At The Wine Bar in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, owner Josh Smith didn’t follow a traditional path into wine—but that’s exactly what gives the space its approachable charm. A graduate of Lander University with a degree in elementary education, Smith began bartending in Myrtle Beach after college. What started as a side job soon became a calling. After stepping away from teaching, he spent eight years at Fuji Sushi Bar, where he helped shape standout wine lists—an experience that sparked a lasting passion.
“I bought The Wine Bar in December 2021,” Smith says. “My vision was simple: I want it to feel like you’re being hosted in our living room.” That philosophy defines the space today—cozy, welcoming, and rooted in thoughtful hospitality. “Customer service is just as important as the food and wine,” he adds.
He has a soft spot for the Belle Hall community, where he worked for many years. “We love the local schools and neighborhoods around us. We sponsor the BHE school PTA and host gatherings for their teachers and parents. Each year, we host a large-scale silent auction and sales donation event for Make-A-Wish SC.”
The Wine Bar thrives on its regulars, with many first-time guests quickly becoming part of the fold. A lively happy hour runs six days a week from 4 to 6 p.m., alongside weekly favorites like half-off select bottles every Wednesday. “And you have to try the French Onion Soup—it’ll change your life,” Smith smiles…