Forget traveling all the way to Napa Valley for a good glass of wine, Texas Hill Country is home to some amazing wineries right in our backyard! With more than 50 wonderfully diverse wineries, the region has made a name for itself as a top wine destination for locals and tourists alike.
The warm, dry air throughout the Hill Country makes it an ideal place for the varietals that flourish in Texas. It allows the grapes to achieve full ripeness, resulting in excellent skin color and a rich, full flavor. Texas winemakers have had huge success with Tempranillo, a Spanish varietal, but Texas Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier are also amazing.
Wine Road 290
With around 55 wineries in Texas Hill Country, it can be hard to know where to begin, which is why the area along Wine Road 290, which begins in Fredericksburg, is the best place to start your Hill Country wine journey. Fredericksburg produces more than half of the world’s varietals, including a wide variety of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and merlot.
While US Highway 290 stretches from Fredericksburg to Johnson City, Wine Road 290, is actually an association of 15 wineries located on or near the highway. And each winery along the way offers a unique experience all its own. In addition to individual activities available at wineries along the Wine Road, the wineries often team up to promote fun shared events like Kabernet and Kiolbassa or Ports and Pairings.
Other Amazing Wine Trails
In addition to Wine Road 290, Texas Hill Country is home to several other lesser-known (but still great) wine trails. The Guadalupe Valley Wine trail is small, running south of Fredericksburg on I-35. As you visit the six boutique wineries along the way, you can also enjoy wonderful shopping and dining options in the quaint towns of Comfort and Sisterdale.
Looking for a trail that offers more than just wine? Consider following the Dripping Springs Wine Trail, which is home to nine wineries, three distilleries, four breweries, and an olive company. The trail begins in Dripping Springs, just a short drive from downtown Austin, and ends in Round Mountain, with a variety of interesting stops in between.
Must-See Wineries
Becker Vineyards
Enjoy a selection of wines that have been served at the White House from this unique winery in the heart of Hill Country. Serving a wide selection of award-winning Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhone-style wines, Becker Vineyards is located on an authentic 1890s homestead equipped with a log cabin and scenic windmill. Tastings are held in a large replica of a German-style barn near a beautiful and fragrant lavender field.
Fiesta Vineyard and Winery
This unique winery, located in Lometa, truly embraces its Texas roots. While sipping on some delicious wine at Fiesta Vineyard and Winery, you’ll notice a few touches of the Texas homestead, including a display of family cowboy boots and an authentic outhouse. The family-owned vineyard boasts beautiful views from its outdoor patio and offers a selection of delicious snacks that pair perfectly with their spirits.
Pedernales Cellars
Pedernales Cellars of Fredericksburg is an award-winning winery that boasts a patio with lavish 360-degree views of the Texas Hill Country. Owned and operated by six generations of family, the history of local winery is rooted in the area -- it takes its name from the Pedernales River which flows nearby. In addition to hosting live music each weekend during the spring and summer months, this winery also partners with the Hill Country Film Festival.
Grape Creek Winery
Visiting Grape Creek Winery is like taking a trip to historic Tuscany. This picturesque vineyard, which is located outside Fredericksburg, features Tuscan style architecture with beautiful exposed wood, rustic weathered brick, and classic red roofs. You can sip on award-winning wine while taking in views of the countryside or unwind in the newly remodeled Tuscan Villa tasting room and restaurant.
