Nelson's Neighborhood

Spending the day visiting three of the Lowcountry’s top tourist attractions on Wadmalaw Island - Firefly Distillery, Irvin~House Vineyards and The Charleston Tea Plantation -  just got easier thanks to a new all-inclusive excursion package. Every Tuesday and Thursday beginning April 30, 2013, visitors can enjoy “Island Sip and See”, a stress-free ride out to Wadmalaw via the Lowcountry Loop Trolley with the opportunity to spend time at all three destinations for an excursion on the island they will never forget.  Included in “Island Sip and See” excursion package is: a factory and trolley tour at America’s only working tea garden, The Charleston Tea Plantation, as well as all the hot or iced tea you can want and a catered lunch by Johns Island’s hidden gem, The Stono Café. Guests will then explore beautiful Irvin~House Vineyards and enjoy a tasting of all five of their wine varietals with a complimentary souvenir wine glass. Lastly, guests will enjoy true souther...

After a month of “giving the grapes a break” and a deep clean in January, Irvin~House Vineyards will reopen Friday, February 1 for tastings from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To celebrate the new year vineyard-style, they’re hosting the Second Annual Cork Shuckin’ Festival on Saturday, February 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the vineyard. Admission is free but patrons are encouraged to bring their cash and credit for a wide variety of libations and food options. All you can eat oysters from Holy City Seafood will be $15 and other food will be available from Stono Cafe and Diggity Donuts. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music of the Bullgrapes from Frogmore, SC. Tastings in the Firefly Vodka distillery and Irvin~House Vineyards winery are only $6.00 to taste 6 of 15 flavors of Firefly Vodka and Sea Island Rums and $4.00 to taste 5 wines. Patrons will receive complimentary glasses during both tastings. If guests are hesitant about driving to th...