Charleston: Women and Wine Tour

Charleston’s "Women and Wine Tour" takes visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey through the city’s rich history. Explore the contributions of influential women, from Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s indigo innovations to the entrepreneurial spirit of Well Hung Vineyard’s founders. This guided tour visits historic bars, immersing participants in the vibrant atmosphere while uncovering the resilience and impact of Charleston’s remarkable women. With limited spots available, it’s an intimate experience not to be missed.

This experience made our article of 5 Top-Rated Charleston Wine Tours.

Good To Know

• A 2-hour walking tour in Charleston highlighting influential women in the city’s history, from indigo cultivation to the Prohibition era speakeasies.
• Tour includes visits to the Well Hung Vineyard, founded by three women entrepreneurs, and other historic sites relevant to women’s contributions.
• Explores the role of women in defying Prohibition laws through speakeasies and underground bars, and their economic and social impact during challenging times.
• Visits St. Philips Church, a landmark that witnessed triumphs and struggles of Charleston’s past, with a focus on important women figures.
• Final stops include the French Quarter, Heyward-Washington House, St. Michael’s Church, and Blind Tiger Pub, sharing fascinating tales of women’s influence and resilience in Charleston’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Charleston: Women and Wine Tour offers a unique blend of history and local bar experiences, lasting 2 hours and limited to 10 participants.

Priced from $25 per person, the tour is guided in English and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests explore the historic city, visiting sites like St. Philips Church and the French Quarter, while learning about influential women in Charleston’s past.

The tour begins at a wine bar founded by female entrepreneurs and ends at the Blind Tiger Pub, providing an immersive experience highlighting women’s contributions to the community.

Influential Women in Charleston’s History

The Charleston: Women and Wine Tour goes beyond just wine tasting, offering guests the opportunity to learn about the influential women who’ve shaped Charleston’s rich history.

Along the way, visitors will discover:

• The pioneering spirit of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, who revolutionized the cultivation of indigo in the 18th century, becoming one of the wealthiest women in the colonies.

• The political activism of Sarah Grimké, a leading abolitionist and women’s rights advocate in the 19th century.

• The entrepreneurial achievements of the three women who founded the tour’s starting point, the Well Hung Vineyard.

The Prohibition Era and Women Entrepreneurs

Although the Charleston: Women and Wine Tour begins at the Well Hung Vineyard, a wine bar founded by three local women entrepreneurs, it doesn’t solely focus on wine.

The tour also highlights the role of women during the Prohibition era. Guests learn how some women found ways to defy the law and continue operating their businesses, including speakeasies and underground bars.

The tour provides a unique perspective on the contributions of influential women who helped shape Charleston’s history, both socially and economically, even in the face of adversity during one of the country’s most challenging eras.

St. Philips Church

After exploring the influential role of women during the Prohibition era, the tour moves on to St. Philips Church.

This historic church has witnessed the triumphs and struggles of Charleston’s past:

• Its towering steeple stands as a testament to the resilience of the community.

• Ornate details and stained-glass windows inspire awe and reflection.

• Hallowed grounds have played host to important figures and significant events that shaped the city’s history.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the rich tapestry of Charleston’s past, gaining a deeper appreciation for the women who left their mark on this sacred space.

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The French Quarter

Leaving the grandeur of St. Philips Church, the tour group heads to Charleston’s historic French Quarter. This picturesque neighborhood features cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture, and charming boutiques.

The guide points out the contribution of influential women, like Eliza Lucas Pinckney, who revolutionized the indigo industry in the 1700s. The group stops to admire the stately homes and imagine the vibrant social scene that once thrived here.

As they stroll, the guide shares stories of the area’s rich history and the resilient women who shaped Charleston’s past. The tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s development.

Heyward-Washington House

The tour group next ventures to the stately Heyward-Washington House, a historic landmark that provides a glimpse into Charleston’s colonial past.

Built in 1772, the Georgian-style mansion once housed wealthy rice planter and American Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Heyward Jr. Visitors can explore the house’s intricately carved woodwork, period furnishings, and impressive Georgian architecture.

• Discover the life and legacy of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

• Marvel at the intricate details of the house’s ornate interiors.

• Gain a deeper understanding of colonial-era Charleston’s elite society.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

The tour group now arrives at the stately St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Built in 1761, this historic landmark played a significant role in Charleston’s past.

The group learns about its architectural features, including the distinctive steeple that once served as a landmark for ships entering the harbor.

The distinctive steeple of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church once served as a landmark for ships entering Charleston’s harbor.

They explore the church’s interior, admiring the ornate furnishings and pews that have witnessed centuries of worshippers.

The guide highlights the contributions of prominent women associated with the church, underscoring their influence in the city’s religious and social spheres.

After 5 minutes, the tour continues to the next destination.

Blind Tiger Pub

As the tour group wraps up their exploration of the historic St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, they make their way to the final stop – the Blind Tiger Pub.

This iconic Charleston hotel has a rich history of its own, having operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era.

The group is eager to learn more about the pub’s role in Charleston’s past and the women who may have frequented the hotel.

The tour guide shares fascinating stories that bring the Blind Tiger’s history to life, leaving your with a deeper appreciation for the city’s resilient spirit.

• Intriguing tales of the Blind Tiger’s speakeasy past

• Insights into the women who shaped Charleston’s history

• A fitting finale to the immersive Women and Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the tour itinerary includes some walking and uneven terrain. Guests with accessibility needs should contact the tour operator to inquire about any accommodations that may be available.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

No, children under 21 are not permitted on the tour, as it involves visits to bars and wine tastings. The tour is designed for adults aged 21 and over only.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available?

No, the tour is not suitable for individuals under 21. It doesn’t mention any dietary accommodations being available. The focus is on providing a historical experience centered around influential women and wine tasting for guests aged 21 and over.

What Is the Policy on Cancellations and Refunds?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can cancel their reservation if needed without penalty, providing flexibility in planning.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, guests should be respectful and avoid interrupting the guide or blocking the view of other participants. Check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.

The Sum Up

The Charleston: Women and Wine Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich history, highlighting the remarkable contributions of influential women. Visitors will discover the resilience and impact of these trailblazers, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Charleston’s historic bars. It’s an intimate and enlightening experience that showcases the enduring legacy of the city’s pioneering women.

You can check availability for your dates here: