Visitors are often surprised to learn how many wineries, breweries, and even distilleries are on Hilton Head Island. It’s true, our small island is chock-full of unique experiences that tell the Lowcountry tale piece by piece. True, this 12-mile stretch of paradise certainly can’t compete with the likes of destinations known for having a craft brewery on every corner, or a winery on every hillside, but Hilton Head can hold its own with its delicious local vintages, ales, and cocktails.
We’ve put together a list of spots on and around Hilton Head Island that make for a great afternoon of tasting, finding great gifts or a reminder of the island to take home with you, and even listening to live music in friendly atmospheres. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on just wineries and tasting rooms. If you’d like to read our brewery and distillery guides, click either link at the bottom of this article.
Island Winery
15 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Located on the north end of Hilton Head Island, the Island Winery is the only winery located on the island. Making every artisan wine on site, Island Winery is known for its barrel-aged red wines, crisp white wines, and of course, their Low Country Specialty wines. Stop by the tasting room to taste up to six wines for only $10. Find something you like? Enjoy a glass on the patio or the family and pet-friendly picnic area. Buy a bottle to bring home while you’re there, or have your favorites shipped to you from their online shop.
Carolina Tasting Room
1 N Forest Beach Dr, Unit B, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Experience the tastes of the Lowcountry by visiting the Carolina Tasting Room, a spot where you’ll find not only wine but also beers and other products that have been sourced locally. Located in Coligny Plaza, this popular spot is only 300 steps from the soft, white sands of Coligny Beach. Stop in to try 6 wines off of the ever-rotating list for only $3. If you decide to buy a bottle to bring home, the tasting becomes free! 7oz and 12oz glasses to-go are also sold, along with the extremely popular and delicious icy cold wine smoothies that are perfect on a hot day.
Silver Dew Winery
144 Beach Rd, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915
Daufuskie Island sits just off the southern point of Hilton Head Island and is an extremely unique Lowcountry location that visitors should absolutely visit. A great day or half-day trip and only accessible by ferry, tour the island by golf cart on mostly unpaved roads. There, you’ll find a tiny winery operating out of the historic wick house, built in 1883 and used to store oil and wicks to be used by the island’s Bloody Point Lighthouse. Turned into a winery in the mid-1900s, and even mentioned in Pat Conroy’s novel, The Water is Wide, learn more about this piece of Lowcountry history with a tour, or by walking through the vineyard paired with a wine tasting.
