Did you know that Texas was home to the second most visited wine region in the US and the 10th most visited in the world? Shocker I know, but Texas Hill Country is home to 46 wineries with more developing every day.
When I spoke to friends who lived in Austin, less than an hour away, they didn’t know much about good Texan wine.
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It apparently has a history of being very sweet and they had no idea that the climate is perfect for producing traditional wines from Italy, France and Spain like sangiovese, viognier and tempranillo.
Wine in Texas is a relatively new endeavor. Until the mid-1970s the only wine being produced was from Franciscan monks, who continue the tradition today.
Where is Texas Hill Country?
If you base yourself out of Fredericksburg it’s only a short 45 minute drive from San Antonio. There are a number of tour operators out of San Antonio if you prefer to come for just the day.
Fredericksburg is a tiny town of 12,000 but Texas Hill Country is beautiful and deserves at least a one night stay.
Texas Hill Country Wine Tours
If you don’t have someone planning to stay dry during the trip it’s best to leave the driving to someone else.
There are a number of minivan and limousine tours that visit Texas Hill Country wineries, or the 290 Wine Shuttle offers a hop on hop off bus that runs every 20 minutes and stops at six wineries for only $20.
Consider taking a wine tour mid-week, while the wineries are moderately busy during the week there are crowds up to four people deep looking for wine tastings.
Take the civilized route and go on a Tuesday to avoid the crowds.
Best Wineries in Texas Hill Country
With only 24 hours to spend I couldn’t visit them all and certainly I don’t know if these are the best but here’s a good place to start:
4.0 Cellars
A collaboration between 3 wineries, it’s a popular winery in the area as it’s possible to try many different wines.
Along with regular tastings there is a Texas Cheese % Wine Experience with wine paired with raw cow milk, Texas cheeses from Veldhuizen Cheese Company.
Grape Creek Vineyards
Self-proclaimed Tuscany in Texas, this winery is under new ownership. Since the change it has been winning a number of awards for its wine.
With a beautiful patio area it’s worthwhile to stay and have a drink and soak up some Tuscan…err Texan sun.
Pedernales Cellars
One of the only wineries to produce wine solely with Texan grapes (many wineries supplement with California grapes).
It is known for its tempranillo and viognier wines. It’s often the first recommendation from locals as it has an excellent reputation in the region.
Where to Eat in Fredericksburg
Sadly I didn’t really get a chance to eat but I found that the recommendations were consistent with a top recommendation of Vaudeville and Otto’s.
If you’re looking for the biggest burger in Texas try the roadhouse Alamo Springs Cafe.
Where to Stay in Texas Hill Country
Get the full Texas Hill Country experience and stay at the Rose Hill Manor, which is conveniently located next to Pedernales, and a three-minute boardwalk away from some of the best wine in Texas.
Read Reviews on TripAdvisor or Book a Room on Expedia
If you love wine like I do check out these other posts about wine around the world:
Wine Soaked Days in Rioja
In Search of the Great Canadian Red: Okanagan
Ice Wine in Niagara
Hoity Toity Cellars in Canada.
Disclosure: My visit to Texas Hill Country was in partnership with Discover America. It was part of an instagram program to learn more about American food. Most people think it’s just burgers and fast food but Texas has so much more to offer.
6 wineries for $20? A wine and cheese tasting? I’m SOLD!
Just the transportation on the shuttle bus is $20. The tastings will const between $8 and $12 depending on where you go.
Yes you are right! It’s a great budget option for getting around but the tasting fees remain the same. Thanks for clarifying!
Thanks guys, I assumed this was just for the transport but it is still good-value!
Gorgeous! I’ve heard Fredericksburg is a nice city as well.
I love places like this that aren’t as well known, even by locals.
If you ever visit Melbourne, Australia be sure to head to the Bellarine. Under an hour away from Melbourne, even people living in nearby Geelong don’t know the area exists. There’s a growing wine scene, especially organic wineries.
this place is beautiful !! ands thanks for all the information it so no so expensive and is a great experience
Lovely photos! We just got back from visiting Austin, TX for the first time and i could not get over how green and beautiful it was! We are already making plans to go back someday and will definitely need to schedule in a wine tasting road trip when we do 🙂
It’s most fabulous journey in informations to the United States in Texas to show in hill country to exploring in U.S…………..Thanks
An excellent reason for me to visit Texas! I felt the same way about discovering that Baja California, Mexico has an incredible wine region. I just didn’t expect it. I love the idea of this $20 for a DD and all day wine drinking.
Excellent travel blog posts!
Also never heard about Texas wine country. Going to have to add this to my check list when I’m in the area!
I had never considered Texas as a wine destination before. Thanks for the info. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this useful information. We are planning for a wine tour but thinking about the location where we have to go. Your recommendations help us a lot!!
You just made my day. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment to let me know you found it helpful.
Are you telling truth because I just know about the Napa Valley that is famous all over the world? It is magical information for me because I truly never know about that. I just know Texas as a beautiful visiting place but I am happy to read about that it is also famous as a big wine region. I would tell to my office friends to travel to Texas with me.