Charleston is known for its unspoiled beaches, cobblestone streets and wide-ranging cuisine that augments the wine industry. With its superb dining scene, Charleston hosts about seven million visitors annually. Wine importers and distributors have flocked to Charleston and their produce can be enjoyed in excellent restaurants such as FIG, McCrady’s, Charleston Grill, Leon’s Oyster Shop and Husk.
Licensed retail establishments such as Wine & Company double up as a shop and wine bar. If you want tastings, you can have 36 glass pours along with cheese and charcuterie boards. Wine & Company also offers Wine Tasting Tuesdays and winemaker visits. As you can see, there’s plenty to enjoy here!
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Deep Water Vineyard
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There is only one winery in Charleston, SC, and that’s Deepwater Vineyard which was previously known as Irvin House Vineyard. This winery, located on a historic site, only grows the Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia), which flourishes in the region’s hot and humid climate. Deep Water Vineyard produces white and red wines from four Muscadine cultivars and they also produce wines from California grapes.
This winery in Charleston SC is located on 48 acres and visitors are encouraged to walk around freely and have picnics. Deep Water Vineyard is surrounded by magnificent oak trees and a rolling marshland backdrop. It produces amongst the best home-grown wine in South Carolina which you can sip on in a restful and serene environment. Pets on leashes are welcome to stroll around the 48-acre site.
The Deepwater Vineyard production of wine operates under the same ownership as the Firefly Distillery which produces sweet-tea vodka so you can really get your fill by tasting samples of both! You can also taste Deep Water’s award-winning wines as an accompaniment to your meal in one of the wine bars or tasting rooms that are dotted all over Charleston.
The Owners
Jesse and Andrea are paragons of the hospitality and charm that is to be found in Lowcountry life. In 2012, they started searching for a place to raise their young family and when they visited South Carolina, the search ended.
After friends challenged them with a dare, they made inquiries about Irvin-House Vineyard and the rest is Charleston South Carolina winery history. They feel blessed to run this property which they refer to as a ‘slice of heaven’ and hope that these feelings of joy spill over to the guests that visit them.
The Wine Produced at Deep Water Vineyard
As owners of the only Charleston winery, Jesse and Andrea sometimes feel they are in over their heads – in deep water, as it were. So, the name is philosophical because it encompasses their view that because life is short, you are not meant to tentatively wade in the shallows but to dive in deep and feel the water rush over you because only then do you know that you have taken the plunge into something bigger than you are. When you emerge, the feeling is incomparable.
Deep Water Vineyard wine is made from one of the only truly indigenous grapes to the USA, Muscadine, and the couple fully embraces it. As the only Charleston South Carolina winery, they produce authentic muscadine wine from four varieties of grapes
Lowcountry Red
The red wine is made with Ison Muscadine grape and is fruity and full of flavour
High Tide
This is a light-bodied red wine made from the Noble grape and it has a robust Muscadine flavour.
Low Tide
A semi-dry white wine made from the Tara Scuppernong grape.
Magnolia
This sweet wine is made from the Carlos Scuppernong grape.
Other Wines and Blends Produced by Deep Water Vineyard
The owners of Deep Water have a partnership with a grower in California that gives them access to grapes they are not able to grow themselves. These grapes are shipped from California and based on extensive market research, they produce single and varietal blends from these viniferous grapes.
Some examples from this Charleston winery include:
- Driftwood – this wine is made with toasty barrel chips to give it a smoky flavour that draws out the fruitiness of the grapes while offering a smooth finish.
- Chardonnay – the acidity in this wine is enhanced to give it more depth resulting in a true chardonnay for those who find the muscadine wine too fruity.
- Symphony – This Californian grape tastes similar to Riesling but it is not too sweet and has definite tarty notes.
- Sea Island Red – this wine pairs the muscadine grape with a reserve cabernet sauvignon and is both sweet and dry.
- Cabernet Sauvignon – this is vinted for a while longer in order to draw out the full flavour. The wine is young but it will age well. It is dry and will appeal to those who enjoy bold red wines.
- Zinfandel – this is a complex grape that has been around for centuries. This wine is full-bodied and not for the faint-hearted.
- Sweet Caroline – this lovely rosé Zinfandel bubbly, true to its name, is likely to get you singing ‘good times never seemed so good’.
- Starry Sky – this popular sparkling wine is perhaps best enjoyed while gazing at the sky.
- Prana – a sparkling brut wine with slight pear notes and a very dry finish.
- Winter Blues – this wine is made with local blueberries, is full-bodied and has a lovely blueberry flavour.
- Have a Ball, Lucille – this strawberry wine is sure to have you laughing and cheering.
- Eventide – the blackberry adds depth to this dry merlot.
- Palmetto Pepper – This wine is strictly for daredevils!
Events on Offer at Deep Water Winery
Rotating food trucks are on offer at this winery in Charleston SC every Saturday from 10am to 5pm and there is live music from 1pm to 4pm to entertain the visitors. While you eat and sip on wine, you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the vineyard with family and friends. You will find Deep Water a mere 30 minutes south of Charleston, on the island of Wadmalaw.
This Charleston winery offers walking trails, a garden with a large pond, a charming gift shop and, of course, the winery! You can spend the day having a picnic and taking walks or you can participate in the affordable and informative wine tastings. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and pets on leashes and children are most welcome.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.