The scenic Texas Hill Country offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is among the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. However, with so much to take in, it is inevitable that some things will be overlooked.
Among the most overlooked attractions in the Hill Country are the regions, many vineyards and wineries. The quantity and quality of these vineyards is often underestimated, even by seasoned travelers. In fact, no fewer than four dozen wineries and vineyards dot the Hill Country landscape and most produce highly acclaimed wines.
The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
A good number of these wineries participate in one or more ‘wine trails’, giving visitors some access and convenience with their visits. The main theme is included under the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail motto. But, the seasonal and themed trails are held throughout the year.
Among the most popular wine trails in the Texas Hill Country are the Wildflower and Wine Trail, held in April, the Texas Wine Month Trail, held in October, and the Christmas Wine Fair. , which is celebrated in December. In addition to participating in trails, most Hill Country wineries host special events and are open to receptions, weddings, and other private events.
Of course, with so many wineries scattered throughout the region, it is almost impossible to visit them all. Often times, which winery to visit is most easily selected by relative proximity to a particular Hill Country town or town. At other times, reputation, special features, and / or events draw visitors to one particular winery over another. To that end, here’s a quick look at a handful of popular Hill Country wineries.
Popular Texas Hill Country Wineries
Located in Stonewall, Beckard’s Vineyard hosts events, tastings and tours within the walls of its impressive stone reception hall. Beckard’s Vineyard wines are so famous that they are served in the White House. A number of events are held on Beckard’s Vineyard throughout the year, including weekly live music events, giving visitors the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind visit, regardless of the season.
Outside Comfort is another popular vineyard: the Bending Branch Vineyard. Located on a 56-acre area, Bending Branch features 20 acres planted in 16 varieties of grapes, which are used to make the vineyard’s award-winning wines.
The popular Hill Country town of Fredericksburg has several different wineries. The Chisholm Trail Winery is located on the outskirts of town and is a popular stop for visitors. One of the two Fiesta Winery locations is also near Fredericksburg. Visitors to Fiesta Winery have the option of sipping their wine in the spacious tasting room or on the oversized front porch outside the winery. Of course, the Fredericksburg winery is located in its namesake city and has been named one of the top three wine producers in Texas by USA Today.
Grape Creek Vineyards is one of the oldest producing vineyards in Texas, established in 1983. Grape Creek Vineyards is also one of the most decorated wineries in Texas, receiving medals throughout North America. 4.0 Cellars, Armadillo Leap Winery, Inwood Estates Winery & Bistro, Lost Draw Cellars, Messina Hof Hill Country Wineries, Pontotoc Vineyard, Rancho Ponte Vineyards, Santa Maria Cellars, and Torre di Pietra Vineyards are also located in or near Fredericksburg.
Several other Hill Country towns have more than one winery as well. Drippings Springs is home to three different wineries: Bell Springs Winery, Hawk’s Shadow Winery, and Solaro Estates. Two wineries call Spicewood home: Spicewood Vineyard and Stone House Vineyard. The Convenience is home to the aforementioned Bending Branch Winery, as well as the Singing Water Vineyard. Visitors to Lampasas have the opportunity to visit a variety of wineries, including the Pillar Bluff Vineyards and the Texas Legato Winery.
Driftwood Estate Winery, Wimberley Valley Winery, and Dutchman Family Winery are located in Driftwood, while San Saba features Old Man Scary Cellars and Wedding Oak Winery.
One of the most unique wineries in Texas is located just outside Vanderpool. Lost Maples Winery takes its name from the nearby state wilderness area, which is famous for its forests of maple trees, which turn a splendid array of reds and oranges each fall. Often times, the changing of the leaves at Lost Maples State Natural coincides with the Wine Month Trail during October, making the fall months a great time to visit Vanderpool, its winery, and the state’s wilderness area.
Stonewall features a couple of popular wineries: Bodegas Pedernales and Woodrose Winery. Bodegas Pedernales allows visitors to tour its underground wine-making cellars. Visitors can also enjoy tasting award-winning wines at the Pedernales wineries while lounging on their expansive terrace, which is shaded by dozens of live oak trees. Woodrose Winery offers restaurant-style tastings as well as a 3,000-foot outdoor terrace for wine tastings. Both Pedernales Cellars and Woodrose Winery also host a variety of events throughout the year.
Marble Falls is also home to a couple of wineries. Flat Creek Enoteca and Flat Creek Estate are located there. Flat Creek Estate features a 10,000 box wine cellar and dining facilities that can be reserved for private dinners or events. Flat Creek Enoteca is one of the newest wineries in the state, established in 2014 and serving wines produced on the Flat Creek Estate. Enoteca also features wood-fired pizzas, artisan cheeses, a spacious tasting room, wine shop, and weekly live music.
A relatively new winery (established in 2010), Westcave Cellars Winery is located along scenic Hamilton Pool Road on Round Mountain, which is about 30 miles from Austin. Westcave Cellars Winery is a perfect stop to relax a day after visiting the Hamilton Pool Preserve or the Westcave Preserve. The Westcave Cellars Winery also offers live music every Sunday.
So regardless of where you are in the Texas Hill Country, chances are there is a vineyard or winery nearby. And, chances are there will be live music, tastings, tours, or other events at these wineries, no matter what time of year, so a tour of a Hill Country winery is a great way to cap off a vacation in the Lone Star State.
