The 7 Top Wine Tours In Charleston: Which Is Best?

Charleston isn’t just about its charming streets and historic architecture — it’s also a fantastic place to explore Lowcountry wines, teas, and local culinary traditions. Many tours take advantage of the region’s unique offerings, such as the Angel Oak Tree or the Charleston Tea Garden, giving visitors a chance to combine scenic outdoor sights with tastings of regional wines and teas.

One standout experience we love is the Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class. It offers a perfect blend of history, culinary education, and hands-on cooking, all guided by a local chef. The tour’s top-notch reviews and a 5.0 rating speak to its quality, with visitors appreciating the engaging storytelling and delicious lunch paired with wine.

This tour showcases Charleston’s rich food heritage in a way that’s fun and educational, making it ideal for travelers who want more than just a tasting — they want a story.

If outdoor adventures are your thing, the Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing stands out. It combines visits to Angel Oak, the Charleston Tea Garden, and Deep Water Vineyard, all within a 5.5-hour tour.

For a more intimate experience, the small-group format provides personalized attention from guides who know the area inside out, making it a favorite among those keen to learn about the region’s natural and agricultural history.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these tours, helping you decide which one fits your Charleston trip best.

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

This tour combines history, food, and hands-on cooking, making it a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in Charleston’s culinary scene. Led by chef Forrest Parker, the 1.5-hour historical walking tour takes you through Charleston’s French Quarter and historic district, highlighting the influences of Lowcountry cuisine.

Afterward, watch a live cooking demonstration and enjoy a lunch paired with wine, which you get to take home recipes for—handy for recreating the experience at home.

What makes this tour stand out is its interactive approach. You’re not just tasting wine and food; you’re learning the stories behind the dishes while exploring Charleston’s beautiful architecture.

The reviews praise Forrest’s humor and knowledge, noting how the culinary history adds depth to the experience. For around $250, it’s a bit pricier but offers a lasting memory of Charleston‘s food and history in just four hours.

Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for food lovers and history buffs who want an immersive, hands-on experience with local cuisine and culture.

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

Spending the day outside Charleston, this tour explores Wadmalaw Island’s lush landscapes, historic trees, and local producers. Starting with a visit to the Angel Oak, a 500-year-old live oak, you’ll marvel at one of the most impressive natural sights in the area.

The tour then takes you to the Charleston Tea Garden, where you can see thousands of tea bushes and enjoy unlimited hot and cold tea during the tour.

A highlight is the stop at Deep Water Vineyard, where you’ll indulge in a wine tasting and walk through the vineyards. The tour’s small-group format ensures personalized attention, and the guide’s local expertise makes the experience richer. Reviews highlight how the informative tour guides and the opportunity to sample local wines and teas make this a memorable outing.

This 5.5-hour experience is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed outdoor day with both natural beauty and regional flavors. The price includes all entry tickets and tastings, offering good value given the variety of sights and experiences packed into the day.

Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers and those interested in local agriculture and beverages, this tour combines scenic beauty with authentic tasting opportunities.

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

This full-day trip offers a comprehensive look at Wadmalaw Island’s Natural and agricultural treasures. It includes visiting the Angel Oak Tree, the Charleston Tea Garden, and Deep Water Vineyard — all key highlights of the Lowcountry. The highlight here is tasting locally produced wine that’s grown and bottled right on the vineyard, providing an authentic farm-to-glass experience.

The trolley ride at the tea plantation showcases the state-of-the-art greenhouse, and you’ll learn about tea production from the founder, Bill Hall. The vineyard tasting allows visitors to sample wines made from grapes grown onsite, enhancing the connection between the land and the beverage. The tour is well-paced, allowing plenty of time to explore and enjoy each stop.

Reviews emphasize the value for money and the chance to see the best of Wadmalaw Island in a single day. Suitable for travelers who want an educational and relaxing outdoor experience with plenty of tasting opportunities.

Bottom Line: If you’re interested in local wine production and learning about regional agriculture, this tour offers a thorough experience in a beautiful setting.

4. Charleston Women and Wine Tour

The Women and Wine Tour is a charming mix of history and local bar culture, focusing on the impactful women who shaped Charleston’s past. Led by Gia and Capt. Bryan, this tour visits historic sites like St. Philip’s Church and the Heyward-Washington House, where you’ll hear stories of women who changed the city politically, socially, and economically.

The tour includes two bar stops where you can purchase drinks in establishments started by women entrepreneurs. Along the way, you’ll pass sites tied to important women figures in Charleston’s history, providing context and personal stories. The reviews highlight Gia’s storytelling ability and the fun, engaging manner of the tour.

At just 2 hours and $34, it offers a quick dive into local history and women’s contributions with a relaxed bar-hopping vibe. It’s ideal for those seeking a short, informative, and social experience.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers interested in history, women’s stories, and a casual way to explore Charleston’s bar scene.

5. Charleston: Women and Wine Tour

This short but sweet 2-hour tour is designed to combine history and wine in a very accessible format. Led by two licensed historians, it features two historic bar stops along with stories about influential women in Charleston. The tour provides a quick yet informative overview of the city’s cultural and social history, with an emphasis on women’s roles.

Although it’s only five reviews deep, the glowing feedback hints at a well-organized, engaging tour that makes history feel alive. It’s a practical choice for travelers with limited time who want to combine storytelling with tastings.

Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a bite-sized, educational experience that mixes history and local bars, perfect for an afternoon break.

6. Tea Plantation and Winery Tour in Charleston

This tour is a combination of scenic beauty and tastings focused on tea and wine. Kicking off with a visit to the iconic Angel Oak Tree, you’ll then tour the Charleston Tea Plantation, where you’ll see tea bushes and learn about tea production. The unlimited hot and cold tea makes this a perfect stop for tea enthusiasts, with the founder narrating part of the tour for added insight.

The last stop is Deep Water Vineyard, the only vineyard in Charleston, where you can purchase wine tastings. The tour’s 5-hour duration is ideal for those who want a relaxed pace and educational overview of Lowcountry agriculture. The tour’s affordability and detailed experience make it popular among visitors wanting an authentic taste of the region.

Reviews are limited but positive, highlighting the opportunity to see iconic sights and sample local beverages. It’s perfect for wine and tea lovers who enjoy a leisurely pace.

Bottom Line: A great option for wine and tea enthusiasts wanting a scenic and educational day trip outside Charleston.

7. Charleston Champagne Figure Drawing Experience with Male Model

For something totally different, this group art class mixes champagne sipping with life drawing of a male model. It’s designed for beginners and experienced artists alike, providing a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can sketch, sip champagne, and share laughs.

While this isn’t a traditional wine or beverage tour, it offers a creative experience that can be a fun break from typical sightseeing. It’s perfect for celebrations, bachelorette parties, or anyone looking for a lighthearted, memorable activity. The group size is up to 10, making it intimate and personal.

The experience costs $890 per group, so it’s more suited for small groups or special occasions. Though it has no reviews yet, its uniqueness makes it a notable addition for those seeking art, fun, and a drink in Charleston.

Bottom Line: Best for creative types seeking a unique, social activity rather than a traditional wine tour.

How to Choose Your Ideal Charleston Wine Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. For an interactive culinary experience, the Undiscovered Charleston tour offers a full immersion in food and history. If you prefer outdoor scenery and natural sights, the Wadmalaw Island trips provide lush landscapes and tastings. For shorter visits, the Women and Wine Tour gives a quick dose of Charleston’s history and bar culture.

If you’re into learning about local agriculture and sampling regional wines, the Tea Plantation and Winery Tour is your best bet. And for a fun, social activity that breaks the mold, the Champagne Figure Drawing promises a memorable experience.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the half-day food and wine experience, which often sell out. Also, check the tour durations and prices to match your available time and budget.

Final Thoughts

Charleston offers a surprising variety of wine, tea, and culinary tours that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you’re after a delightful combination of history and tasting or an outdoor adventure exploring local vineyards and trees, there’s something for all.

For those who want an educational yet relaxed experience, the Undiscovered Charleston tour is a top pick. For a scenic outdoor day, the Wadmalaw Island trips deliver variety and authentic flavor.

Travelers craving a blend of culture and tasting will find the Women and Wine Tour a quick, engaging option, while art lovers might enjoy the Champagne Figure Drawing for a memorable twist. No matter your style, booking early and choosing the experience that aligns with your interests will help make your Charleston trip truly special.