The wine industry in South Carolina is small. Traditional wine grapes struggle here due to high humidity levels. As a result, most locally made South Carolina wine is either a Muscadine style or made from fruits that do well here like blackberries, raspberries and peaches. One unique grape that is grown in South Carolina is the Lenoir grape, also called the Black Spanish grape, which is native to Texas. The Lenoir has a very dark skin, and wine made from these grapes has hints of raspberry and black cherry.
South Carolina wineries are hoping a new law will invigorate sales — the new law allows winemakers in the state to use a higher percentage of fruit from other states. Previously, South Carolina wineries were allowed to use up to 49% out-of-state fruit in their wines. The percentage has been raised to 60% in a move designed to overcome what winery owners felt was a competitive disadvantage. We have always been advocates of wineries using local fruit and local grapes so consumers get a true distinction of an area’s wines. But if the new law benefits wineries and other small businesses, economic issues certainly outweigh personal preference.
Here’s a list of several South Carolina wineries:
Victoria Valley Vineyards
1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635
Imagine yourself relaxing with a glass of wine on the terrace of Victoria Valley Vineyards, with nothing but time on your hands. As you drive through the gates, you can see the winery, which is designed in the style of a French “chateau,” complete with a tasting room, gift shop, and deli.
The mere presence of the Jayne family’s passion for nature, hard work, and commitment to producing fine wines right here in South Carolina advertises the Jayne family’s passion for nature, hard work, and commitment to producing fine wines right here in South Carolina.
September Oaks Vineyard
893 Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936 (closed)
La Belle Amie Vineyard
1120 St Joseph Rd, Little River, SC 29566
In Little River, near the North Carolina border. La Belle Amie Vineyard is owned and operated by Vicki. The wine and gift shop was built in 1999, in part from trees removed from the building site. But the effort to build La Belle Amie Vineyard began years prior to the opening of its wine and gift shop in early 2000. Family wine making began with Vicki’s ancestors from the south of France and was passed down to their Uncle Gifford, who continued the tradition.
Every year Uncle Gifford made wine from “the old grapevines.” “The old grapevines” still thrive today and consist of four large vine arbors–two of the vines are over 130 years old and the other two are about 110 years old. The grapes from these vines are used to make the grape preserves sold at the shop.
Island Winery
15 Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Wine is more than just a business for the owners of Island Winery. It has been a labor of love. Loren and Georgene Mortimer met while attending Ithaca College in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Region. They developed a lifelong love for each other as well as a passion for world-class wines while visiting wineries and vineyards in that region.
Irvin House Vineyards
just outside of Charleston (closed)
Visit Irvin House Vineyards on Wadmalaw Island, Charleston’s only vineyard and winery, for the ideal family outing or romantic day trip! Jim and Ann Irvin own and operate Irvin House Vineyards, which is located just 25 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. Grapes are grown and harvested here in this idyllic lowcountry setting, and wine is made and bottled on-site at this 48-acre vineyard. All five varieties of wine produced at Irvin House, including some Silver and Bronze Wines of the South award winners, are made with Muscadine grapes.
Enoree River Winery
1650 Dusty Rd, Newberry, SC 29108
Enoree River Winery, located just 30 minutes northwest of Columbia, is a relaxing, intimate winery that serves local, handcrafted wines. Guests can enjoy wine tastings from this season’s harvest in our Upper Room or relax on our covered porch overlooking the vineyard.
Enoree River Vineyards and Winery is located in the heart of Newberry County, South Carolina, also known as the “Center of the Universe” by locals. Our winery provides guests with a local wine tasting experience while overlooking vineyards. Throughout the year, guests can sample a variety of Muscadine, Vinifera, fruit, and blended wines that are handcrafted seasonally.
Carolina Vineyards
4720 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
You don’t have to travel far to visit South Carolina’s largest and best winery. Carolina Vineyards moved to Barefoot Landing from Chester, South Carolina in 2005 to carry on our 23-year winemaking tradition (Est. 1985). All of their wines are available for tasting in Dry, Medium, and Sweet varietal and fruit wine versions. Our specialty is making traditional South Carolina style wine from fruits grown in South Carolina. Come “Taste the Flavors of the South” in Carolina Vineyards Winery’s wines. The Fudgery is located between Quiet Storm and The Fudgery.
South Carolina Wine Trail
With a small number of wineries spread throughout the state, South Carolina doesn’t have a wine trail — and it’s unlikely that one will be formed unless the wine industry here expands. While the heat and humidity of the Palmetto state present challenges for grape growers, those who have succeeded, particularly with the Muscadine grape, which thrives in the Southeast, produce some very high quality wines. Furthermore, grapes from other states are frequently brought to the state to be used in the production of additional, highly sought-after wines.
Mercer House Estate Winery
397 Walter Rawl Rd. , Lexington SC 29072
803-957-7102
Carolina Vineyards
4922 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach SC 29582
843-361-9181
City Scape Winery
589 Dunklin Bridge Rd, Pelzer SC 29669
864-329-0615
Deep Water Vineyards
6775 Bears Bluff Rd, Wadmalaw Island SC 29487
843-559-6867
Enoree River Winery, LLC
1650 Dusty Rd, Newberry SC 29108
803-276-2855
Hyman Vineyards
2980 Hwy 378, Conway SC 29527
843-397-2100
Island Winery
12 A Cardinal Rd, Hilton Head SC 29926
843-842-3141
La Belle Amie Vineyard
1120 St. Joseph Road North , Myrtle Beach SC 29566
843-399-9463
Lighthouse Winery & Vineyards
7826 Sniders Highway , Walterboro SC 29488
843-866-2125
Palmetto Pickup Wines
1110 Mayo Rd. , Cowpens SC 29330
864-425-2185
Proverbs 31 Winery
553 Hillbrook Lane , Newberry SC 29108
803-403-5442
Victoria Valley Vineyards
1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland SC 29635
864-878-5307