After a long day exploring the cobblestone streets, a glass of wine and perfectly paired cheese plate may be just what you need to wind down. While Charleston is known for it’s culinary scene, wine bars are quickly making an appearance in a big way. Pairing a glass of wine with a delicious meal is standard, but Charleston is anything but ordinary. Wine bars around town have flipped that notion, and offer the perfect small plate to accentuate your vino of choice. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a wine newbie, you can experience top notch wines and a mini education at any of of these top wine bars in Charleston SC.
Vintage Lounge, Upper King Street Downtown
One of the newest on King Street, not only can you find a lengthy wine list (by the bottle or the glass), but what pairs better with a vino than fondue? Whether it be sweet or savory, a traditional cheese pairing, or a full-on charcuterie plate, Vintage Lounge has it all. The swanky atmosphere, outdoor back patio, nightly live music, local Charleston cheese selections, and seasonal wine lists make this a go-to spot downtown. If you think you’re a wine expert, give their glass of “The Blind” a try … if you guess this mystery wine correct, you don’t have to pay for it!
Uncork Charleston, Upper King Street Downtown
Another new cozy spot downtown, Uncork has downtown’s only exact pour wine dispensing system made in Italy.
Think of it as a wine taproom, with a selection of wines on tap which can be tasted at 4 or 8 ounce glasses, allowing you the opportunity to sample some unique wines. Right in the heart of trendy Upper King Street, with 40 unique wines and an instagram-worthy charcuterie board, Uncork is becoming a local favorite.
Bin 526, Daniel Island
Ok ok, we’ll admit we’ve had a staff meeting here once or twice. This wine cellar on Daniel Island offers private tastings, events, and educational classes to make everyone a wine expert. Purchase a card to taste their rotating selection of 50+ wines through their WineStation system, or if someone in your group is more of a beer connoisseur, they have local craft beers on tap as well! A great spot outside of downtown Charleston, start here to explore Daniel Island.
Graft Wine Shop, Upper King Street
In good company on King Street, Graft is a west coast concept, where patrons can taste different wines and socialize in a comfortable environment. In addition to offering cultured charcuterie all the way from New York, they host popup events featuring local chefs and restaurants. The shop has a unique retro punk vibe that’s unexpected but very unique. Located right next to some of Charleston’s top restaurants on Upper King Street, Graft is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine before dining at Leon’s Oyster Shop, Melfi’s, or Little Jack’s Tavern.
Bin 152, Lower King Street
Referred to as the highest end wine bar in the city, Bin 152 is your quintessential wine bar and has been a staple on lower King for 10 years. With exposed brick, rustic tables, big bay windows overlooking King Street, and a beautiful wooden bar, the decor is just part of the experience. From $8 – $34 a glass, you can sip on wines recommended by their very informative experts behind the bar. Ideally located from a few of our downtown rentals, you can walk to Bin 152 from Ivy Terrace, Maison Des Fleur, or Palmetto Loft.
Josephine Wine Bar, Spring Street, Cannonborough
Just off King Street in Cannonborough, Josephine Wine Bar makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Paris. Heavy on French influence, this little wine bar pairs your ideal wine with small plates. They consider themselves chef-driven, which means each of their plates are made for their wine list – how can you beat that?! Casual AND sophisticated, Josephine Wine Bar is within walking distance from a few of our luxury rentals including Todd’s Place, The King’s Line, and Studio 36.
Outside of the wine bars, you can experience a wine tasting that is uniquely Charleston, pairing history and vino. Boone Hall Plantation hosts their annual Wine Under The Oaks event this December 8, 2019. Among the most popular holiday events in the lowcountry, it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Charleston this holiday season.
