Charleston, South Carolina has plenty to offer food and wine aficionados, including several outstanding wine bars. Whether you are looking for a quaint, European-style wine bar or a more energetic atmosphere, there is a local bar to satisfy every desire. So if you live in Charleston, SC or plan to vacation in our delightful town, schedule a visit to one or more of my favorite wine bars.
Bin 152 Wine Bar 152 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-7359
Bin 152 Wine Bar Website
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Bin 152 gets a hearty recommendation for ambiance, service and wine selection. The owners are a husband and wife team who are passionate about wine and food. They are true hosts who love to interact with their guests about wine, cheese or anything else that happens to come up.
The wine selections are top notch. In addition to wine, Bin 152 has a nice assortment of cheese, charcuterie and bread to accompany your wine choice. According to their website, Bin 152 has a selection of 30 wines by the glass and more than 100 wines by the bottle. Varietals are a nice blend of Old and New World. If you are not a well-schooled wine buff don’t fret, the staff is knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. Wines by the glass start at $7 and bottles of wine start at $30. The wine menu has breadth and depth. All of the wines and cheeses I’ve sampled at Bin 152 are excellent. It’s clear that quality is important to the wine bar proprietors.
The décor in this classic wine bar conveys a relaxed European feel. Large paintings by local artists hang on the walls and antique tables and chairs are scattered throughout. The ambience suits the menu perfectly.
To see photographs of Bin 152 and learn about their featured wines and specials, visit their website or their Facebook page.
Social Restaurant & Wine Bar 188 E. Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-5665
Social Restaurant & Wine Bar Website
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Sunday 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
Social is an aptly named wine bar. A local favorite, Social has a popular happy hour and the largest selection of wines by the glass in Charleston, South Carolina. Situated in a nineteenth century warehouse, this wine bar has a modern vibe. Social Wine Bar has an impressive bottle list-the wine display cellar is massive. According to their website, the display cellar houses over four-thousand bottles of wine.
With a full selection of wine from reds, whites, sparking wines and blends, Social Wine Bar has a nice assortment of wine flights at prices ranging from $12-$15. One of my favorite things about Social is the option to sample each variety on the wines-by-the-glass list as a flight. It’s fun to sample a varietal in multiples and discuss the subtle variances. The staff is knowledgeable about wines, many of them are certified Sommeliers.
To see photographs of Social Restaurant & Wine Bar and learn about their featured wines and specials, visit their website or their Facebook page.
Cypress 167 E. Bay Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-727-0111
Cypress Website
Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Thursday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Mezzanine Bar opens daily at 5:00 pm
If you want to treat yourself to an upscale culinary experience, put Cypress on your list. Cypress is a restaurant and wine bar in Charleston where the food is as good as the wine, and the ambiance is outstanding.
When you enter the restaurant you will notice an astonishing three story wine wall to your right. According to the Cypress website, their wine collection consists of over forty-five thousand bottles of wine. The wine comes from all over the world, from familiar vineyards as well as smaller, private vineyards.
The service is impeccable. The staff is highly trained and knowledgeable about the food and the best wine to accompany your chosen dish. The cuisine is considered eclectic American with a subtle blend of French and Asian. It’s all delicious. If you are not interested in a full meal, however, Cypress has a swanky mezzanine bar upstairs.
Both the dining area and the mezzanine bar have a modern, chic vibe. This is a great choice for a special night on the town.
To see photographs of Cypress and download their food and wine menu, visit their website.
Sources:
Individual Wine Bar Websites
Personal Experience
Related Articles:
3 Best Bars in Charleston, South Carolina with a View
Most Romantic Fine Dining Restaurants in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Top 3 Locally Owned Coffee Shops in Charleston, South Carolina
