While North Charleston, South Carolina, has earned its reputation for being down-to-earth, that doesn’t mean we don’t dress up well. A stone’s throw away from downtown Charleston, our city is home to multiple fantastic wine experiences, including award-winning programs and some truly unique pairings. Visit North Charleston is your guide to all the wonders of our Lowcountry city. Discover wine bars and wine shops in North Charleston, SC.
Key Takeaways
- Accent on Wine has an extensive wine menu with over 130 selections, in addition to craft beers, charcuterie and dessert pairings, and lunch sandwiches.
- Stems and Skins has an award-winning wine program with a range of unique and out-there food pairings, including their popular seafood pâté menu.
- Barrel House Spirits and Odd Duck Market offer wines by the bottle to take home.
Accent on Wine
Whether sampling something new or falling back on old favorites, you’ll find a memorable experience at Accent on Wine. This Park Circle wine bar features over 130 wine selections from around the world that you can order by glass or by bottle. It also hosts weekly tastings with the sommelier’s selection of four fantastic wines, not to mention special events throughout the year.
If not everybody in your party appreciates wine, don’t worry. Accent on Wine also offers an extensive beer menu featuring craft and microbrew creations from local breweries all over the world.
To complement your drinks, Accent on Wine provides a diverse selection of snack pairing options. Design your own board to match your drinks with a full range of meats, cheeses, and charcuterie staples. Visit at lunchtime for sandwiches on fresh baguettes. Desserts are available too, with decadent selections like macarons, goat cheesecake, and baklava.
Stems and Skins
True aficionados can’t miss Stems and Skins. Also located in Park Circle, it is the brainchild of professional sommelier Matt Tunstall. He’s created an award-winning program that has been featured in multiple respected publications, including:
Stems and Skins serves wine, specialty cocktails, and beers from around the globe. The laid-back atmosphere provides a comfortable place to relax alone or with friends, and outdoor sidewalk seating is available if you’d rather enjoy the sunny North Charleston weather. The friendly and knowledgeable servers and bartenders can guide you toward a selection you’re sure to love.
You won’t go hungry, either. The tagline is “Fresh and Freaky Ferments,” referring to a food menu that includes some of the most unique offerings in the area. Pair your choice of drink with trout roe, octopus and olive skewers, cuttlefish pâté in ink, and mushroom toast. If these offerings are too out there, then the bar also offers standard fare, including some incredible charcuterie and cheeses.
Barrel House Spirits
After sampling some of the best wines from all over the world, grab a bottle or a few. Barrel House Spirits is Park Circle’s local liquor store carrying a curated selection of wines, beers, spirits, and more. Much of its selection is locally made with lots of Lowcountry flavor, letting you take a small piece of North Charleston home with you.
Odd Duck Market
While not a true wine bar, Odd Duck Market is a great stop while in the Park Circle area. Its café is known for artisan-style sandwiches, fresh produce, and a full coffee bar. Seasonal selections center local ingredients in to-die-for combinations that pair well with the market’s house wines and cocktails. Sit down for a full meal or grab your drink to go. After eating, hit the grocery store for bottles you can enjoy in your hotel room, in addition to a range of other local goods.
Tips for First Timers
Are you new to the world of wine tasting? With so many wines to choose from and an abundance of information, diving in may seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to share some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Ask for advice: If you’re stuck on your selection, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender about their favorites. They can be a great resource for identifying new wines to try.
- Engage in conversation: Chatting up the server is also a fantastic way to learn more about the wine you’re sampling, including its grapes, terroir, and taste.
- Practice pairings: Food pairings bring out the flavor of the wine. Ask for recommendations and pay attention to how the flavors contrast and complement one another.
- Try new things: Don’t just stick to the types you’re familiar with. By trying new wine varieties, you expand your palate while learning more about your preferences.
Explore Wine Shops in North Charleston, SC
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or branching out into new experiences, North Charleston’s wine scene has plenty to offer. Award-winning programs with classic and eclectic pairings deliver an experience to remember. Contact us at Visit North Charleston to request information about wine shops in North Charleston, SC, or to get tips for planning a successful trip.
