Plan your route to the wineries in the Texas Wine Trail (Texas Hill Country).
The Texas Wine Trail Passport is in full swing four times a year, starting with the Wine Lovers Celebrate in February and ending in December with the Christmas Wine Trail. The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail is one of the best wine trails in the Lone Star State – but that’s my opinion.
With all the events & festivals in the Texas Hill Country, visiting wineries is just part of the fun. Why not couple it all together for an even better time?
Update to the end of 2024: I’ve been several more times – all with girlfriends. We have discovered so many new wineries that we’ve never been to.
PLEASE NOTE: Not all wineries in Texas Hill Country are members of the Texas Wine Trail, and not all members participate in every wine passport, so be sure to view the list during each wine trail when planning your visit. The list and map are on the TWC website.
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail Passport
Several years ago, I needed to familiarize myself with the wineries in the Hill Country, so I made a few mistakes along the way. Hopefully, you won’t make the same mistakes after reading this article. My biggest mistake was not knowing how far apart the wineries were from each other. We found ourselves backtracking a little – no, a lot! This was at the very beginning of 2022. (2024) Now I know where they all are.
1. Wine Lovers Celebration
End of January – February
Tickets: $65 single/$100 couple – 40+ Wineries
2. Wine & Wildflower Journey
March – April
Tickets: $65 single/$100 couple – 40-43 Wineries
3. Texas Wine Month
The full month of October
October is Wine Month!
Tickets: $85 single/$120 couple – 50+ Wineries
4. Christmas Wine Affair
End of November to December (before Christmas)
Tickets: $65 single/$100 couple – 40+ Wineries
See it all at Texas Wine Trail. But keep reading for the best wine trails to follow.
About The Texas Wine Trail & Its Rules
The Texas Hill Country is the top spot for wineries and wine-tasting rooms because it’s the Texas Hill Country and with its rolling hills, scenic views, and good weather (most of the time), it is hard to beat this area in the gorgeous scenic category.
Here’s to a warm/cool climate, breathtaking views, and many fabulous Texas wines.
- Two types of passports – individual $65 & couples $100 / October is slightly higher
- Offers four a year: February/April/October/December
- Only four winery visits in a day
- Not all wineries in the hill country are members
- Not all members participate in all four passports
- Each winery offers its own number of tastings
- Most wineries open at 11:00 or 12:00
- 15% off on three bottles of wine included with each passport
- Only a certain amount of tickets are sold for each wine trail passport
- Individual wine tastings in the THC are between $25-$35
- Worth every penny of it!
Now, grab a glass of wine and take a look at this list.
With over 50+ wineries on the Texas Hill Country Texas Wine Trail, I’m sure you’ll find a favorite.
Below, I have grouped the wineries that are near each other. This is a crucial detail, especially if you’re new to this area and this is your first wine tour. You don’t want to backtrack, as we did on our first wine trail experience.
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail Wineries
I’m starting my list from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, traveling south on Hwy 281. If you come from this area, you will want to group these towns and work your way down to Fredericksburg and other Hill Country towns off Highway 290 or near. I also have not visited every winery in the area – but it’s my goal!
But, hey, of course, you can start anywhere—just group towns together as on this list.
*Also, not all wineries in the Hill Country are mentioned here.
Lampasas / Burnet / Marble Falls
Pillar Bluff Vineyards – Lampasas. My mom, son, and I had a long, informative talk with the owner. He even fixed up a pizza with our own vegetables we had on us. But don’t expect that – we were there on an off day, and he had the time.
Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery – outside of Burnet. Go here for beautiful views, excellent service, and lunch. Not many wineries serve lunch, but this one does. I ordered the Turkey & Brie Panini. It was delicious (photo above). This is my second time visiting. Our last visit included watching the longhorns travel to their feeding grounds across the rocks.
Wedding Oak Winery, Burnet – downtown Burnet. This place is gorgeous inside. It features a beautiful staircase with old wooden steps that lead up to additional rooms and a porch for outdoor seating, overlooking downtown Burnet. I found a favorite wine here called TEXEDO RED, which I bought. All their wines are 100% Texas-grown in San Saba, TX.
Note to self: don’t go shopping after drinking wine!
Lometa(Bend) / San Saba
Fiesta Winery Lometa. My mom and I enjoyed sitting outside, taking pictures, enjoying small bites, and drinking great wine. The top photo in this article is at this winery.
Wedding Oak Winery in San Saba is on the main street going into town. I finally visited and wanted to stay longer. Amanda and I were on our way to Kerrville, or we would have. There are lots of shops on that street, too.
Johnson City Wineries
Farmhouse Vineyards, Silver Dollar Winery, Westcave Cellars, Texas Hills Vineyard and more
I’ve deemed this small Hill Country town one of my favorites, and a fantastic winery called Farmhouse Vineyards Marketplace makes it all the better. They have a wine that’s everyone’s favorite called Boyfriend, but I liked Ramble On better. There’s also a darling boutique with t-shirts, candles, honey, and a place to take selfies. This is a girlfriend’s must-stop.
After you visit Farmhouse Vineyard on Main Street, which turns into Hwy 290 (Wine Road), head to
Silver Dollar Winery and Westcave Cellars, then onto the wine trail in Fredericksburg, TX. A must-stop is Hye, TX, and Stonewall is a great option.
Hwy 290 Wineries – Oh my gosh, take your pick here because there are plenty.
Hye / Stonewall / Spicewood / Johnson City
There are at least three wineries on the list in Hye and two in Stonewall. We visited Ron Yates and Hye Meadow Winery, both in Hye. Both have beautiful facilities and friendly staff. We had Stonewall wineries on our list, but the weather messed that up. You’ll also want to group Johnson City wineries in this group.
Fredericksburg Wineries
Wineries on Hwy 290 in Fredericksburg
By far, and we all know it, Fredericksburg is a top favorite destination for everything, including wineries. Wine enthusiasts love to visit as there are wineries everywhere you turn.
You may want to check the list further to group Fredericksburg wineries close to one another. You’ve got downtown wineries, Hwy 290 wineries, and more that are further out.
Bingham Family Vineyards – Walk through the fantastic ranch store adjacent to it. I can’t wait to visit the winery in Grapevine on Main Street. There are very nice, friendly folks here and a nicely decorated winery.
Fiesta Winery Fredericksburg was our first stop, and it made a good impression.
Wedding Oak Winery Fredericksburg – buy the chocolate-covered pecans!
Texas Heritage Vineyards is one of my favorite wineries. The service was impeccable, and the owner took her time to talk to us and said we could call her if we needed anything. We enjoyed sitting on the patio with excellent meadow views and deer.
I also finally got the chance to visit Grape Creek, Heath Sparkling Wines, Inventions, and Barons Winery in 2024.
There are many more wineries on Hwy 290 on the Texas Wine Trail. But remember, you can only use the pass at four wineries in one day.
Dripping Springs / Driftwood
Solara Estate, Hawk’s Shadow, Driftwood Estate Winery
Dripping Springs is doting with wineries, breweries, and distilleries. If someone in your group longs for Hye Rum, it’s here!
Solaro Estate is closest to Hwy 290. Hawk’s Shadow Winery is way north, and Driftwood Estate Winery is south. Go south if you love BBQ and want to eat at The Salt Lick BBQ. Then, you can head into Comfort and Boerne if desired. We went south and enjoyed the barbeque!
Pro Tip: If going to Salt Lick to eat, the line gets long, so go early.
Note: If coming from San Antonio, you may want to visit the one winery in New Braunfels before making your way to Dripping Springs.
Boerne / Comfort / Kerrville
With a charming Main Street, a trip to downtown Boerne will be worth it, especially if you love to shop at small boutiques. There are more Fantastic Things To Do In Charming Boerne, Texas, in this article if you’d like to read it.
Sister Creek Vineyards – minutes away from Boerne, Texas. We’ve been here twice, and it’s one of our favorites. The customer service here is great.
Saint Tryphon Farm & Vineyard – down the road from Sister Creek. We couldn’t go this time, but Adeina and I have been here before (together).
Bending Branch Winery is the only winery in Comfort on the Texas Hill Country Texas Wine Trail. It has only outside seating, but a lovely fireplace is outside if it’s cold.
Remember, you can only visit four wineries a day on the passport. The system will flag you if you try to use it more than four times daily.
For more information about the passport and to buy your tickets, go to Texas Wine Trail.
Have fun and happy wine tasting!
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