The true flavor of the Grand Strand, at least in literal terms, is a little salty with a slight hint of sand. But add some local grapes and native fruits to the mix, let it ferment, and the taste of the Carolina coast comes alive in an abundance of unique wines. When it comes to making wine, the Grand Strand is a well-kept secret of award-winning vintages and labels.
Guests at North Beach Plantation are fortunate to be staying in the area's de facto wine country. Located just outside the gates of North Beach are two wineries, and three operating vineyards are just a short drive away along the Carolina border. Here's a look at the highlights you can hit during your own personal wine tasting tour of the north end of the Grand Strand:
- Carolina Vineyards Winery: This winery serves as a bit of a clearinghouse for Carolina wines. Making wine on site with grapes and other fruits from the region, Carolina Vineyards produces on site and offers behind-the-scenes tours. The tasting room offers samples of seven different wines for only $3, and you can use and keep a souvenir wine glass for an extra buck.
- Duplin Winery: The South's largest winery operates out of nearby Rose Hill, SC, but the family-owned operation expanded to open a new location at Barefoot Landing last year. The 30,000 square foot facility offers tours and tastings of its award-winning Scuppernong and Muscadine grape wines. Visitors can take home their favorite vintages and other items from the gift shop, and a dining area adjoins the tasting room for those who prefer to wine and dine.
- Grapefull Sisters: This quaint winery in the countryside of nearby Tabor City, NC, offers a taste of small town life and some big time wines. Using the native Muscadine grapes that are grown on site, Grapefull Sisters create eight different brands of wine that can be sampled and purchased from the gift shop in the antebellum home where the winery is based.
- La Belle Amie Vineyard: Located in the adjoining town of Little River, this family owned and operated winery is known for serving good times as well as great wines. Situated on a 38-acre farm, La Belle Amie offers self-guided tours of the scenic countryside and tasting sessions of the various vintages made on site. La Belle Amie is also home to weekly concerts and festivals on the property, including live music, barbecue and, of course, wines. Upcoming events include the Spring Swing and Big Band Festival (March 19), the April Fool Cookout (April 2) and the Blues & Jazz Festival (April 9).
- Silver Coast Winery: This Ocean Isle Beach, NC, winery is about a 30-minute drive north of the resort, but it is well worth the trip, especially for wine lovers. Silver Coast produces a wide variety of local wines on its scenic property, where visitors can take tours and sample some of the finer vintages. The owners, a couple who started with a barn and a half-acre lot, have built Silver Coast into a respected North Carolina label. If you are heading into the historic town of Southport, be sure to visit Silver Coast's Tap Room and Tasting Bar where their wines and craft beers are served on the waterfront.
The best news for North Beach guests is you don’t have to leave the resort to find great wines. Our award-winning restaurant 21 Main Steakhouse and Sushi Bar brings an incredible wine list to match the renowned food menu, and the on-site poolside and swim-up bars also offer a diverse selection of wines to match your wonderful time at North Beach Plantation. Cheers!
