Spring has sprung and the flowers are in bloom! Just outside of San Antonio lies the perfect springtime getaway: Texas Hill Country, filled with winding rivers, beautiful vineyards, award winning wineries, sprawling ranches, and charming small towns. If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, or even just an excuse to escape bustling city life, a short scenic drive will put you right in the middle of a peaceful setting and relaxation.
Texas Hill Country Vineyards & Wineries
One of the highlights of Texas Hill Country is without a doubt the abundance of wineries and vineyards available for visitors. While Texas harvest season in Hill Country generally takes place between July and September, that doesn’t mean wine lovers can’t enjoy a wine tasting experience year-round. Spring also happens to be wildflower season in Hill Country, so not only will visitors get to indulge in fine wine but they’ll also get to appreciate the picturesque scenery.
With so many different wineries and vineyards located in Texas Hill Country, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out just where to start your wine touring experience. If you’re interested in a guided tour, Hill Country Wine Tours provides as unbeatable experience for first-time or repeat visitors. Their full day tours start at $149 per person, for a tour of four wineries from 10:30am to 4pm. The tour includes transportation in one of their custom Lincoln Town Car limousines or Cadillac Escalades, tasting fees at wineries (usually $10-$15 per person at each winery), a box lunch at one of the wineries, and bottled water and snacks.
Here are some additional wine touring companies located in Hill Country:
- Discover Texas Wine Tours
- Fredericksburg Limo & Wine Tours
- Majesty Wine Tours
- Slowpokes Wine Tours
- Deer Run Wine Tours
If you’re interested in a self-guided tour around the area’s many wineries, the official Texas Hill Country website suggests a few stops you won’t want to miss:
Grape Creek Cellars
In just the last two years, Grape Creek Cellars has created award winning wines with over 200 medals. Located on an 100-acre estate with romantic Tuscan Villa tasting rooms, the winery is nestled among the oaks and vines in Fredericksburg Texas.
According to Texas Hill Country, Grape Creek offers a variety of wines “that will appeal to a range of palates from red blends, to single red varietals like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines are available to try too like Viognier and Pinot Grigio. Those that prefer sweet wines will also have samples for tasting.”
If you’d like of taste, Grape Creek’s friendly ambassadors will guide you through six wines of your choice for $18. They also offer private tastings and a “Taste & Tour” option, both for $35. The “Taste & Tour” option allows you to “immerse yourself with [the] wine tour experience, including a barrel tasting…You will enjoy interesting insights about [their] history, production facilities, and, of course, wine making.”
To find out more about each of the tasting options and additional information about the facilities, visit Grape Creek Cellars.
Grape Creek Vineyards tasting room is located at 10587 E. US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX. Tasting room hours: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Becker Vineyards
Next on the list is Becker Vineyards, located in Stonewall and home to over “4,000 plants that open their beautiful purple blossoms beginning in April and lasting through May.” The winery is located in a 10,000 square foot reproduction of a late 19th century German stone barn, and they are known for being the largest purchaser of French and American Oak barrels in Texas. Established in 1992, the Becker family has continuously created award wining wines, with varieties of both red and white.
Becker Vineyards tasting start at just $20 for 6 samples. Their tastings also include a souvenir crystal wine glass with your purchase.
To plan your visit, check out Becker Vineyards.
Becker Vineyards is located at 464 Becker Farms Road, Stonewall, TX. Tasting room hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Pedernales Cellars
Established by a sixth generation Texas Family, Pedernales Cellars offers world class wines while providing breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country in Stonewall. Pedernales specializes in Spanish and Rhone style wines and is “committed to crafting world class Texas wines,” which involves “identifying the grape varietals that thrive in Texas terroir.”
According to Texas Hill Country, the Pedernales’ grapes are “100% Texan, meaning they’ve only planted those varietals that thrive in the Texas soil and climate.” Their Spanish and Rhone style wines are known for being benchmark wines that have been awarded such accolades as “Top Texas Wine” by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition, a Grand Gold at the Lyon International Wine Competition, and a Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.
To learn more and find out about their tasting options, visit Perernales Cellars.
Pedernales Cellars is located at 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall. Tasting room hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
William Chris Vineyards
William Chris Vineyards is another establishment that prides itself in creating authentic, 100% Texas-grown wines. With the motto, “Share a piece of our world,” William Chris farms on 40-acres, including grapes of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Mourvèdre and Trebbiano Toscano. The winery’s tasting room resides in the beautifully restored Dieke family farmhouse built in 1905.
As far as tours and tasting go, William Chris Vineyards offers a “true Texas Hill Country wine experience on a beautiful oak-studded property,” and they focus “on Texas-grown premium wine from estate-run vineyards across the state. Walking tour starts in the 100 year old farm house tasting room, to the early 1900s cemetery, and down the vineyards to the oak grove. Live music on the shady deck on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Barrel tastings, special events and a genuine hospitality will bring you back.”
To plan your visit to the winery, check out William Chris Vineyards.
William Chris Vineyards is located at 10352 U.S. Highway 290, Hye. Tasting room hours: Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thurs. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about Hill Country and any of the wineries located in the area, be sure to visit Texas Hill Country’s official website.