with a glass in hand or pairing wine with fresh oysters.

If you’re interested in floating wine tastings that combine sightseeing with sampling Rhode Island wines, you’ll find that Providence’s water-based tours stand out. For a more interactive and gustatory experience, the Providence Wine & Brine Boat Cruises offer a lively blend of oyster shucking and wine sipping.

In this guide, you’ll get a detailed look at both options, including what makes each special, practical considerations for booking, and who they suit best. Whether you’re after a quick, fun cruise or an immersive seafood-and-wine adventure, this overview will help you pick the perfect boat tour.

Quick Overview

This list features two water-based wine tours in Providence. The first, a floating wine tasting on the Providence River, is an intimate, one-hour cruise focused on sampling Rhode Island wines in a small group. The second, the Providence Wine & Brine Boat Cruises, is a 75-minute experience combining oyster shucking with wine and prosecco, with a lively, hands-on approach. Both tours highlight Providence’s waterways but offer very different atmospheres—one more relaxed and scenic, the other more interactive and foodie-focused.

1. Vineyard Voyages – Floating Wine Tasting

This floating wine tasting takes you on an hour-long cruise along the Providence River, offering a unique way to experience the city’s sights while sampling six different wines from a Rhode Island winery. The tour’s intimate size—limited to 17 travelers—ensures a relaxed and personalized experience. As you cruise past landmarks such as the Waterplace Park and Providence Harbor, your captain shares insights about downtown Providence, blending sightseeing with wine education.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local wines in a setting that’s both scenic and social. The boat provides light snacks to complement the wines, creating a festive yet laid-back atmosphere. Guests appreciate the knowledge and humor of the crew, with one reviewer noting, “The captain and vineyard representative were wonderful. They are knowledgeable, pleasant, humorous. It’s also a pretty area to cruise on a river.”

This option is perfect for wine lovers who want a quick, easy, and scenic break from city walking, without the fuss of a full winery visit. The moderate price of $65 per person makes it a good value, considering the experience and views involved. The tour’s duration suits those with limited time but a keen interest in local wines and Providence’s river scenery.

Bottom Line: A charming, personal cruise ideal for small groups interested in Rhode Island wines and city views.

2. Providence Wine & Brine Boat Cruises

Set to return in 2025 with oyster farmer Graham Watson from West Passage Oyster Co., this wine and oyster cruise offers a lively, hands-on experience. For $110 per person, you’ll enjoy approximately 75 minutes of cruising through Providence waterways, with the highlight being Graham shucking oysters right on the boat and discussing offshore oyster farming at the John Chafee Nature Preserve.

What makes this tour distinctive is its interactive nature. You can watch or try your hand at oyster shucking under Graham’s guidance, all while sipping wine or prosecco served onboard. It’s a perfect mix of tasting, learning, and socializing, especially for seafood lovers. Although there are no reviews yet, the inclusion of a local oyster farmer adds authenticity and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Rhode Island’s shellfish industry.

This cruise is best suited for those who appreciate seafood and want a more engaging experience. It’s slightly longer and more expensive than the floating wine tasting, but the opportunity to shuck oysters and enjoy local marine culture offers excellent value for adventurous foodies.

Bottom Line: An interactive seafood-and-wine cruise that pairs marine industry insights with local delicacies.

How to Choose Between These Providence Wine Tours

Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how you like to experience Providence’s waterways. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic cruise with a focus on Rhode Island wines in a small, quiet group, the Vineyard Voyages Floating Wine Tasting is a perfect pick. It’s quick, intimate, and offers good value for a lightning-fast escape on the water.

On the other hand, if you’re eager for a more lively, hands-on experience that combines seafood, local oyster farms, and wine, the Providence Wine & Brine Boat Cruises offers a memorable adventure with the chance to learn and participate. Be sure to note that this tour is more expensive and longer, better suited for those who want a fuller flavor of local marine culture along with their wine.

For the best experience, consider the time of year—summer evenings are particularly pleasant for both tours—and book early, as these experiences tend to fill spots quickly, especially during peak tourist months.

Final Thoughts

Providence’s boat tours showcase the city from a different perspective—whether you’re cruising past historic landmarks with a glass of wine in hand or shucking oysters on the water. The Vineyard Voyages Floating Wine Tasting offers an elegant, short escape into Rhode Island wines, ideal for those short on time but eager for scenic views. Meanwhile, the Providence Wine & Brine Boat Cruises deliver a more interactive experience, perfect for seafood lovers looking to combine food and drink with a bit of marine industry insight.

If you’re after a relaxing, intimate taste of Providence’s waterway charm, the first option is hard to beat. But for a lively, engaging outing that pairs local seafood with wine, the second is sure to please. Either way, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fun, authentic experiences.

Enjoy your time exploring Providence from the water—these tours are a delightful way to add a splash of local flavor to your trip.