To The Lighthouse: RBC Heritage, April 16-19, 2026
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I haven’t been to Hilton Head in over 20 years so this is a shot in the dark. If you want to offer a strong wine program in a destination with significant seasonal peaks you need the financial strength to “weather” the off-season, hopefully through a dedicated core of locals. Otherwise, what you’re likely to find on wine lists and in stores, as I did, is the all too predictable and deflating “usual suspects.”
But not to worry, there’s a king of the hill here and it’s the first and maybe only stop if you want a world-class experience.
Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte has a great list, especially when its “Reserve List” is taken into account. The core list is good if not inspired and easily eclipses anything else on the Island. I’m not 100% sure, but it seems the Reserve List consists of “bin ends” or last bottles in inventory and it’s the star of the show. Some truly high- end verticals like Shafer Hillside and a chorus line of Guigal La La’s, for example. Big time presence in Bordeaux and generally fair prices to boot. It’s hard to tell online what’s really going on, with the whole Reserve List concept, but this is the place to go first. Advertised $35 corkage is a nice bonus. Wine ListReserve List
Links, the grill option at Sea Pines Resort, has a relatively small list with a mix of recognizable brands, private labeled wines and some very expensive high-end options, failing the Opus One Test at $975 for the 2021 vintage. Even still, there is some imagination at play like a Graci Etna Bianco, but they lose a little credibility when the roses are labeled as “Intriguing Whites.” Wine List
Michael Anthony’s bills itself as the premiere culinary destination on Hilton Head, including a market and casual trattoria. If the online wine list is representative, it’s smaller than I would have guessed and way too predictable, almost depressing in their choice of producers. Prices are ok. On a previous virtual visit there was a reserve list. Couldn’t find it this time, generally not a good sign. Wine List
The regular wine list visible online at Red Fish is so uninspired I’d be asking for corkage before I sat down. Fortunately, that’s where their wine-friendly mentality kicks in. Corkage is readily embraced on the list ($25) and they have a companion wine market where you can buy and drink on premise for a $15 upcharge. The market claims to have 1000 bottles and if so, I’m going to assume there’s something more than meets the eye here. Wine List
Ombra has an ok Italian list populated with the same large names as everybody else on the Island. It’s like a distributor is dictating all these lists. I’m talking Banfi, Frescobaldi, La Spinetta, Antinori etc, although the Brunello section deserves some respect. My advice is stick with the Vajra wines for quality and value, there are several on offer. Wine List
Retail
Rollers, particularly the Palmetto Bay store, is a totally respectable outlet and likely will fit the bill for stocking a rental. Reds are much stronger than whites, There aren’t many surprises in terms of creativity but if you’re content with well-known names you’ll be happy and there are quite a few high-end offers if you want to splurge. Note to webmaster: Roederer Cristal is not a red wine and nobody is searching by SKU number.
