The charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas, could not be more popular, and its multitude of wineries is one of the main reasons why. We’ve visited regularly for over a decade, back to the time when most of the wines were merely fine-ish rather than the outstanding ones produced today. In that time, we’ve drunk a lot of wines around town.
This once sleepy area now has more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are concentrated along Highway 290 from Fredericksburg to Johnson City. With so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work for you and have put together our recommendations for the wineries most worth visiting.
Our recommendations are focused on wineries using all (or almost all) Texas fruit. We think it’s pointless to come to the Hill Country to drink wine from France, South Africa, or somewhere else in the world. We also focus on wineries that produce mostly dry wines. If you’re looking for something really sweet, you’ll probably want to get advice somewhere else.
A critical thing to know before you go: outside of mid-week, the wineries are almost always busy. Reservations for tasting are a must on weekends (some wineries require them) and are a good idea every day. Definitely plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Our very favorites include…Slate Theory is a must for their upscale patio and estate wines. The views at Augusta Vin are unmatched, and we love their Aglianico. The welcoming environment and Tempranillo always draw us back to Lost Draw. For a completely different twist, trying the sparkling wines at Heath is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Pedernales Cellars
In addition to their award-winning Spanish and Rhone-style wines, one thing that makes us keep coming back to Pedernales Cellars are the great views. The deck overlooks 100+ acres of Hill County land, and we highly recommend finding a spot here to relax with a glass on a sunny day. There is live music on most Saturdays, and the winery’s calendar is dotted with special tasting events. Top Picks: Tempranillo Reserve, GSM (blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre)
Becker Vineyards
Becker Vineyards makes some of the area’s best wine at a property overflowing with vineyards and lavender. During my last off-season visit, the tasting room was nearly empty, so I had plenty of time to chat with the knowledgeable staff and a couple who was celebrating their honeymoon. But I was warned that weekends can be very crowded thanks to the vineyard’s popularity and featured live music.
Check out the wine labels that feature Texas symbols (like the longhorn who graces their Tempranillo label) and don’t miss the the Presidential menus hanging in the entryway that show the times Becker’s best varietals were featured at the White House. Top Picks: Reserve Malbec, Reserve Viognier
Augusta Vin
In an ideal spot off State Highway 16, Augusta Vin offers vineyard views for days. From its two-story tasting room, it feels like you can see the entirety of the Hill Country awash in vines. It’s one of the best wineries in Fredericksburg to relax at for the day, and we visit every time we’re in town.
August Vin has a range of estate-grown wines, including Petite Sirah and Aglianico, and everything served here is Texas grown. You’ll also find Mouvedere, Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more.
Regular and reserve tastings are available along with a menu of cheese boards and charcuterie. Weekends feature musical performances. Grab a glass and enjoy the patio, the balcony, or any of the other spots on this beautiful property. Note that the winery only welcomes guests aged 21 and older. Top Picks: Estate Aglianico, Latitude 44 (a light blend of Marsanne and Roussanne)
Slate Theory Winery
Slate Theory stands out from the moment you walk through the door. The dark walls are splashed with imagery of craniums and Rorschach tests, and the interior seating is cushy velvet sofas in teal and gray. Whether you’re pulling up a chair inside or heading out to the patio for live music, the winery is designed to make you want to stay for a while. And we always do.
Dry reds, whites, and roses are served, though the selection leans more heavily toward reds. You’ll find Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier alongside blends with thematic names like The Pharmacist and Schizophrenic.
Beyond standard wine tastings, Slate Theory offers cave tastings in its remarkable (and massive) underground wine cellar that we were lucky enough to tour. The space is really unique, but, honestly, a tasting anywhere on the property is fun because these wines are so good. Top Picks: Sauvignon Blanc and Montepulciano
Lost Draw Cellars
“Wilkommen!” If you spend much time in the Hill Country, you’ll see this German “welcome” more than once, but it never fails to make me smile because of the hospitality and nod to the city’s German heritage that underlies it. At Lost Draw Cellars, the greeting is a sign of the warm welcome visitors receive when they come to try the 15 wines available at their Johnson City location.
Staff love introducing guests to grapes that might be more unfamiliar such as Picpoul Blanc—a zingy French grape that pairs well with seafood and fried foods—as well as more common varietals like Zinfandel and Sangiovese. In addition to learning about the wine, you may hear stories about the wineries’ roots, which go back seven generations in the area. After all, at Lost Draw Cellars, it’s about welcoming visitors like family. Top Picks: Spritztown Rose, Tempranillo
William Chris Vineyards
In a modern tasting room with floor-to-ceiling windows in Hye, William Chris Vineyards offers a range of tasting options plus food pairings and Barrel Room tastings. The winery has led the movement to promote what it calls real Texas wine, resulting in about 20 award-winning wines made with Texas fruit.
William Chris Vineyards has live music every weekend and hosts frequent special events like cook-offs and wine seminars. Top Picks: Malbec Rosé and Enchanté (blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot)
Grape Creek Vineyards
We like Grape Creek Vineyards so much that we’ve been members for several years. Their vineyard location, which is set in a Tuscan-style villa that overlooks the grapevines, is our favorite. There and at tasting rooms on Fredericksburg’s Main Street and in Georgetown, you can try lots of wines including two of our favroties–the bold Bellissimo and a Viognier that a staff member told us is, “everything that’s good about Texas–wildflowers, honey, and fruit.”
Some visitors who aren’t members dislike Grape Creek for two main reasons. First is that the patios, lounges, and restaurant are members only, and second is that no one under 21 is allowed. If those things are a deal breaker for you, definitely head somewhere else to avoid disappointment. Top Picks: Viognier, Bellissimo (Super Tuscan)
Heath Sparkling Wines
Heath Sparkling Wines is the bubbly-focused sister winery to Grape Creek, and it’s all about sparkle and sophistication. Everything here is made using the traditional méthode champenoise technique just like they do in Champagne, France. The tasting room offers a sleek, adults-only experience (no kids, no pets, and groups are limited to four), making it the perfect spot for a refined outing.
During our visit, we got an education in how the wines are made and enjoyed tasting them along with a small bite to complement the flavors. Ebullience, which has notes of honey and fruit, was a standout. The potential downside: if you like a bottle, you have to join the wine club to buy it. Top Picks: Ebullience (Pinot Grigio and Trebbiano) and Adoration (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay)
Ab Astris
Whenever we find a winery we love, we always ask the staff where else to go. Ab Astris has been at the top of everyone’s recommended list, but it took until our most recent visit for us to finally check it out. Now we know why so many people enjoy this place just down the road from the LBJ Ranch.
This family-owned winery is known for their reds like Mourvedre and Dextra, a Bordeaux-style blend that we loved so much that we brought home a few bottles. The Roussane was another favorite among the five we sampled under the shade of the massive trees. We visited on a quiet day, had great conversations with the staff, and left already planning a return visit. Top Picks: Roussane and Dextra (Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend)
Kuhlman Estate Winery
Located in Stonewall, Kuhlman Estate Winery has great views of the vines from the tasting room to the patio and the picnic tables scattered across the property. Their wine lineup includes standout single-varietals like estate-grown Mourvèdre and Roussanne, along with complex blends like Vina Vita—a bold mix of five grapes. The servers who have walked us through our tastings are some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable we’ve encountered.
We’ve loved pairing our wine with bites from their bistro—especially the hummus, charcuterie, and addictive almonds, but the bistro is currently under renovation. It’s important to mention that since our last visit, Kuhlman was purchased by Grape Creek, so we’ll update this when we have a chance to visit under the new ownership. Top Picks: Roussanne and Alluve (Tempranillo, Malbec, Cinsaut, Grenache, Sangiovese)
Messina Hof Hill Country Winery
The astounding range of 50 wines at Messina Hof makes it a great option for groups who like different kinds of wines (including semi-sweet options!). We’ve visited two of Messina Hof’s locations — the Fredericksburg winery and the winery in Grapevine–and have tried about 20 different ones, so we know they’re good.
The Hill Country location includes its tasting room, standout Manor Haus B&B (we’ve stayed there, too!), and a vineyard of Black Spanish grapes. It’s the perfect location for happy hour or an afternoon enjoying Messina Hof’s finest. Grab a wine and cheese plate and a glass and head outside to the patio for a relaxing time. Top Picks: Gerwurtztraminer, Primitivo (Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Petit Syrah)
Barons Creek Vineyard
A notable exception to our mostly Texas fruit preference is Barons Creek Vineyards. With fountains and ample outdoor seating areas, they have created an oasis right on Highway 290. This welcoming, family-owned winery makes wines using grapes from Texas, Washington, California, and Spain. Winemaker Russell Smith even uses his own vineyards outside Barcelona for the grapes used in Barons Creek’s Grenache and Carignan single varietals and blends. Other offerings range from Viognier to Cabernet Sauvignon. Top Picks: Sauvignon Blanc, Texas Merlot
Bingham Family Vineyards
Bingham Family Vineyards is all about Texas roots and rich tradition. With four generations of farming behind them, the Bingham family grows 245 acres of grapes, giving them one of the largest estate-grown portfolios among wineries near Fredericksburg. We particularly enjoy Dirt Farmer, a bold blend of five red grapes that goes with just about anything. We buy some every time we visit.
Bingham Family Vineyards doesn’t have the sweeping estate views that you’ll find at some of the nearby vineyards, but it’s an easy stop with lots of great options. Top Picks: Reserve Trebbiano and Dirt Farmer (Tempranillo, Merlot, Carignan, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Hilmy Cellars
The Adirondack chairs on the patio at Hilmy Cellars are the best place on the property to enjoy the award-winning wines. Although, if you need a break from the heat, the tasting room decked out in local art is a close second. As with the other local vineyards, Hilmy Cellars features live music and hosts special events that are listed on its website. Top Picks: Montepulciano Reserve, Albarino
Signor Vineyards
A spot on the patio under the trees at Signor Vineyards is a great place to spend a couple of hours. This unique winery features a combination of Texas and Oregon wines. As a result, visitors can try everything from Oregon Chardonnay to estate-grown Petit Sirah. The tasting room menu typically offers 8-10 wine options with about half from Oregon and half from Texas. Sample some favorites alongside a charcuterie board or other snacks available from Johanna’s Market adjacent to the tasting room. Top Picks: Zinfandel and Estate Montepulciano
Map
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Where to Stay
Vineyard Trail Cottage: These 13 spacious cottages are well-positioned near several wineries. Guests have access to the Pedernales River and are surrounded by the beauty of the Hill Country.
Hoffman Haus B&B: A few steps from Main Street, staying in this cute B&B makes exploring downtown easy. Enjoy the homey atmosphere and breakfast delivered to your room.
A Barn at the Quarry: Stargaze from the hot tub and watch local wildlife from one of the five comfortable suites at A Barn at the Quarry. Enjoy the quiet of nature outside of town.
See more places to stay in Fredericksburg.
Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.
In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.
John Hawkins
Monday 16th of January 2023
Looking for recommendations for a wine paired dinner. My wife and daughters will be in Fredericksburg and are looking for a wine paired dinner on Feb. 4. Thought this might be a good source to try. I've messaged multiple wineries and restaurants but haven't found anything yet. There are six of us, can you recommend anyplace to do this in the area? I know... you'd think it'd be easy!
Cheers!
John
Laura Longwell
Tuesday 17th of January 2023
Other than the occasional special event, this isn't a common offering at wineries. Most don't have full restaurants (there are plenty of "bites" menus, cheese plates, etc) and aren't open in the evening. Kuhlman Cellars has a tasting that pairs small bites with their wines and is available on your desired date.
I am not aware of restaurants that regularly offer pairings, but I would suggest checking at the ones that are known for good wine lists. Cabernet Grill has all Texas wines and offers flights. Other options might be Otto's, Sage, August E's, or Vaudeville, though I don't think local wines dominate on most of their wine lists, if that's what you're looking for.
Roseanna
Wednesday 19th of January 2022
You overlooked Inwood & Kalasi! Two of my favorites. 100% Texas wines.
Josie
Sunday 18th of July 2021
Grape Creek Vineyards use to be my favorite winery but now lounge and patio seating areas is reserved for wine club members and their guests. So if you want to sit outside and relax with a glass of wine this is no longer the place to go unless you plan to purchase a membership.
Debbie
Wednesday 10th of July 2019
Loved Messina Hof when I visited Fredericksburg. I stayed just down the road in a Jellystone RV park,
Erika
Thursday 18th of May 2017
We LOVED reading about your visit to the wineries in Hill Country. Glad you had such a great time - come back soon!
Palma Garnett
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
@Laura Longwell, Don’t leave Slate Theory off your list!! The wines there are absolutely amazing and the winery itself is beautiful. Their wine cave is gorgeous and their staff is amazing. The owner, Randy is so very friendly, helpful and inviting!! My new favorite winery among the 62 we have in FRG!!!
Laura Longwell
Thursday 18th of May 2017
Thanks! We'll actually be returning in a couple of days, so we're looking forward to trying some new things and revisiting old favorites.