Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing

If you’re visiting Charleston and looking to escape the busy city streets for a taste of the area’s natural beauty and local flavors, this Wine Sippin’-Tea Drinkin’-Tree Huggin’ Lowcountry Sightseeing tour might just catch your eye. It’s a well-loved experience—rated a perfect 5.0 with 71 reviews—and it offers a relaxed, intimate way to spend a day outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston. What really makes it special is its combination of stunning natural spots, tastefully curated experiences, and the warmth of a knowledgeable guide.

One thing we love about this tour is its small-group setup, which makes everything feel more personal and less rushed. Plus, the stops—Angel Oak, Charleston Tea Garden, and Deep Water Vineyard—are genuinely interesting, each with its own unique charm. That said, the price is around $131.12 per person, and it’s worth considering whether that fits your travel budget when you add in the included tastings and snacks. This tour is best suited for those craving a laid-back day of scenic sights, good drinks, and engaging stories, especially if you enjoy learning about local culture and nature along the way.

Key Points

• Intimate small-group experience with personalized attention.
• Includes all fees, snacks, bottled water, and unlimited tea, offering great value for the price.
• Diverse stops—from ancient trees to tea production to wine tasting—that appeal to a variety of interests.
• Expert guides who are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury minivan, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.
• Accessible for most travelers, with consideration for mobility needs.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Angel Oak Tree: A Historic Natural Wonder

Your day begins with a visit to the iconic Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. This 500-year-old live oak is a true marvel—its sprawling branches create a canopy that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. We loved the way many reviews highlight this stop as a highlight—“If trees could talk,” one reviewer quipped, and it’s easy to see why. The setting is peaceful, and you’ll have about 15 minutes to soak in the grandeur and snap some photos.

The admission fee is included in the tour, so no surprises there. Be prepared for a brief but meaningful stop where you’ll get to feel the history and majesty of one of the oldest live oaks in the country.

Charleston Tea Garden: The Only Tea Farm in North America

Next, the tour takes you to the Charleston Tea Garden, the only tea plantation in North America. Spanning acres of tea bushes, the sight is surprisingly expansive—you’ll see hundreds of thousands of tea plants stretching as far as the eye can see. We appreciated how the guide explained the full production process, making this an educational experience as well as scenic.

The highlight here is the trolley tour around the farm, which provides insights into how tea is cultivated and processed. Plus, the unlimited hot and cold tea is a great perk—perfect for tasting the different flavors and cooling down after walking through the fields. The admission and tour are included, so it’s a convenient way to learn something new without extra costs.

Deep Water Vineyard: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Stroll

The final stop is at Deep Water Vineyard, where you can walk among the vines and sample a variety of wines. This part of the tour gets rave reviews for the quality of wines and the friendly, knowledgeable staff—particularly Ashton, the sommelier, who makes the tasting engaging and fun. Bring your own snacks or enjoy the food truck available on-site—many guests mention how this adds to the relaxed vibe.

The wine tasting is included, and the vineyard is a welcoming space for families with children, thanks to the entertainment options and open grounds. Reviewers often mention how this stop is a great way to unwind and savor the flavors of the region.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the small-group format—maximum of 10 travelers—which means more personalized interaction and less time waiting around. The tour runs in a luxury minivan, which is comfortable and climate-controlled, making the hours of travel pleasant.

Guides like LeeAnn have been praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to keep everything on schedule. Several reviews mention her as a standout guide—“Leeann was fantastic,” “very helpful,” and “she really has a passion for educating and showing people the sites.”

Interestingly, many reviewers also appreciated the extra touches such as snacks, bottled water, and even taking photos at each stop—small details that make the experience feel special. With the tour lasting about 5.5 hours, timing is well-managed, giving you enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour is described as suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility. Leann, the guide, has gone out of her way to assist guests, making it a good option for diverse groups. The van is comfortable, and snacks are provided, so you won’t go hungry or thirsty during the journey.

Cost and Value

At around $131 per person, this tour offers all-inclusive experiences—admission fees, snacks, bottled water, and unlimited tea—so it’s quite a good deal compared to booking each stop separately. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and value-packed the day is, especially considering the high-quality experiences at each stop.

Some comments point out that the price reflects the length and transportation involved, but most agree it’s worth it, especially with the added personal touches and small-group vibes.

Authentic Voices and Review Highlights

Readers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially LeeAnn, for making the trip engaging and fun. Comments like “Leanne was the best” and “she really has a passion for educating” echo common sentiments. Guests also love the stunning views and the chance to learn something new—whether it’s the history of Angel Oak, how tea is made, or the intricacies of wine tasting.

The wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard is often cited as a highlight—guests mention that the wines were surprisingly enjoyable, and the relaxed environment is perfect for unwinding. The tea plantation earns praise for being both beautiful and informative, with some reviewers noting how much they learned about tea production.

While most reviews are glowing, one guest expressed disappointment about feeling pressured to purchase items at the vineyard, and another was surprised by the tour’s cost relative to their expectations. These points remind us that, as with any tour, expectations should match what’s offered.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who appreciates small-group travel, scenic stops, and local tastings, this tour offers a relaxed way to explore beyond Charleston’s city limits. The combination of natural beauty, educational stops, and delicious drinks makes for a well-rounded experience that appeals to a variety of interests. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about the area’s trees, tea, and wine in a friendly, intimate setting.

This experience is a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy more personalized attention from guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge. The fact that everything is included—admission, drinks, snacks—means you can relax and focus on the sights and tastes without worrying about extra costs or logistics. While it’s not a budget tour, many feel it offers good value given the quality and variety of experiences packed into just over five hours.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more activity-packed day with more stops at historical sites or city attractions, you might want to look at other options. Also, if wine tasting isn’t your thing, keep in mind that this is a key part of the experience, though the other stops stand on their own.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the vineyard offers entertainment for kids, making it family-friendly. However, the focus on wine tasting might be more appealing to adults.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time and stops.

What’s included in the price?
All fees and taxes, bottled water, snacks, unlimited hot and cold tea at the Charleston Tea Garden, and wine tastings at Deep Water Vineyard are included.

Does the tour run in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. If there’s poor weather, you might find some activities affected, but the tour generally proceeds, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.

Is the transportation comfortable?
Absolutely. You’ll travel in a luxury minivan that’s air-conditioned and comfortable, perfect for relaxing during the approximately 60-mile journey.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
The tour is set with these three key stops—Angel Oak, Charleston Tea Garden, and Deep Water Vineyard—and doesn’t include options for customization.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Exploring Wadmalaw Island through this small-group tour offers a mix of natural beauty, engaging stories, and tasty treats. It’s a fantastic way to add a unique layer to your Charleston trip, especially if you’re into scenic stops and learning about local products. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a tea lover, or just curious about the lowcountry’s hidden treasures, this experience delivers in spades.