LAETIFICAT COR HOMINIS

Wine is a journey, don't go it alone!

At Hilton Head Wine School, we are dedicated to transforming wine education into an engaging and enriching experience. Our mission is to empower wine enthusiasts and professionals alike with the knowledge and skills to appreciate and enjoy wine fully. Through our diverse range of classes, tours, and personalized consulting services, we aim to demystify the world of wine, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Explore Our Classes, Special Tasting Events, and Wine Region Tours

Wine Class:
How to Drink In Public

Ever stare at that wine list, wondering what in the world you would choose and how it's going to pair with your meal? We can help with that!


This experience provides an in-depth introduction to ordering from a restaurant's wine list. We'll explore five wine types most often found in restaurants and discuss each in detail. By the end of this tasting, you'll be able to face the daunting task of choosing a wine you will enjoy with confidence. We'll also cover wine etiquette and the rituals involved in restaurant wine service.


Location: Honey & Thistle

Date: June 26, 2025

Tickets: $60/person

First Class Time: 5-6:30pm

Second Class Time: 7-8:30pm

Wine Class:
Spanish Wine Conquista

Come along as we conquer five wonderful wine regions of sunny Spain!


This great land has always been a convergence point of both nature and humanity, with diverse climates and cultures coexisting side by side. Come and find out why Spain is home to some of the best, but unfortunately, most underrated, wines in the world. If you want to engage with the Spanish culture, this is much more enjoyable than running from bulls, trust us.


Location: Honey & Thistle

Date: July 19, 2025

Tickets: $60/person

First Class Time: 5-6:30pm

Second Class Time: 7-8:30pm


Wine Tour–Italy Vineyards & Vistas (11 Days)

Join us for an 11-day tour through lush rolling hills, picturesque towns, and the stunning wine and olive vistas of northern Italy as we discover incredible wines and international winemaking. Explore the regions of Piedmont, Lake Garda, and Venice, where each sip tells a story steeped in wine, culture, and history. During our journey, we’ll taste local wines, cheeses, meats, truffles, chocolates, Vermouth, Olive Oil, and maybe even a bit of Balsamic along the way! We’ll explore Monferrato, Langhe, Roero, Franciacorta, Garda, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Negrar, Soave, Torcolato and Prosecco! Get ready for a fantastic experience to dive deep into the vineyards of Northern Italy!


Location: Northern Italy

Date: March 17-27, 2026

Tickets:

Double Occupancy-$6156/passenger

Single Occupancy-$8281/passenger

In Home Tasting and Pairing Experiences

We believe wine should be enjoyed everywhere, is intended to be shared, and can transform mundane moments into beautiful encounters. It's not just about tasting wine; it's about the people you are with, the stories told, and the memories made. Host a wandering wine experience, and we'll help you make future memories of good times with good friends and good wine.


All interactive guided wine tastings and pairings include the wines, use of Riedel wine glasses, and an enjoyable, approachable experience for all, whether new to wine, a collector, or somewhere in between. Pairings include everything necessary to serve you and your guests.

Curated Wine Tasting

Our curated tastings are a great way to experience new wines based on your preferences. We work with you to figure out the best types of wine for your event, taking into account your preferences, the time of year, the event's purpose, and the attendees. Once we have determined the wine styles, we work with our local retailer partners to find the five best wines for your experience.


We will share the stories of the wines, the vineyards, and the vintners in an approachable, fun, and informative—never snobby or intimidating—way. After all, learning about wine should be just as much fun as drinking it!


Price: $600 for up to 8 people (5 wines), $75 per additional person

Elevated Tasting Experience

Wine has always been and remains a communal experience, often enjoyed with friends and food. This experience includes everything in the Curated Wine Tasting, plus food pairings. In addition to curating the wines, we will design a selection of paired small plates to highlight each wine, showcasing how wine and food combine to create a unique "third" experience. Wine is personal. Everyone's palate is different.


In addition to sharing the wine's stories, we'll explain each pairing and why we chose it. We'll let you in on our pairing technique and show you how to use it to plan your meals, both at home and when dining out. 


Price: $1200 for up to 8 people (5 wines), $150 per additional person up to 14 people;

$175 per additional person beyond 14.


Meet the Team!

John Boyes, President & Lead Instructor

John Boyes is a WSET III Sommelier and Certified Champagne Specialist, serving the Low Country with fourteen years of experience. He was introduced to the wine industry at fifteen when he got his first job in a vineyard in North Georgia. From there, John began learning the art of winemaking and spent many years working with and/or consulting for eleven different wineries across the state.


After moving to this area in 2018, he professionally produced mead for four years before joining the family business alongside his wife, Katie, and mother, Ginevra. Honey & Thistle, a boutique wine-tasting room and British lifestyle shop on Hilton Head Island, allowed John to explore the world of wine with a new perspective. This new perspective has led to the formation of the Hilton Head Wine School, offering professionals and enthusiasts alike the opportunity to elevate their knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation of wine to the next level. While he jokes that this is the only thing he knows how to do, John is passionate about educating people in the true purpose of wine—to break down walls and build community over the shared love of something so rich, complex, and ever-changing.

Katie Boyes, Provost

Katie, who knew nothing about wine when she met John, married into a wine-loving family and learned very quickly! Now, she helps John, the dreamer, keep the ship on course and turn his ideas for wine education into a reality. She’s a planner and always reminds the rest of us that logistics are actually important. Coming from a small town in rural Georgia, she’s a true Southern lady who uses her passive-aggressive strong will to keep John on task, and he wouldn’t have it any other way! As provost for Hilton Head Wine School, she’ll be your point of contact for all bookings and inquiries.

Custom Wine Consulting Services for Individuals and Businesses

For Individuals: Tailored Services for Every Palate

Our personalized consulting for individuals includes curating custom wine collections and providing expert advice on building your home cellar. We ensure that every bottle reflects your taste.


For Restaurants: Solutions to Optimize Your Wine Program

For businesses, we specialize in menu development, staff training, and optimizing wine programs for restaurants, hotels, and event venues. Our goal is to empower your team to make informed wine selections that elevate your guests' experiences.


For Retail: Drive Sales with On-Site Classes and Services

In addition to designing and teaching classes specific to your clientele at your location, our retail services are designed to help enhance your wine offerings, educate staff, and ultimately drive sales and customer satisfaction. 

For Event Planners and Group Organizers

Elevate your events with educational and interactive classes, wine tastings, seminars, or pairings. We also offer our guidance in wine selection, according to your client’s preference. 


Need More Information?

If you have more questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help!

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