Wine Tasting And Boat Ride

Introduction

The Wine Tasting and Boat Ride tour in the Outer Banks offers an interesting mix of maritime adventure and vineyard charm. While it’s not a high-end, luxury experience, it provides a relaxed way to appreciate the local scenery and sample some well-regarded wines.

What we like most about this experience are its scenic boat journey across Currituck Sound, the chance to visit Sanctuary Vineyards, and the opportunity to sample carefully curated wines directly from the vineyard. It’s a nice combo for those who appreciate a bit of nature paired with authentic wine tasting.

One possible drawback is the chance of weather cancellations, which happened to one reviewer due to wind. The tour relies heavily on good weather, so if conditions aren’t perfect, the entire experience can be canceled with little notice. This could be disappointing if you’re counting on a specific day.

This tour suits travelers looking for a leisurely, scenic outing that combines a boat ride with an authentic vineyard visit. It’s especially appealing for those who want to enjoy the Outer Banks from a different perspective and learn about local wines in a relaxed setting.

Good To Know

• Scenic boat ride across Currituck Sound offers beautiful views and a gentle start to the experience.
• Sanctuary Vineyards provides a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process and a private tasting.
• Informative guides and knowledgeable staff enhance the vineyard visit.
• Good value for money, considering the boat ride, tour, and tasting are included in the price.
• Weather dependency can lead to cancellations, so flexibility is key.
• Limited group sizes (max 14) ensure a more personalized experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Scenic Boat Ride from Duck to Sanctuary Vineyards

The tour kicks off with a boat trip from Duck across the Currituck Sound. Expect around 30 minutes aboard a boat that offers serenity and fantastic views of waterfowl and marshlands. According to reviews, the boat ride is quite scenic, with some travelers mentioning that the views alone are worth the price. The boat departs from a historic boathouse, adding a touch of local charm.

This part of the experience is perfect for those who enjoy being on the water and want to start their day with a relaxing cruise. Keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the boat operation, as experienced by a reviewer who faced a cancellation due to wind.

Sanctuary Vineyards Visit

Once on land, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned van through the marsh and farmland—an area with a long-standing waterfowl and farming heritage dating back to the 1800s. The 33-acre vineyard is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful landscape that’s quite different from the busy beaches.

At Sanctuary Vineyards, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery. This includes a walkthrough of the vine-to-glass process, smelling French oak barrels, and learning about the winery’s history. The private wine tasting is a highlight; guests have been impressed by the quality and variety of wines sampled. One reviewer described it as “pretty fancy,” hinting at the care and attention put into the wines.

Time to Shop and Relax

After the tasting, there’s a chance to purchase wines directly from the vineyard. Many guests appreciate this opportunity to take home a bottle or two, especially since the wines are described as “fine” and worth trying. The shop offers a variety of options, so you can pick something that suits your taste or makes a great souvenir.

Return Journey

The tour concludes with a return boat trip back to Duck, completing the roughly 2.5-hour experience. The scenic ride back offers more water views and a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights.

What Travelers Can Expect

Transportation and Comfort

The boat ride is described as a relaxing cruise, with most of the journey taking place on a small boat suited for groups of up to 14—perfect for those wanting a more intimate experience. The winery visit is conducted in an air-conditioned van, ensuring comfort regardless of outside temperature.

Tour Guide and Information

Guides are said to be in-person and English-speaking, providing insightful commentary along the way. The knowledgeable staff at Sanctuary Vineyards enhance the experience with behind-the-scenes tours and wine knowledge.

Duration and Pacing

Spanning approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, the tour offers a good balance of travel, tasting, and relaxation. The boat ride alone takes about 30 minutes each way, leaving ample time for the vineyard tour and tasting without feeling rushed.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour maintains a personalized, friendly vibe. This smaller group size is ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate outing rather than a large, noisy tour bus.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One guest, Marsha_T, described the experience as “amazing” and noted it felt quite “fancy” compared to typical wine tastings. This suggests that although the experience isn’t overly formal, the context and setting elevate the overall impression.

Another guest, Eric_C, experienced a cancellation due to weather, which highlights the importance of flexibility and checking weather forecasts when booking. He also mentioned the difficulty in getting a refund, pointing to the need for clear communication from the tour provider about cancellations and rebooking policies.

Lessons from the Reviews

• Guides are knowledgeable and help deepen your understanding of the wines and the process.
• The scenic views and peaceful water make the boat ride a standout feature.
• The wine selection is well-curated and of good quality, providing good value.
• Weather can be unpredictable, and cancellations are possible, so keep a flexible schedule.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $109 per person, the experience combines multiple elements—scenic boat ride, private vineyard tour, wine tasting, and the opportunity to buy wines—making it an overall good value for those interested in a relaxed, scenic outing.

It’s especially suited for nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, or those wanting a taste of local culture without the hustle of larger tours. If you’re seeking a more personalized, intimate experience with scenic water views and authentic wines, this tour fits the bill.

However, if weather is a concern or you prefer a more structured, luxury experience, you might want to explore other options or check the weather forecast carefully.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season, as the tour is limited to 14 guests.
• Check the weather forecast before your scheduled date to avoid disappointment due to cancellations.
• Arrive at the meeting point early; the pick-up is from Duck, NC, and the boat departs from a nearby historic boathouse.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as much of the boat ride is outdoors and exposed to the sun.
• Prepare for some walking at the vineyard, including the behind-the-scenes tour and possibly some shopping in the vineyard shop.
• Designate a driver or plan for transportation if you intend to purchase wine, as alcohol consumption is only for those over 21.
• Use the flexible cancellation policy if weather or other unforeseen issues arise.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including the boat ride, vineyard visit, and tasting.

Is the boat ride suitable for everyone?
Yes, the boat ride is generally suitable for most travelers, but it is weather-dependent. It’s a small boat, so those prone to seasickness might want to prepare accordingly.

What is included in the tour?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, the vineyard tour, the wine tasting, and transportation between the boat dock and vineyard.

Can I purchase wine after the tasting?
Yes, there is an opportunity to shop for wines at Sanctuary Vineyards after the tasting.

What if the weather is bad on the day?
The experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations can occur if conditions are unsafe. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather.

Is it suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While minors can join the boat ride, the wine tasting is limited to those over 21. Non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery and vineyard tour but won’t participate in tastings.

How many people are in each tour group?
A maximum of 14 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

What is the cost per person?
The experience is priced at $109 per person, which includes the boat ride, vineyard tour, and tastings.

Final Thoughts

This Wine Tasting and Boat Ride offers a refreshing way to enjoy the Outer Banks’ landscape and local flavors. It combines the serenity of a boat cruise with the educational and sensory pleasures of wine tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards. The small group size, scenic views, and knowledgeable guides make it a good choice for those wanting a relaxed, authentic experience.

While weather does influence the experience, those who are flexible and appreciate a more intimate, scenic outing will find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a blend of nature, culture, and good wine, all wrapped into one leisurely adventure.

If you’re after a genuine taste of the Outer Banks beyond beaches and lighthouses, this tour provides a lovely, memorable way to spend part of your day.