When most people think of wines, the laid back mellow wines of California pop to mind. But, there are other areas of the United States that may not produce barrels upon barrels of the finest wine known to man. Hilton Head, South Carolina has several terrific wineries that create some very sweet tasting wines that you will want to center your next vacation around.
Instead of traveling thousands of miles West, why not travel to the Atlantic Ocean for some fine wine? Called the grape of the South, muscadines, grow along the sandy shores and green fields of South Carolina. These grapes have been traced as far back as the 1600's when farmers realized their wonderful benefits, and created wine out of them.
Located on the Island of Hilton Head is Island Winery at 12 A Cardinal Road. They create unique and delicious high quality wines here on the island. One of their wines is created with different fruits and a touch of honey has been added. They have a wine called Southern Passion that is a blend of local fruits such as red and white grapes, Carolina peaches and Florida oranges. They have a wine and cheese happy hour Monday through Thursday at 4 p.m. They also have wine and cheese flights Monday through Friday from 12; 30 until 2; 30 at $5 a person. Reach them at 843-842-3141.
Located on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina is the wonderful old southern charm of Irvin-House Vineyards. This winery is located 2 hours and 18 minutes from Island Winery. Irvin-House Vineyards are very accommodating and provide you with a beautiful area overlooking the vineyards to drink their very sweet tasting wine, so bring along some chairs and have a picnic. Take a stroll through the vineyards and the surrounding property and see the majestic oaks, the stocked pond, walking trails and abundant birds and wildlife. They are located at 6775 Bears Bluff Road, and their phone number is 843-559-6867.
Montmorenci Vineyards are located at 2989 Charleston Highway, Aiken, S.C. Their phone number is 843-649-4870. This family owned business was started in a very traditional way. They started making the wine in their very own basement. As the business grew they, of course, took their operations out of the basement and created an entire business of award-winning wines. They have free wine tastings Wednesday through Saturday from 10 to 6. The Montmorenci Winery has white wines names Melody and Seyval, and red wines called Triple Crown and Blush. This winery is located two hours and 45 minutes from Island Winery at Hilton Head Island.
The Carolina Vineyards Winery in Chester South Carolina is located at 4922 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582. Their phone number is 842-361-9181. They have tastings of their fine wines everyday. They open at 10 a.m. and close from 6 to 11 depending on the season. Carolina Winery is just 16 miles away from Island Winery on Nags Head Island and they have a sweet tasting variety of wines. They are more of a small operation, right by the water.
Lowcountry Winery is located just 30 miles north of Hilton Head Island. They are located in historic Beaufort, South Carolina, also known as "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands". They are in the heart of the low country, so you can be sure that their wines are mighty sweet tasting. They have a wide variety of wines such as Merlot, Chardonnay, and sweet tasting wines made from luscious fruits such as peaches and raspberries. Come in and taste their wines for a nominal fee from Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5. Their phone number is 843-379-3010.
For a great daytime escape or an extended getaway, come enjoy Southern hospitality at it's best, in Hilton Head's low country sipping some sweet tasting wines.
This guide to Hilton Head wineries was brought to you by Kate Johns.