Wine Tasting And Boat Ride

Discover the Unique Combo of Boat Ride and Vineyard Wine Tasting in the Outer Banks

The Wine Tasting and Boat Ride tour offers a distinctive way to enjoy the Outer Banks’ scenic beauty and local wines for $109 per person. With a duration of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, this experience combines a relaxing boat journey across Currituck Sound with an intimate visit to Sanctuary Vineyards. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate good wine and scenic views, but it’s important to note that weather conditions can impact availability, as shown by recent cancellations due to wind. This tour is suitable for most travelers and includes a mobile ticket for easy access.

The tour departs from 1226 Duck Rd, Kitty Hawk and features a small group size, with a maximum of 14 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. It provides a mix of outdoor exploration on the water and a behind-the-scenes look at winemaking, making it an engaging choice for those seeking a balanced outdoor and wine tasting adventure.

Key Points

• Price: $109 per person, includes boat ride and wine tasting
• Duration: Around 2 hours 30 minutes
• Location: From Duck, crossing Currituck Sound to Sanctuary Vineyards
• Main highlights: Scenic boat journey, private wine tasting, guided winery tour
• Weather dependency: Cancellations possible if weather conditions are unsafe
• Group size: Limited to 14 travelers for a more personalized experience
• Age restriction: Alcoholic beverages are only for those over 21 years of age

Scenic Departure from Duck to Currituck Sound

The tour begins at 1226 Duck Rd in the Outer Banks, offering a convenient starting point with near public transportation options. From here, the group boards a boat for a tranquil ride across Currituck Sound. This crossing showcases the beautiful waterfowl heritage and farming landscapes that date back to the 1800s, giving a glimpse into the area’s historical connection to waterfowl and agriculture.

This boat ride provides impressive views of the marshes and fields, making it a peaceful prelude to the wine tasting. The journey lasts around 30 minutes, setting a relaxed tone for the rest of the experience.

Arriving at Sanctuary Vineyards in a Historic Setting

Upon reaching Sanctuary Vineyards, the group visits a historic hunting lodge boathouse that has been transformed into a charming winery. The vineyard spans 33 acres and features viniferous grapes cultivated in a waterfowl-rich environment. The setting combines natural beauty with a sense of history, as the area has long been associated with waterfowl heritage.

Guests are treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery, where they can see the process from vine to glass. The guide explains how the grapes are cultivated and processed, offering insights into winemaking. The tour also involves smelling French oak barrels, providing a sensory experience that enhances understanding of wine aging and flavor development.

Private Wine Tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards

The highlight at Sanctuary Vineyards is a private wine tasting session. Guests sample a selection of wines produced on-site, gaining an appreciation for the local varietals and craftsmanship. The tasting allows for a close look at different wine styles and the opportunity to learn about each one’s unique qualities.

After tasting, there is time allocated for shopping for wines, enabling visitors to purchase bottles to enjoy later. This retail experience adds value, giving guests a chance to take a piece of the vineyard home.

Flexibility with Return and Additional Activities

Following the tasting, the group returns to the Outer Banks via the same boat route, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey back to Duck. The tour includes a guided experience with an in-person guide leading the way, making sure questions are answered and the flow remains engaging.

Guests can enjoy additional time to browse or purchase wines at Sanctuary Vineyards, making the entire experience flexible and accommodating.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation for the overland leg from the boat to the vineyard, ensuring comfort regardless of outdoor conditions. The activity is designed for most travelers, with minimal physical requirements aside from the boat crossing and walking around the vineyard.

Booking is straightforward with confirmation received at the time of booking, and cancellations are available free of charge if done at least 24 hours in advance. However, keep in mind that cancellations due to poor weather, like high winds, are possible, and refunds are issued if the tour cannot operate.

Realistic Expectations Based on Reviews

While the overall rating is 3 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, one review highlights the experience as “pretty fancy” and unique, emphasizing the quality of the wine tasting and the setting. Conversely, the other review mentions a cancellation caused by wind, which was not communicated immediately and led to frustration. This underscores the importance of checking the weather forecast and understanding that safety takes precedence with outdoor water activities.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts who appreciate a scenic boat ride combined with guided winery tours. It appeals to those looking for a relaxed pace and a chance to enjoy both water and wine in a historic setting. Be prepared for possible weather-related cancellations, and consider this when planning.

Final Thoughts on the Wine Tasting and Boat Ride Experience in the Outer Banks

The combination of a boat ride and vineyard visit offers a distinctive way to explore the Outer Banks’ natural beauty and local wine scene. The scenic crossing across Currituck Sound and the personalized tour of Sanctuary Vineyards make it a memorable outing. However, weather dependence and the limited review pool mean that potential participants should weigh their interest in outdoor activities against possible cancellations.

For those who enjoy small group tours, wine tasting, and scenic water views, this tour provides a relaxed way to spend part of a day on the Outer Banks. It’s a good choice for wine lovers and those seeking a calming, picturesque escape, provided they are flexible with scheduling around weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
This tour involves wine tasting and alcohol consumption is only available to those over 21 years of age. Non-drinkers or children can still enjoy the boat ride and the scenic views but will not partake in the tasting.

How long is the entire experience?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including the boat ride to and from Sanctuary Vineyards and the wine tasting.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor conditions is recommended. Since part of the experience involves a boat ride, dress for the weather, and consider bringing a hat or sun protection.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers the boat transportation, wine tasting at Sanctuary Vineyards, and an in-person guide leading the experience.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
The tour involves a boat crossing and some walking around the vineyard. It is designed to be accessible for most travelers, but mobility limitations should be considered.

Can I purchase wines at Sanctuary Vineyards?
Yes, after the tasting, guests have time to browse and buy wines for later enjoyment.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions, such as wind, prevent the boat from operating, the tour can be canceled. Refunds are issued if the experience is called off for safety reasons.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
Cancelling at least 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and schedules cannot be changed less than 24 hours before the tour.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Kitty Hawk Kayak & Surf School, ensuring local expertise in outdoor water activities and tours.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most travelers, the focus on wine tasting makes it best suited for adults over 21 years.