8 Beautiful Wineries to Visit on Your Next Trip to Texas Hill Country

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Tue, December 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM UTC

8 Beautiful Wineries to Visit on Your Next Trip to Texas Hill Country — The beautiful Texas Hill Country stretches from Austin to San Antonio and is one of the south’s best weekend getaways. Travelers can expect fields overflowing with bluebonnets (the state flower of Texas), winding country roads, pristine, spring-fed swimming holes, and dozens of world-class wineries. Inspired by German roots, its burgeoning wine scene is an unexpected addition to this popular area. But with wine production in Texas predating California and more than 400 wineries statewide, perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise.
In fact, Texas is the fifth largest producer of wine in the whole United States. Most of the grapes grown in Texas, some 85%, actually come from the Texas High Plains American Viticultural Area or AVA. This massive area is located in the Panhandle section of the Lone Star State. But the pretty Hill Country is home to roughly 50 wineries and is the most visited wine region; this part of Texas has three AVAs, or specially designated grape growing areas. Its beating heart, the hub of Hill Country, is undoubtedly the historic town of Fredericksburg. With a dynamic, homegrown sense of southern hospitality, an elevated dining scene, and tons of recreational opportunities in the great outdoors, not to mention all those wineries, it makes for a genuinely stunning escape.
Beyond its beauty, the wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas also offer some impressive and unique bottles. Mark Sayre, the beverage director and advanced sommelier at Goodnight Hospitality, points out that the winemakers in Texas Hill Country have taken the time to fully understand which grape varieties best grow in the region. "The wineries in Fredericksburg and the rest of Texas simply aren’t going to make full-throttle, 'Napa-style' wine," says Sayre. "That's sometimes a misconception because its hot here, but it's actually so hot it can deter ripening. The soils here are stoney and high in mineral content, which is something also found in many of the great winemaking regions in Europe. So, it's just not going to be new word, jammy, in-your-face, fruity in style, but rather, the wines here need to be tasted and enjoyed with more restrained, earthy, Euro-styled context."
Love Old World wines or want to plan a trip to Texas Hill Country? Read on for the best Fredericksburg, Texas wineries to visit while you're there.
Courtesy of William Chris Vineyards

1) Kuhlman Cellars — Located in small Stonewall, Texas, just southeast of Fredericksburg, Kuhlman Cellars offers a multitude of memorable experiences for guests. These include an indoor tableside flight, outdoor tableside flight, behind-the-scenes estate experience, and wine and food experience. Visitors who simply want to enjoy a glass and stay awhile can reserve a picnic table on the patio for the afternoon. Their French female winemaker, Bénédicte Rhyne, brings a special understanding of Old World wine techniques to the Texas Hill Country. The estate offers a plethora of red, white, and rosé wines, though the red blends Alluvé and Barranca are longtime favorites. Reservations are suggested for this pretty property, though walk-ins can often be accommodated. Whatever you do, don’t miss the famous herbed almonds along with your beverage.
Kuhlman Cellars

2) Becker Vineyards — This Texas winery pioneer is so well-known that Becker wines have been served in the White House multiple times! Housed in a 19th-century-inspired German stone barn surrounded by hundreds of lavender plants, Becker specializes in Bordeaux, Burgundian, and Rhone-styled wines. Multiple indoor and outdoor tasting spaces mean there are plenty of levels of experiences on tap at this powerhouse vineyard. Try the viognier, the Becker flagship wine, as this spot was the first to plant this grape in Texas. For added convenience, there’s now a Main Street tasting room for those who don’t want to journey to the vineyard outside of town; the downtown tasting room is part of the larger Urban Wine Trail, another fun way to experience the Hill Country’s finest.
Courtesy of Becker Vineyards

3) Kalasi Cellars — A newer addition to the Hill Country wine scene, this sustainability-focused operation is quickly making a name for itself in the wine world. Adding babydoll Southdown sheep and llamas on the property doesn't hurt, either. This boutique operation is unique as they use 100% estate-grown grapes. They also offer an Indian twist on small bites, an homage to the co-founder's heritage. Stop in for a tasting (four levels offered), or simply rest under the property's old pecan trees and enjoy a glass of dry Texas wine; the heritage collection features common varietals and comfortable favorites, while the reincarnated collection is a bolder approach with rarer blends and less common winemaking techniques.
Kalasi Cellars

4) Pedernales Cellars — Another staple in Fredericksburg, this family-owned and operated vineyard is a popular destination. Set on 145 scenic acres, the rustic chic winery produces everything from traditional reds and whites to sparkling wine and glogg. Don’t miss their version of tempranillo, a beautiful Spanish red grape. Be sure to make a reservation here for one of four options for tastings, sure to please any palate.
Courtesy of Pedernales Cellars

5) Southold Farm and Cellar — Famed for its stellar views, this natural winery has Long Island roots, and its hanging benches are perhaps the most Instagrammable spot in Texas wine country. Small group tastings are available for the public, though visitors should note that reservations are required as walk-ins are not accepted. Don’t miss the skin contact trebbiano aka orange wine, a funky, orange blossom-forward sip.
Courtesy of Southold Farms and Cellar

6) Narrow Path Winery & Vineyard — A small-batch-focused winery, Narrow Path is a family-owned operation just 20 minutes from Fredericksburg. Stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows anchor the tasting room at the vineyard; a small Main Street tasting room in Fredericksburg proper is another excellent option for a quick visit. A red wine tasting and a white tasting experience are currently offered. The winery produces sparkling wine, chenin blanc, rosé, and red blends featuring syrah and cabernet sauvignon, among others.
Jason Risner

7) Lost Draw Cellars — 100% Texas wine can be enjoyed at this community stalwart, which boasts two convenient locations and multiple levels of tastings. Wines produced include tempranillo, petite syrah, rosé, sangiovese, and more. Lost Draw is primarily known for its exceptional service and knowledgeable staff, as well as being a champion of Texas terroir.
Lost Draw Cellars

8) Ab Astris Winery — Last but certainly not least is Ab Astris, a family-owned, 12-acre winery and vineyard whose named is Latin for “of the stars.” This establishment grows grapes such as tannat, souzao, clairette blanche, petite syrah and montepulciano. Sample them via the five wines tasting option, which usually lasts about 50 minutes. Ab Astris offers a little quieter experience in Texas Hill Country as its a bit off the beaten path.
Ab Astris

8 Beautiful Wineries to Visit on Your Next Trip to Texas Hill Country

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The beautiful Texas Hill Country stretches from Austin to San Antonio and is one of the south’s best weekend getaways. Travelers can expect fields overflowing with bluebonnets (the state flower of Texas), winding country roads, pristine, spring-fed swimming holes, and dozens of world-class wineries. Inspired by German roots, its burgeoning wine scene is an unexpected addition to this popular area. But with wine production in Texas predating California and more than 400 wineries statewide, perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise.

In fact, Texas is the fifth largest producer of wine in the whole United States. Most of the grapes grown in Texas, some 85%, actually come from the Texas High Plains American Viticultural Area or AVA. This massive area is located in the Panhandle section of the Lone Star State. But the pretty Hill Country is home to roughly 50 wineries and is the most visited wine region; this part of Texas has three AVAs, or specially designated grape growing areas. Its beating heart, the hub of Hill Country, is undoubtedly the historic town of Fredericksburg. With a dynamic, homegrown sense of southern hospitality, an elevated dining scene, and tons of recreational opportunities in the great outdoors, not to mention all those wineries, it makes for a genuinely stunning escape.

Beyond its beauty, the wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas also offer some impressive and unique bottles. Mark Sayre, the beverage director and advanced sommelier at Goodnight Hospitality, points out that the winemakers in Texas Hill Country have taken the time to fully understand which grape varieties best grow in the region. "The wineries in Fredericksburg and the rest of Texas simply aren’t going to make full-throttle, 'Napa-style' wine," says Sayre. "That's sometimes a misconception because its hot here, but it's actually so hot it can deter ripening. The soils here are stoney and high in mineral content, which is something also found in many of the great winemaking regions in Europe. So, it's just not going to be new word, jammy, in-your-face, fruity in style, but rather, the wines here need to be tasted and enjoyed with more restrained, earthy, Euro-styled context."

Love Old World wines or want to plan a trip to Texas Hill Country? Read on for the best Fredericksburg, Texas wineries to visit while you're there.

Courtesy of William Chris Vineyards

Love Old World wines? Here's why you should consider heading to these Fredericksburg, Texas wineries on your next tasting trip.

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