Wine is many things to many people, but perhaps famed author Ernest Hemingway said it best:
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.”
Like Hemingway, the Grand Strand also has a great appreciation for wine, and several places to enjoy the experience. From a pair of classic vineyards along the state line to trendy new wine boutiques in Myrtle Beach, wines are celebrated, swirled, sniffed, sipped and tasted all over the Grand Strand, Here are the top five places on the Strand to enjoy he experience.
Coastal Wine Boutique: This new concept in wine tasting has already spread to two locations in Myrtle Beach – at Market Common and at 21st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach. Featuring an extensive wine list filled with award-winning international favorites, Coastal Wine Boutique allows guests to sample wines from all over the world in one setting. Enjoy the soft music, artwork and upscale atmosphere inside, or sit on the comfortable furniture on the outdoor patio deck. Think coffee shop, except with wine.
Collector’s Café: Located a couple of miles north of Island Vista, this multi-service facility is a fine-dining restaurant, an art gallery and a coffee house that also happens to carry a wide selection of wines. Relax in one of the five rooms and work your way through a wine menu from all over the world. Special tasting sessions that include a five-course meal are held throughout the year.
La Belle Amie Vineyard: As the only winery on the South Carolina side of the Grand Strand, La Belle Amie could probably get away with sitting back and enjoying a monopoly on the market. But this Little River vineyard goes all out to attract guests, including bi-weekly festivals with live music, great food and, of course, lots of the house wines. Wine-tastings and tours of the winery are available throughout the week. S.C. law prohibits free samples of alcohol, so La Belle Amie takes advantage of a loophole by selling souvenir wine glasses for $5 that comes with bottomless tastings.
Owens Liquors: This local chain has stores throughout the Grand Strand, but the store on the north end of Myrtle Beach in the Dunes section of town is the headquarters for the distributor’s huge stash of wines. One entire wall of the superstore is dedicated to displaying the wide selection of wines, and special tastings are held throughout the week so you can try before you buy.
Silver Coast Winery: Located in Ocean Isle Beach (NC), this scenic piece of property serves as a family-owned and operated wine-making facility specializing in European-style wines and Southern hospitality. Free wine tastings are offered throughout the day and Silver Coast and tours of the facility are also offered. It’s a great place to hold weddings or other special occasions.
(posted 8/22/14)
