Wine Tasting And Boat Ride

If you’re considering a day that combines beautiful scenery, a wine experience, and a bit of adventure, this Wine Tasting and Boat Ride tour could be worth your attention. It offers a unique way to enjoy the Outer Banks—by boat across Currituck Sound—and then sampling the fine wines of Sanctuary Vineyards. While it’s not the most highly rated tour out there, it has some qualities that could make it a memorable part of a trip, especially if you enjoy a leisurely pace with a touch of local flavor.

We like that the tour provides stunning water views and a behind-the-scenes look at a working vineyard, which makes it more than just a wine tasting. The boat ride adds a scenic, relaxing element that’s perfect for those wanting to combine nature and local craftsmanship. However, potential travelers should know that the experience might feel somewhat limited or basic for those seeking a more immersive or extensive wine tour.

This tour is best suited for visitors who appreciate short, scenic outings and are curious about small, regional vineyards. It also caters well to those comfortable with group activities and looking for a relaxed, no-fuss experience. Families or groups that enjoy a combination of water views and wine will find it a neat option, especially if they’re happy with a tour that is somewhat straightforward and priced to match.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride across Currituck Sound offers peaceful water views.
• Insightful behind-the-scenes tour of Sanctuary Vineyards’ winery process.
• Tasting of Sanctuary Vineyards’ wines provides a local flavor.
• The tour is short in duration (about 2.5 hours), making it suitable for a half-day activity.
• Group size is limited to 14, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Weather-dependent: bad weather can cancel the tour, so flexibility is key.
• The price ($109 per person) offers good value considering the boat ride and wine tasting.
• Some travelers reported communication issues when cancellations happen due to weather.
• The experience is accessible for most travelers, but over 21 is required for tastings.

An In-depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins in the laid-back community of Duck, North Carolina, at a central meeting point (1226 Duck Rd). From there, the journey to Sanctuary Vineyards involves crossing Currituck Sound on a boat that promises a peaceful start filled with water views. Expect a scenic ride that’s about 30 minutes long, giving you a feel for the area’s natural beauty before reaching land.

Once ashore at a historic hunting lodge boathouse, travelers switch to an air-conditioned van for the overland part of the tour. This transition from water to land is smooth and enhances the sense of exploring both the coast and the countryside. The route takes you through marshland and farmland, areas with waterfowl heritage dating back to the 1800s—an added layer of local authenticity.

Sanctuary Vineyards: The Heart of the Tour

Arriving at Sanctuary Vineyards offers more than just a chance to taste wine. With 33 acres of grapevines, the vineyard presents a picture of small-scale, hands-on wine production. The behind-the-scenes tour of the winery is a highlight, allowing visitors to learn about the entire vine-to-glass process. You’ll get to smell French oak barrels and see the equipment up close, which adds a dimension of craftsmanship often missing from more commercial wineries.

The tasting itself is private, giving guests an opportunity to savor Sanctuary’s wines at leisure. One reviewer described it as “pretty fancy,” suggesting a level of quality and attention to detail that elevates this experience above basic tastings. You’ll sample a selection that reflects the vineyard’s character, and there’s often time afterward to browse the gift shop and purchase bottles to take home.

The Return Journey and Overall Length

After the tasting, the group reconvenes and heads back to Duck via boat. This return trip offers more scenic water views and a relaxed end to the outing. The whole experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is manageable for most travelers and makes it a good option for a half-day activity.

What Travelers Are Saying

Feedback is mixed, with a few standing out themes. One guest found the experience “amazing,” appreciating the setting and the uniqueness of the wine tasting. They felt it was “pretty fancy,” which hints at a certain quality level that might surprise those expecting a casual vineyard visit.

However, weather can cause cancellations, and this has frustrated some travelers. One reviewer recounted their experience with a last-minute cancellation due to wind—unfortunately, communication about cancellations was less than ideal, requiring multiple calls and delaying refunds. This highlights the importance of flexible planning and checking the weather forecast beforehand.

Analyzing the Value and Overall Experience

At $109 per person, this tour offers a fair price considering the boat ride, the private wine tasting, and the small group of no more than 14 travelers. For those who enjoy short, scenic outings paired with a local wine experience, it’s a decent value. The boat ride adds a sense of adventure and tranquility, while the vineyard tour offers insight into regional wine production.

That said, if you’re seeking a more comprehensive wine tour, with extensive tastings or multiple vineyards, this may feel a little limited. It’s best viewed as a relaxing, scenic addition to your Outer Banks itinerary rather than a deep dive into wine culture.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Weather matters: check forecasts and understand that wind or storms can cancel the tour with little notice.
• Book early to secure your spot, as there are only 14 places per trip.
• Bring cash or cards for wine purchases at the vineyard.
• Arrive promptly at the meeting point to avoid missing the boat departure.
• Participate if you’re over 21—the tasting is age-restricted.
• Consider combining this with other outdoor activities or sightseeing in Duck.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for water lovers, small groups of friends, or couples looking for a relaxed, scenic outing with some wine tasting thrown in. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate local craftsmanship and enjoy learning about regional wine production without the need for extensive tasting sessions.

However, if your priority is an in-depth wine journey or you’re traveling during unpredictable weather, you might want to explore other options or plan for a flexible schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the wine tasting is only available to those over 21 years old.

How long does the entire experience last?
It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat ride, vineyard tour, and tasting.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, the winery tour, and the private wine tasting. You can also buy wines at the vineyard.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to wind or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How big are the groups?
The maximum group size is 14 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, from the meeting point in Duck to Sanctuary Vineyards and back, via an air-conditioned van.

Can I purchase wines at the vineyard?
Yes, there is an opportunity to shop and buy wines for personal enjoyment after the tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for both boat and land, and consider layers in case of wind or changing weather.

Is the boat ride scenic?
Yes, the boat ride across Currituck Sound offers calm waters and lovely views of the Outer Banks’ natural landscape.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a relaxed yet scenic escape that combines water views with a taste of local wine craftsmanship, this tour offers a charming option. The boat ride adds a special touch of tranquility, and the vineyard tour provides a glimpse into the regional wine scene. While weather can impact plans, a clear day promises a delightful outing with memorable scenery and quality wines.

If you value small-group settings, authentic local experiences, and don’t mind a shorter tour, you’ll likely find this a worthwhile addition to your Outer Banks adventures. Just be prepared for the possibility of weather cancellations, and remember that this is more about enjoying a peaceful water cruise with a touch of wine than a comprehensive wine tour.

To sum it up, this tour balances scenic water travel with a taste of North Carolina’s wine culture. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxing, visually appealing experience that’s a bit different from the typical beach day. Not perfect for those craving a deep dive into wine, but perfect if you’re after a laid-back, scenic adventure with a splash of local flavor.