Charleston stands out as a prime destination for lovers of history, food, and wine, all wrapped into one charming Southern city. Whether you’re eager to explore the historic district with a culinary twist, venture out to Wadmalaw Island for wine and tea tastings, or combine sightseeing with local libations, Charleston has something for you. The options range from intimate small-group adventures to more comprehensive guided experiences, each offering a unique perspective on the Lowcountry’s flavors and history.
In this guide, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the five best wine and food tours in Charleston. From a half-day food, wine, and history walk with a local chef to island excursions featuring tea gardens and vineyards, each tour provides a distinct way to enjoy Charleston’s rich cultural tapestry. We’ll help you understand what makes each experience special—whether it’s the personalized storytelling, the scenic outdoor settings, or the authentic tasting opportunities—so you can pick the perfect tour for your trip.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of experiences: a half-day historical and culinary tour with a cooking class, scenic island excursions that combine wine, tea, and tree-hugging, a full-day Wadmalaw Island trip with outdoor tastings, a limo-style winery and brewery tour, and a lively Women and Wine experience exploring local women’s history. Each offers different lengths, price points, and focus areas, ensuring there’s a fit for every traveler.
1. Undiscovered Charleston: Half Day Food, Wine & History Tour with Cooking Class
This Undiscovered Charleston offers a balanced mix of history, food, and hands-on cooking, making it a top pick for culinary history buffs. For $250, you get about 4 hours of guided walking, storytelling, and a cooking demonstration by Chef Forrest Parker. The tour begins with a 1.5-hour historic walk through Charleston’s charming streets with a certified chef-guide, ensuring you see the key sights while learning about the influence of Lowcountry cuisine.
What sets this tour apart is its interactive component: after the walk, you watch Chef Parker prepare a meal using recipes you get to take home. The lunch, paired with local wine, caps off the experience. Guests frequently praise the engaging guide and the authentic flavor of the food—and the fact that you leave with recipes to replicate your experience at home.
The appeal here is especially strong for those interested in culinary history and hands-on experiences. It’s a good fit for visitors who want a relaxed pace and plenty of interaction, though some might find it on the pricier side for a four-hour outing. Overall, a well-rounded choice for food lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: An engaging mix of history, food, and wine with a personal touch—ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, interactive day in Charleston.
2. Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing
This Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing takes you outside the city for a scenic exploration of Wadmalaw Island. At $131.12, the tour runs for about 5.5 hours, making it a leisurely way to see a different side of Charleston. The adventure begins with a visit to the Angel Oak Tree, a 500-year-old live oak that’s a must-see for its sheer age and grandeur.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of outdoor sights—like the angel oak and tea gardens—and tasting experiences. You’ll visit the Charleston Tea Garden for a trolley tour and sip unlimited tea while learning about tea production, then head to Deep Water Vineyard for a wine tasting featuring locally produced wines. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, often receiving praise for their enthusiasm.
Guests love the small-group setting, which allows for more personalized interaction. The tour works well for those interested in nature, local agriculture, and small-batch wines. The only downside might be its length for travelers with limited time, but the mix of outdoor beauty and tasting opportunities makes it worth the extra time.
Bottom Line: A scenic, educational day out that combines beautiful outdoor sights with authentic Lowcountry wines and teas—perfect for nature lovers.
3. Charleston: Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip
This Wadmalaw Island Wine Tasting and Tea Garden Trip offers a compact, well-organized look at the island’s highlights for $149. It lasts about 5.5 hours and is ideal for travelers wanting to experience Wadmalaw but with a bit more structure. The trip starts at 375 Meeting St, where you’ll board a trolley for a narrated tour of the island’s scenic spots.
Guests rave about the guide’s energy and knowledge, especially about the Angel Oak Tree, the Charleston Tea Garden, and the Deep Water Vineyard. The tour emphasizes local, sustainable production—all wines are grown and bottled onsite, giving a true sense of place. The tea plantation is a highlight, with a tour of the greenhouse and processing facility, which fascinates visitors interested in agriculture.
Since this tour is about immersive experiences rather than a lengthy day, it appeals to those with limited time but a desire to see the best of Wadmalaw Island. The tour’s organized approach and knowledgeable guide make it a reliable choice, and reviews highlight how much guests appreciate the personal insights.
Bottom Line: A streamlined, well-reviewed option for those eager to explore Wadmalaw’s natural beauty and taste its local wines and teas.
4. Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour
This Charleston Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour offers a lively, comprehensive day for $155 over about 6 hours. Using limo-party buses and led by a personal chauffeur, you’ll explore Wadmalaw Island’s most iconic spots. The tour includes a visit to the Angel Oak Tree, a wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard, and a stop at a local brewery—where your first round is on the tour.
What makes this tour stand out is its fun, relaxed atmosphere, with multiple stops that let you savor local wines, craft beers, and scenic views. Guests consistently praise the professional guides and the small-group intimacy, which keeps the experience personalized. The tour’s combination of outdoor sightseeing and tasting makes it suitable for those wanting a full day of indulgence with minimal planning.
While it’s more expensive than some options, the all-inclusive nature and transport make it worth it for those who prefer a hassle-free, social atmosphere. The detailed itinerary and enthusiastic reviews highlight a well-organized, memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a lively, all-in-one lowcountry tasting tour with transport included, ideal for friends or couples.
5. Charleston: Women and Wine Tour
Last but not least is the Women and Wine Tour, a 2-hour experience priced at just $29. Led by two local historians, this tour combines history, storytelling, and wine tasting, making it unique among the options. It includes visits to two historic bars and stops at key sites related to notable women in Charleston’s history.
Guests enjoy the mix of educational insights and social drinking, often citing the guides’ engaging personalities and the quality of the wine tastings. This tour appeals to travelers interested in women’s history and who want a shorter, more relaxed outing without sacrificing depth. Because it takes place in the evening, it’s ideal for those seeking a casual way to learn about Charleston’s rich past while sipping local wines.
A potential downside is that it’s a brief experience, so it’s less suited for those wanting a full day of tasting or outdoor adventures. Still, its affordability and focus on heritage make it a memorable choice for history buffs and casual drinkers alike.
Bottom Line: A light, fun introduction to Charleston’s history and wine scene, best suited for those on a budget or short on time.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your priorities. If you want an immersive, hands-on experience with a chef and historical storytelling, the Undiscovered Charleston makes sense. For outdoor lovers who want scenic views, Wadmalaw Island tours—whether by bus or in a small group—offer a more relaxed, nature-focused day with wine and tea tastings.
Travelers interested in a lively, social atmosphere with transport included may prefer the Winery, Brewery & Sightseeing Tour. Meanwhile, those seeking a quick, affordable dive into Charleston’s history and wine scene will find the Women and Wine Tour appealing.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, as these tours tend to fill quickly. Check reviews and current availability to match your schedule and interests.
Final Thoughts
Charleston’s wine and food scene is as diverse as its history. Whether you choose an interactive food tour with a local chef, a scenic island excursion with wine and tea tastings, or a lively full-day tour combining outdoor sights and libations, you’re in for a treat. The half-day culinary walk with a chef and the island-based wine and tea tours offer more intimate, authentic experiences, while the limo wine tour provides a fun, social day out.
For history lovers and casual sippers alike, there’s a perfect fit. Remember, these tours highlight the rich culture and flavors of the Lowcountry, making your trip to Charleston even more memorable. Book early, and enjoy your flavorful journey through the Holy City.