wine

The Best Rooftop Bars in Charleston

Open-air restaurants are all the rage this summer, as establishments adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. Luckily, Charlestonians already love to dine outdoors. While many restaurants are finding ways to create more patio seating, nothing quite compares to a rooftop view. Here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in Charleston for the next time you decide to hit the town.

Stars Rooftop & Grill Room

This King Street beauty has a short, but sweet, rotating menu. With stellar drinks and a downtown view, this establishment is nothing short of fabulous. Locals love the weekend Brunch as it’s known iconically for their decadent selection. Pop a cork and cheer mimosas with friends on their open-air rooftop.

The Rooftop Bar at The Vendue

Enjoy al fresco lunch on the highrise patio at this chic hotel. For lively atmosphere and Southern architecture views, join the folks at the Vendue. On hotter days, a Strawberry Basil Lemonade will quench your thirst. Their plethora of seating offers options for parties of all sizes.

The Watch

You’ll forget to check your watch as time spent on the rooftop of the Restoration Hotel is time well spent. Guests will want to head to the restaurant at sunset for an incredible Holy City golden hour. As you soak up the last of the sun, share appetizers while picking through their selection of sweet libations.

Revelry Brewing

Calling all IPA drinkers! This rooftop brewery is young, lively, and perfect for an evening escape. Their large selection of home-brewed beer is iconic in this city. Crack a cold one safely outdoors at this large beer garden.

Red’s Ice House

Ditch downtown and head to Shem Creek for sunset drinks at Reds. The motto here? “Inside is boring!” Enjoy this laid back setting for seafood and drinks as you watch boats float by. The occasional dolphin even makes an appearance along the creek!

Eat & Drink

Weekend Wine-Down at Charleston’s Only Domestic Vineyard

Featured Image: Charleston.com

Located about 30 minutes south of downtown Charleston, on Wadmalaw island you’ll find Charleston’s only domestic vineyard, Deep Water Vineyard. This 48-acre winery and vineyard grows one of the only truly native grapes to the U.S., Muscadine grapes. Producing authentic Muscadine wine out of these grapes, native to the Southeastern United States, Deep Water vineyard produces five different labels so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Known for years as “Irvin House Vineyard”, Ann and Jim Irvin’s retirement dream turned into Jesse and Andrea Freiwald’s “lifelong dream” with Deep Water Vineyard. The couple encourages visitors to spend an afternoon with walking trails, many animals, a garden, a large pond, a gift shop and Firefly distillery all on the property. The vineyard encourages a family-friendly environment so be sure to bring along your kids and four-legged friends.

For $7.00, guests can go on a “choose your own adventure” tour, trying all nine of the vineyards’ wines and receiving a complimentary wine glass at the end of the tour to remember your time on the island. Guests are also welcome to walk through the 7 miles of vines in the vineyard for a self-guided tour.

Every Saturday is Weekend Wine-Down at the vineyard. From 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., Deep Water Vineyard offers food and music to entertain visitors all afternoon. Food can be hard to find on Wadmalaw Island so Deep Water Vineyard makes sure there is at least one food truck on the property every Saturday. Check out Deep Water Vineyard’s Facebook page to learn more.

Eat & Drink

Wine Down At One Of These Awesome Charleston Wine Bars

Image Source: Uncork Charleston

Wine Wednesday, Sparkling Sunday, Merlot Mondays. Any day is a wine day if you want it to be.

Grab a friend, bae, or just a glass for yourself at one of these Charleston wine spots:

Bin 152

This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit Lynch. We will be featuring Cru Beaujolais wines and offering 3 & 5 ounce pours as well as flights. This is a great opportunity to taste these wines side by side and get in depth knowledge about the producers. We look forward to seeing everyone! #kermitlynch #crubeaujolais #bin152winebar

54 Likes, 2 Comments – Bin 152 (@bin152winebar) on Instagram: “This Thursday July 26th, Bin 152 will be hosting Brian Lynch, the National Sales Director of Kermit…”

Not just a wine bar, Bin 152 is also a cheese bar, art gallery, and antique market. This favorite wine spot is located in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston within walking distance of several inns and hotels. They offer over 40 different wines by the glass, 200 different wines by the bottle, and 40 different cheeses and charcuterie. Their hours are Monday through Sunday, 4 pm to 2 am.

Uncork Charleston

null

null

Uncork is the self-proclaimed spot for “The Curious Explorer”. They offer wines from around the world and the staff is always available for great recommendations and insights. They have a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, small plates, and desserts for you to choose from. Happy hour is every Wednesday through Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm with 15% off all pours. They also offer 20% off food for all government employees.

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Avondale Wine & Cheese is located in Avondale right across the Ashley River from downtown Charleston. Avondale Wine & Cheese is a wine and cheese bar with a variety of wines, cheeses, and gift baskets. While their wine comes from all around the world, a few of their cheeses are actually locally made. They serve red, white, and sparkling wine by the glass or bottle.

The Wine Bar

null

null

It’s all in the name; this is The Wine Bar. Located in Mt. Pleasant, The Wine Bar offers over 100 wines, 25 craft beers to choose from, and chocolates. Yes, you read that right. They have a selection of chocolates you can bite into while enjoying your vino. Happy hour is every Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 7 pm and they have free wi-fi (work and wine?).

With so many new wine bars popping up around the city it was hard to choose just a few. Didn’t see your favorite on this list? Next time you’re at your favorite wine spot take a picture and tag us in it. We want to know about all the best wine bars in Charleston.

Featured

Wine Under the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation is this Sunday

Image Source: Boone Hall Plantation Facebook

Lowcountry favorite, Wine Under the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation, is back this Sunday, Jan 20, promising a fabulous afternoon featuring a wide selection of drinks, food, and activities. Originally scheduled for Dec 2, 2018, the event was rained out and rescheduled for this Sunday.

From 1 pm to 5 pm, you can hang out on the back lawn of Boone Hall Plantation and indulge in delicious wine and food. While VIP tables are sold out, general admission tickets are still available for $55 advance purchase or $65 at the gate or day of online purchase. General admission includes wine samples, complimentary bubbly, desserts, and oysters, food and wine pairings courtesy of Boone Hall Farms, Bread and Spreads samples, and live music by Jazz Saxophonist, Michael Quinn.

Chefs from some of Charleston’s finest restaurants will be doing wine and cooking demonstrations during the day in a portable kitchen provided by The Culinary Institute at Trident Technical College and The Charleston Restaurant Association.

You can also admire the artwork display, attend the local writers showcase, enjoy gourmet food selections from local restaurants, and shop unique gift options.

Head over to Boone Hall’s event page for more information.

Eat & Drink

Raise A Glass! The Best Charleston Wine Bars

Featured Image Credit: Kelsey Knight on Unsplash

National Drink Wine Day is coming on February 18th. To celebrate, we’ve come up with a list of amazing Charleston wine bars. No matter what part of town you’re in, you’ll find a wine bar on this list worth visiting. So raise a glass and say “cheers!” on National Drink Wine Day at one of these fine establishments.

Bin 152

Image Credit: Bin 152 Facebook

One of the most popular Charleston wine bars is Bin 152 in the French Quarter. With a wine list of 130 options and cheese pairings to go with your choice, you’ll be in heaven. The atmosphere is described as cozy and classy – perfect for sampling a new vintage or an old favorite.

Avondale Wine & Cheese

Image Credit: Avondale Wine & Cheese Facebook

Located in the bustling West Ashley neighborhood of Avondale, this spot is perfect for sipping wine and enjoying cheese and charcuterie. The selection is vast, but customers say no matter what you’ll get it will be amazing. They also focus on local partnerships with dessert maker Swank and cheesemaker Charleston Cheese House.

Wine & Company

Image Credit: Wine & Company Facebook

This Meeting Street spot has everything you’re looking for in a wine bar. A nice selection, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and delicious bites. Customers are always impressed by the service and the owner will treat you like family. Order a charcuterie board to start with and end the night with some chocolate!

Accent on Wine

Image Credit: Accent on Wine Park Circle Facebook

With locations in Park Circle and Summerville, Accent on Wine is great for those looking for Charleston wine bars off the peninsula. Accent on Wine was started by Woodlands Resort & Inn staff with some serious knowledge on wine and what goes well with it. All wines for sale by the bottle are also available by the glass, so you can pick out the perfect one to take home.

O’Hara & Flynn

Image Credit: O’Hara & Flynn Facebook

O’ Hara & Flynn is next to the Belmond Charleston Place, so it’s right in the middle of all the action. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for tasting wine and having a conversation. And on weekends they have live jazz!

The Wine Bar

Image Credit: The Wine Bar Facebook

Located in Mount Pleasant in the Belle Hall shopping center, the Wine Bar is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine after a day of shopping or working in Mount Pleasant. With a wine list of over 100 selections, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Save room for some chocolate charcuterie – choose six or 12 from their menu of bark, chocolate cordial, and bonbons.

Guest Columns

Check Out These New Hot Spots On Upper King Street

Featured Image Credit:http://www.ladyhattan.com/

Charleston is becoming one of the largest ‘hot spots’ in the United States. It recently won the best city in the world and ranked among the top places for young people to live. As King Street continues to flourish into a new limelight, we are here to inform you about the top new places to be on King Street!

Ink N Ivy

Eat. Drink. Be Social. Ink N Ivy provides them all. This new spot has become super popular among Charlestonians. With delicious food and a stellar atmosphere, be prepared for a great experience. Enjoy your dinner on the upstairs mezzanine that looks over the restaurant. Trying to find something a little more poppin’? This killer restaurant doubles as a lively and fun scene on the weekends!

Image Credit: www.pureluxebride.com/font>

Vintage Lounge

Exactly what King Street needed — a wine bar that serves late night charcuterie. As if that wasn’t enough, Vintage Lounge offers outdoor seating on the patio! Kick back and enjoy the delightful atmosphere with some wine, cheese, and friends.

Image Credit: charleston.eater.com/font>

Benny Ravello’s

Looking for some of the best pizza on the peninsula? Look no further than this thriving pizza kitchen located in the perfect spot to get some late night ‘za. The inside is nothing to write home about and has minimal seating, however, the pizza sure does make up for it!

Image Credit: www.groupon.com/font>

Workshop

Explore a variety of emerging kitchens here! With an innovative ‘food court’ style concept, Workshop rotates six kitchens to give chef’s the opportunity to explore new concepts. The location is at the very end of upper King and provides ample outdoor seating. Be adventurous and go check out this awesome spot!

Image Credit:charleston.eater.com

Pour

Serve yourself some nice cold beer while enjoying a breath-taking view of Charleston. At Pour, you get to purchase a beer or cocktail and pour it yourself. The spacious layout gives it a very open feel and it’s a new great place to watch football! Don’t forget to head out to the rooftop for the best view of King Street.

Image Credit:www.timeout.com

Pancito & Lefty

Calling all Mexican food lovers!! Pancito & Lefty’s is a small Mexican restaurant with a very homey feel. A great place to grab lunch or dinner. They serve up unique cocktails and have amazing mezcal options. Tacos, margaritas, and guacamole are definitely a must from here!

Eat & Drink

Where To Find The Best Cheese And Charcuterie In Charleston

Featured Image Credit: Barsa/Facebook

Charleston is filled with art. Everywhere you look, it’s there.

From breath-taking wall murals to beautifully plated chef-prepared meals, the Holy City has it all. One of foods finest arts is the Charcuterie board. It takes skill to present different arrays of sausage, prosciutto, pates, aged cheeses, partnered with the right bread, crackers. It’s also super impressive when some of the items are made from scratch, like mustards, jams, and pickled vegetables. Let’s also not forget the most important part of a meat and cheese board: the wine.

Here are some of our favorite places to get a meat and cheese board in Charleston.

Featured Image Credit: Edmund’s Oast/Facebook

Edmund’s Oast
If you want some of the freshest charcuterie boards in town you have to try Edmund’s Oast. Chef Bob Cook’s distinctively dynamic menu includes in-house butchering whole hogs and curing items above the dining room for curious customers.

Image Credit: Barsa/Facebook

Barsa
Known for its mouthwatering tapas, this laid-back lounger and bar is perfect for a night out with friends. Choose from an array of charcuterie boards including Barsa’s house famous Chorizo. Join them on Thursdays for Jazz nights to get the full Barsa experience.

Image Credit: Avondale Wine & Cheese/ Facebook

Avondale Wine & Cheese
Only a short drive over the water from downtown Charleston, Avondale Wine & Cheese is a small gourmet grocery, wine, and cheese shop. Nestled in West Ashley, this locally owned business is home to local’s favorite charcuterie boards.

Featured Image Credit: goat sheep cow north/Facebook

goat sheep cow north
This authentic European wine bar has over 200 cheeses and charcuterie to choose from along with a small grocery store for you to bring your favorite foods home with you. With 200-year-old brick walls and exposed beams, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying one of the freshest charcuterie boards in the heart of France.

Image Credit: The Lot/Facebook

The Lot and Wine & Company
With 6 world class kinds of cheese and 6 delectable types of meats to mix and match, the taste possibilities are endless. Pairing these personal charcuterie boards with their long list of craft beer and wine, get ready to settle into your seat for the night with endless options of flavor galore.

Featured Image Credit: Slightly North of Broad/Facebook

Slightly North of Broad
With mustards, relishes, cornichons, pâtés, and slices of cured meats, the charcuterie plate at Slightly North of Broad has everything. You won’t be let down with Chef Frank Lee as one of the culinary originators in Charleston.

Featured Image Credit: Tavern & Table/Facebook

Tavern & Table
If you want to venture outside of the downtown area, Shem Creek is the place to go. Nestled into the small waterfront harbor is Tavern & Table.The restaurant serves its butcher boards with red pepper jelly, stout mustard, and rustic bread alongside Lowcountry local fresh food.

Image Credit: The Belmont

The Belmont
The Belmont isn’t just known for its cocktail menu. Their menu is chock full of meats ranging from rustic Italian style salami to lamb prosciutto along with an impressive cheese list. Named in USA Today’s 10 best restaurants, you’ll want to clear your schedule for a dinner at The Belmont.

Image Credit: Bin 152/Facebook

Bin 152
Visit the quaint Bin 152 restaurant in the French Quarter Hotel. Don’t let its size fool you, this is a wine bar, cheese bar, art gallery, and antique market. It is the most authentic European wine bar you’ll find in Charleston with 40 different kinds of cheese and charcuterie to offer.

Guest Columns

Charleston Cat Cafe Has Largest Adoption Rate In The Country

Featured Image Credit: Pounce Cat Cafe

What happens when you combine two of your favorite things? A cat wine bar! That’s right, Pounce Cat Cafe in downtown Charleston is a revolutionary cafe where customers can sip coffee, wine and beer along with munching on pastries and sweets while sitting in a living room setting roamed by adoptable cats.

Image Credit: Pounce Cat Cafe

Pounce has only been open for 7 months and already has the highest adoption rate in the whole country. So far, they have helped more than 370 cats find homes. All of the cats come from the Charleston Animal Society, and thanks to Pounce, they have emptied the cages in their shelter. The Charleston Animal Society usually has to host free adoption events in the summer because the shelter gets to be too crowded with kittens. That hasn’t been the case this year, with so many adoptions at Pounce they haven’t had to do any free adoption events.

How does Pounce do it? They hold lots of special events to reel in the crowds. Sundays are Kitten Yoga and Fridays are movie and paint night. But the biggest sellers are the cats themselves. Having the furry little felines interact with potential owners in a natural living room setting rather than at a shelter allows the cat to be at ease. Most of the animals feel as if they are at home and feel more comfortable being themselves. This type of atmosphere allows potential owners to really see how the cats would behave in their own household.

Image Credit: Pounce Cat Cafe

Pounce’s overwhelming success has allowed them to expand their cafe to Savannah, Georgia. Now shelters in Georgia will be getting some extra help in adopting their kittens. Many of the cats at Pounce have traveled across the country with tourists who just couldn’t leave them behind in Charleston. But most of the adoptions are from people in the Lowcountry.

It’s amazing what a big difference one cafe can make. So next time you’re in downtown Charleston be sure to stop by Pounce for a nice glass of wine and some quality company from some furry little four-legged friends. Who knows…maybe you’ll end up bringing one home!