Take a Trip From Austin to the Top Texas Hill Country Wineries

Although you might picture hats and boots when you think of Texas, it’s also the fifth-largest wine producing state in the country. There are more than 400 licensed wineries on more than 4,000 acres in the Lone Star State—making it an ideal (if unexpected) spot for vino-loving visitors.

Whether you want to try some new flavors, explore the vineyards or just take in the area’s gorgeous views, these wineries have a lot to offer. If you're staying in Austin, it's easy to take a day trip to some of the top Texas Hill Country wineries.

Grapevines mingle with fields of lavender at Becker Vineyards

Located in Stonewall, off Highway 290, Becker Vineyards is about an hour and a half from downtown Austin—but the views and rustic setting are likely to make you forget you’re in Texas. Founders Richard and Bunny Becker planted their first vines in 1992 and harvested for the first time in 1995. Now, their 56 acres of vineyards produce almost 2,000 tons of fruit annually and create more than 100,000 cases each year, with a specialty in Bordeaux and Burgundy varietals. One of the features that marks this venue from other Texas Hill Country wineries is there’s also a lavender farm on the estate. If you visit during the spring, you’ll get the bonus of fields of lavender in bloom—and the Becker Vineyards Lavender Festival is held the first weekend in May.

Texas meets Tuscany at Grape Creek Vineyards

Be transported at the 100-acre estate of Grape Creek Vineyards. Photo Credit: Grape Creek Vineyards.

Fredericksburg, about 90 minutes from Austin, is home to the boutique winery Grape Creek Vineyards, which was founded in 1985. When you visit Grape Creek Vineyards, you’ll experience Tuscany in Texas—the winery offers several tasting options and chef-inspired delights at the on-site trattoria. During tours you also get to visit the production facility and see the crush, production, cellaring and bottling areas. And, if you can’t make it to the vineyard of this Texas Hill Country winery, there are separate tasting rooms in Fredericksburg and in Georgetown (half an hour north of Austin).

Have a sip with a winemaker at Inwood Estates Vineyards

Also located in Fredericksburg, Inwood Estates Vineyards specializes in tempranillo and cabernet varietals and is the only one of the Texas Hill Country wineries that field-crushes its grapes. Field-crushing helps maintain the grapes’ flavor as they’re transported from the vineyards to the main winery in Dallas, almost 400 miles away. The Fredericksburg location offers several tasting options, including private tastings with their winemaker, Dan Gatlin. The on-site gourmet bistro menu includes pairing suggestions for each delicious option.

Experience Texas hospitality at Spicewood Vineyards

Onsite grape growing is key for Spicewood Vineyards, which has some vines still producing fruit after more than 24 years.

About 45 minutes northwest of downtown Austin, Spicewood Vineyards features more than a dozen varieties, including albarino, merlot and tempranillo. Enjoy pet-friendly tours, tastings and cheese plates Wednesday through Sunday in a scenic Texas gentleman’s ranch setting, unique among the Texas Hill Country wineries. Visit for a tasting, glass or bottle from their 32 acres of vines, or make a reservation for a winemaker tour.

Meet the newer kid on the block at William Chris Vineyards

Located on the vast lands of Hye, Texas, William Chris Vineyards is proud of its focus on exclusively Texas-grown wines. Photo Credit: Miguel Lecuona /William Chris Vineyards

Focusing on 100% Texas-grown wines, William Chris Vineyards opened their Hye, Texas, winery and tasting facilities in 2010, but the founders have decades of experience in the business. Their winemakers blend fruits from William Chris’ own vineyards as well as those of small, independent family-owned farms across Texas. A restored 1905 farmhouse is now the tasting room where visitors can sample less-familiar varietals that showcase the diversity of Texas Hill Country wineries and the selections you can find in the Lone Star state. It’s also just under an hour and a half from downtown Austin.

Before you go

Lastly, here are a few quick, yet important tips for planning a fun, safe Texas Hill Country wineries excursion:

• Make sure you have a designated driver. If you want to visit more than one winery in a single day, you should know they aren’t exactly next door to each other. Hint: Buy a bottle or two for your driver to consume later.
• Stay hydrated! Keep water nearby to sip before, during and after wine tastings.
• Check the hours. Each winery has its own seasonal schedule, so plan ahead and make an appointment.

With a little advance planning, you can easily create a Texas Hill Country wineries getaway you’re sure to remember!