Wine Tasting And Boat Ride

Wine Tasting And Boat Ride Review: A Relaxed, Scenic Experience in the Outer Banks

If you’re considering a blend of water views and wine sips during your trip to the Outer Banks, this Wine Tasting and Boat Ride tour might catch your eye. It promises a two-and-a-half-hour journey that combines a scenic boat trip across Currituck Sound with a visit to Sanctuary Vineyards, where you can sample some local wines. While it sounds charming, it’s worth exploring what this experience truly offers—especially since reviews indicate mixed feelings.

What we genuinely like about this tour is the beautiful waterfront views during the boat ride and the chance to sample wines directly at the vineyard where they’re made. Plus, the fact that it features a small group size of up to 14 people means it’s not overly crowded, fostering a more intimate experience. On the flip side, a potential downside is that the tour is highly weather-dependent, meaning your plans could be canceled unexpectedly if the wind kicks up. This could be frustrating if you’re eager for a guaranteed activity.

All in all, this experience is likely best suited for wine enthusiasts who enjoy scenic outings and don’t mind a flexible schedule depending on weather. If you’re looking for a laid-back way to combine nature and wine, it could be a neat addition to your trip — just keep in mind that weather cancellations are a real possibility.

Key Points

• Beautiful water views from Currituck Sound make for a scenic start to the adventure.
• The vineyard tour and tasting provide insight into the wine-making process with a chance to purchase wines.
• The small group size emphasizes a more personalized experience.
• Weather can be unpredictable, and tours may be canceled due to wind.
• The experience is fairly priced at $109 per person, offering a mix of sightseeing and tasting.
• It’s ideal for those who appreciate wine and scenic boat rides but is less suitable for those on tight schedules or with weather concerns.

What to Expect From the Itinerary

Starting Point and Boat Ride

The tour begins in the quiet community of Duck, where you’ll meet at 1226 Duck Rd. From there, a boat whisks you across Currituck Sound, offering stunning views of the water, marshes, and the surrounding scenery. The boat ride itself is one of the highlights—if the weather cooperates—providing a peaceful cruise that sets a relaxed tone for the day.

Arrival at Sanctuary Vineyards

Once ashore at Sanctuary Vineyards, you’ll find yourself at a historic hunting lodge-style boathouse in an area steeped in waterfowl heritage. This spot isn’t just about wine; it’s also about the story behind the place, with a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard and winery. You’ll get to see the wine-making process firsthand, smell French oak barrels, and learn about the vine-to-glass journey.

Wine Tasting and Shopping

The tasting itself is private, allowing you to savor several wines directly from the vineyard. Guests have noted that the wines are of good quality, making it a worthwhile stop for wine lovers who want to sample local offerings. After tasting, there’s some free time to browse the shop and pick up bottles to take home—an excellent opportunity to remember your trip or gift a bottle.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up with a boat ride back to the Outer Banks, giving you one last chance to enjoy the scenery. The entire experience lasts roughly two hours and thirty minutes — a manageable chunk of time that balances sightseeing, tasting, and travel.

From the Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

One traveler described the experience as “amazing” and appreciated the fancy vibe of the tasting, noting that it felt quite unique compared to typical wine tastings. That’s a good sign if you’re after something a little more special.

However, another guest was less fortunate. They experienced a cancellation caused by wind, which they weren’t informed about beforehand. This caused frustration, especially after multiple calls to get a refund. The provider’s safety priority is clear, but communication could be improved to prevent surprises like this. The refund was eventually processed, but the experience highlighted the importance of flexible expectations around weather.

How the Experience Works: Practical Details

The tour is operated by Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School, and includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the overland part of the trip, ensuring comfort after your boat ride. The group is limited to 14 travelers, keeping things intimate and allowing for more personal attention.

The price is $109 per person, which includes the boat ride, vineyard tour, and tasting. Considering the combination of scenery, education, and tastings, many might find this to be fair value—though, as with all wine-related activities, the quality and experience can vary depending on your expectations.

You should be aware that the tour requires good weather—as with most outdoor activities—so a cancellation due to wind or rain is possible. If canceled, you’re offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The meeting point is centrally located in Duck, close to public transportation, making it accessible if you’re staying nearby.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is a good fit for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed outing that combines water views with tastings. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy scenic boat rides and appreciate learning about local wines in a more intimate setting. If weather is a concern or you’re traveling during a season prone to wind or rain, it’s worth having a backup plan in case of cancellations.

It’s less suited for travelers expecting a high-energy or large-group activity, and those looking for a structured wine tour with a lot of tasting options might find it a bit limited. It’s more about the experience—scenery, story, and sip—rather than a full-on wine tasting extravaganza.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Wine Tasting and Boat Ride in the Outer Banks offers a lovely way to soak in the local scenery and enjoy some good wines in a relaxed setting. The views from Currituck Sound are genuinely enjoyable, and the vineyard’s behind-the-scenes tour makes it more than just a tasting. The small group size and private feel add to its charm, making it a cozy, personal experience.

That said, weather can make or break this activity. If you’re visiting during a season with unpredictable winds, be prepared for potential cancellations and plan accordingly. The experience is best suited for travelers who relish scenic outings, enjoy wine, and are okay with a flexible schedule.

For those who enjoy combining nature with local flavors, this tour is an easy and pleasant choice. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready for a laid-back but memorable outing that blends water, wine, and a touch of local history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is geared toward adults over 21, as alcoholic beverages are only available to those of legal drinking age.

How long does the entire experience last?
Expect about two and a half hours, including the boat ride, vineyard visit, and tasting.

Can I cancel if the weather turns bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the boat ride, the vineyard tour, wine tastings, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the overland part.

How many people are in each group?
Up to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Where do we meet for the tour?
At 1226 Duck Rd in Kitty Hawk, NC. The location is accessible and near public transit.

What if I don’t like wine or am not a drinker?
This tour is primarily about the wine experience, so if you’re not interested in tasting wine, it might not be the best fit.

Is there an age limit to participate?
Yes, participants must be 21 or older to enjoy the wine tastings.

If the weather cooperates, this tour can be a relaxing, scenic way to enjoy some local wine and beautiful water views. Just stay flexible, and you’ll likely have a memorable experience.