How to Plan a Trip to Texas Wine Country
A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away (or is it apples)? The point is – wine makes everything better. This is why a visit to Texas Wine Country needs to be at the very top of your bucket list.
Now that summer is officially here, there’s no better time than the present to visit the country’s fifth-largest collection of wineries. These are scattered throughout Hill Country, stretching from Fredericksburg to Austin, and New Braunfels to Lampasas.
There’s so much to do, so much to see, and of course, so much to taste. Here are some insider tips on how to plan a trip to Texas Wine Country.
Wine Country Texas – Where Is It Exactly
Right at the heart of Texas Wine Country is Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area (AVA) and Fredericksburg. These are located an hour’s drive away from San Antonio and Austin, or four hours’ drive if you’re coming in from Houston, Dallas, or Fort Worth. The fact that it is located smack in the middle of the Lone Star State makes it an easy-to-get-to destination for millions of wine enthusiasts from Texas and beyond.
Texas Wine Country is unlike any other destination you’ve been to. Fredericksburg, in particular, is dotted with expansive peach crops and unforgettable shopping experiences, which is perhaps why it is the most popular region in Wine Country. It oozes a familiar old-town feel with rustic boutique shops, accommodations, eateries, and historic architecture.
The landscape offers some of the most scenic views – from tree-lined rivers and winding creeks to infinite night skies and rolling hills. It’s a lot to take in.
Best Time to Go on Texas Wine Tours
Texas Wine Country is a great destination to visit regardless of the time of year. The region’s sprawling wildflowers and the pleasant temperatures witnessed between the months of March and May make it a popular time to visit.
Between August and September, the grape harvest season is chock-full of activities, including fall festivals like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest and the world-renown Oktoberfest. October also happens to be Texas Wine Month, so there’s no better time to explore Wine Country and sample what the wineries have to offer.
Finally, if fun-fare, pomp, and circumstance are what set your soul on fire, there’s the holiday season from the Friday right after Thanksgiving, through Christmas, right up to New Year. Fredericksburg comes alive decked out in dazzling lights and festive décor. You need to experience it first hand to feel the magic in the air.
Planning a Trip to Texas Wine Country – Top Tips
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Making proper arrangements beforehand ensures you make the most out of your trip and explore all the sights and sounds Wine Country has to offer. Here’s how to go about it.
1. Book Accommodation
To truly experience Texas Wine Country in all its glory, booking accommodation in the area ensures you’re not rushing to get in and out. Texas Wine Country resorts, hotels, motels, guest houses, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and inns are a dime a dozen in the area. You’ll definitely be spoiled for choice regardless of your budget size.
It’s always a good idea to do an online search first, based on price, location, amenities, number of guests, and any other booking preferences you might have. That way, the lodging you stay at is perfectly suited to your needs.
2. Get on the Wine Tours
Next, you’ll need to go on a wine tour. You are, after all, in Wine Country. The great thing about Texas Hill Country wine tours is that they are all located within a 20 to 30-minute radius of Fredericksburg. We recommend starting the tour from town and working your way out.
If you plan to drive to the wineries yourself, ensure you have a designated driver who won’t be partaking in the wine-tasting activities of the day. Alternatively, you could use any of the 20+ tour companies and shuttle services to ferry you to and fro between the wineries and your hotel.
There is also the option to use any of the taxi services in the area or simply use a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber to get you around.
3. Visit the Wineries
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the wineries. You’ll get to sample a wide range of high-quality wines from award-winning wineries, some of which boast accolades for producing the best-tasting wines in the nation.
Popular Texas grape varieties used in wine-making include Cabernet Sauvignon, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, and several other Mediterranean and Bordeaux blends.
Whether you enjoy sweet, semi-sweet, or dry red or white wine, Texas Wine Country wineries have it all.
If you prefer to do some wine tasting without having to venture out of downtown Fredericksburg, the town’s Main Street has more than a dozen tasting rooms and wineries located within. That way, you get to sample rich Texan wine while popping in and out of the pristine art galleries, fashion boutiques, and antique stores.
Insider Tips
You’ve perused the Texas Wine Country map and are interested in visiting several wineries in the area. Keep an eye out for the Wine Passport program, which happens about four times a year. This offers a cost-effective way to sample wine at 50+ wineries in the region and take advantage of massive discounts on wine purchases.
Additionally, make a point to visit other stunning attractions in Wine Country, including:
- The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area –Get an intimate glimpse of massive granite rock formations, breathtaking scenery, and riveting legend tales.
- Luckenbach, TX – A great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy live music under 500-year-old oak trees.
- Museums – Explore ancient German architecture and artifacts at the Pioneer Museum, Texas Rangers Heritage Center, Vereins Kirche, and the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Prepare for a Lifetime Adventure
There you have it – how to plan a trip to Texas Wine Country the right way. It’s a quick, easy, and fun adventure you need to experience at least once in your life. It’ll be worthwhile.
Are you looking for the best places to visit in Texas this summer? Check out our blog for top picks.