Charleston’s 6 Best Wine Tours

Charleston isn’t just about historic charm and cobblestone streets; it’s also a surprisingly vibrant destination for wine, food, and local culture. With its rich Lowcountry history and lush landscapes, Charleston offers a variety of ways to explore its flavors, whether through a leisurely wine tasting, a scenic island tour, or a food-and-history combo with a cooking class.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best wine tours based on reviews, ratings, value, and unique experiences. From walking tours that combine history and culinary skills to island excursions that showcase Wadmalaw Island’s vineyards and tea gardens, each offers something special. Whether you’re a passionate wine enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking to enjoy a laid-back day outside the city, these tours deliver a taste of Charleston’s rich local scene.

Expect detailed descriptions of what’s included—like the Angel Oak Tree, Deep Water Vineyard, and Charleston Tea Garden—plus insights into what makes each tour stand out. If you’re trying to decide between a short Women and Wine Tour or a full day exploring island vineyards, this guide will help you pick the perfect experience. For more details, visit the tour links, such as Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class and others listed below.

Quick Overview

The listed tours cover a range of experiences: a half-day walking food and wine tour with a cooking class, scenic Wadmalaw Island day trips with wine and tea tastings, a luxury limo tour that combines brewery, wine, and sightseeing, and even a short, intimate women’s wine and history tour. Some are perfect for a quick afternoon, like the Women and Wine Tour, while others offer a full, relaxed day exploring the island’s agricultural heritage. Prices range from $29 for a quick bar-hopping experience to $250 for a comprehensive half-day tour that includes a cooking class.

Now, let’s explore each of these options in detail.

1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class

This $250 tour stands out for combining history, food, wine, and hands-on cooking into one memorable experience. Over roughly 4 hours, you’ll explore Charleston’s historic district with a certified chef-guide, Forrest Parker, who brings 25 years of culinary experience. The tour begins with a 1.5-hour guided walk through the city’s most iconic sights, sprinkled with stories about Lowcountry cuisine’s roots.

The highlight is the interactive cooking demonstration where Forrest teaches you recipes inspired by regional flavors. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch paired with local wines, with the chance to ask questions and learn cooking tips. What makes this tour special is the take-home recipes, so you can recreate Charleston’s flavors at home.

Reviewers rave about Forrest’s engaging storytelling and culinary expertise, calling him “fantastic” and noting the enthralling historical insights. The combination of sightseeing, learning, and tasting makes this tour a top choice for those who want a deep dive into Charleston’s food culture, along with a touch of history.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and history lovers who enjoy cooking and want a hands-on experience. The $250 price reflects its premium, all-inclusive nature.

2. Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing

This $131.12, ~5.5-hour small-group tour offers a delightful outdoor escape from Charleston’s urban scene. Traveling by luxury minivan, you’ll explore Wadmalaw Island, starting with the Angel Oak Tree, a 500-year-old marvel that’s a must-see. The guide’s local expertise shines as you learn its history and significance, making it more than just a photo op.

Next, visit the Charleston Tea Garden, North America’s only tea plantation, where you’ll enjoy a trolley tour of the plantation, see tea bushes stretching as far as the eye can see, and learn about the tea production process from experts. The tour ends at Deep Water Vineyard, where the group indulges in wine tastings of locally produced wines, grown and bottled right there on Wadmalaw Island.

The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and reviews mention how knowledgeable guides like Leanne enhance the experience. Guests particularly appreciate the relaxed pace and the combination of nature, history, and local products.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in a comprehensive lowcountry experience with wine, tea, and iconic trees. It offers good value for the variety of sights and tastings included.

3. Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip

For $149, this 5.5-hour trip is designed for those who want a full, relaxed exploration of Wadmalaw Island’s vineyards, tea gardens, and historic sites. The tour kicks off with a visit to the Angel Oak Tree, then moves on to Charleston Tea Garden for a factory tour and tastings, and finishes at Deep Water Vineyard with a wine tasting of grapes grown onsite.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary that emphasizes local production—wines are grown, harvested, and bottled on the property, offering a true farm-to-glass experience. The trolley tour of the tea plantation is a highlight, giving insight into tea cultivation and processing.

Guests praise guide Leeann for her passion and knowledge, calling her “amazing” and “fun.” The educational aspect combined with tasting opportunities makes this a solid choice for those wanting a full lowcountry day trip.

Bottom Line: Best suited for interest in local agriculture and production—wine, tea, and iconic trees—delivering a rich, educational experience outside Charleston.

4. Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour

At $155, this 6-hour tour offers a luxurious and lively way to experience Charleston’s craft beverage scene. Traveling in limo party buses, you’ll visit the Angel Oak Tree, explore Deep Water Vineyard with wine tastings, and enjoy stops at a local brewery—with the first round on the tour—adding a fun, social element.

This tour is perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting with a touch of luxury. The private chauffeur makes for a seamless experience, while the beer and wine pairings keep the mood upbeat. Guests rave about Angela’s warm personality and great snacks, as well as the personalized attention from guides like Josh.

Since the tour includes both wine and craft beer, it suits those who want a variety of tasting options within a short day. The $155 price reflects the premium transport and curated stops.

Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a luxury experience with multiple alcohol types and a comfortable, guided day out of Charleston.

5. Women and Wine Tour

This $29, 2-hour tour is perfect for a quick, fun introduction to Charleston’s history and bar scene, led by two local women historians. Starting at Well Hung Vineyard, the tour includes visits to two historic bars with stories about influential women in Charleston’s past, blending history, local culture, and wine.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on women’s contributions and its casual, conversational style. Guests have called it an “incredible” and “inspiring” experience, highlighting Gia’s engaging storytelling. It’s a great choice if you’re short on time but want a personalized, themed experience that combines history with relaxed tasting.

Since it’s small group and focused on women’s stories, it caters well to those interested in local history and social history.

Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting a short, meaningful experience centered around women’s history and local bars.

6. Tea Plantation and Winery Tour in Charleston

This $135 tour is a perfect combination for tea lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. Starting with a group photo under the Angel Oak Tree, you’ll visit the Charleston Tea Plantation for an insider’s look at tea production and enjoy unlimited hot and cold tea samples. The tour also includes a visit to Deep Water Vineyards for a wine tasting of grapes grown onsite.

The tour’s strength is its focus on both tea and wine, making it a unique blend that appeals to lovers of both beverages. The founder, Bill Hall, narrates part of the tea tour, adding a personal touch. Guests love the informative guides and the opportunity to sample multiple local products.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want a relaxed, educational experience outside Charleston that combines agriculture, local craftsmanship, and tasting.

Bottom Line: Great for multi-beverage enthusiasts and those seeking a comprehensive lowcountry experience in about 5 hours.

How to Choose

When selecting your perfect Charleston wine or beverage tour, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you enjoy hands-on activities, the Undiscovered Charleston Cooking Class offers a deep dive into regional cuisine. For those wanting a full island experience, the Wadmalaw Island tours combine vineyards, tea gardens, and iconic trees.

Travelers on a tight schedule might prefer the Women and Wine Tour, while those looking for a more luxurious, social experience will enjoy the Wine, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour.

Booking early is wise, especially during busy seasons, as these tours are popular. Think about whether you want cultural storytelling, hands-on cooking, or scenic outdoor exploration—each offers a different taste of Charleston.

Final Thoughts

Charleston’s wine and beverage tours are diverse, from short and sweet history-themed outings to full-day island adventures with wine, tea, and iconic trees. For a luxury experience, the limo tour with brewery stops is a winner, while the half-day food and wine tour offers a deeper culinary dive. The Women and Wine Tour provides a quick, inspiring taste of local history and culture.

No matter your choice, these tours offer a chance to see Charleston through a different lens—one filled with flavor, stories, and the beauty of the Lowcountry. Be sure to book ahead, especially for the most popular experiences, and enjoy discovering the city’s rich beverage heritage.