Texan wine may not be internationally renowned or celebrated, but that is certainly a mistake; one which undoubtedly plays into the hands of those who are in the know. The Fredericksburg wine producing region of the Lone Star State, also known as Texas Hill Country, has dozens of excellent wineries and vineyards, making tours and tastings an increasingly popular way to enjoy the grape right at the source.
Original settlers cultivated the native mustang grapes to produce wines in the wider Fredericksburg region, but nowadays you’ll find a broad array of varietals, with Viognier and Malbec among the more common ones. Tours of Fredericksburg often start out from the town itself, although some occasionally venture out from Austin or San Antonio as well. Here are five of the best wine and tasting tours of Fredericksburg, taking into account, among other things, the number of wineries visited, the value for money and the reviews of past guests. Cheers!
FROM $149/per person
For those who wish to visit the Fredericksburg wine region from San Antonio, this is one of the best value tour options available. With a local expert, who will share not only wine knowledge but also local history and culture during the trip, you will get the chance to visit and tour around two wineries, with tastings at each. As this is a full-day tour, time is also provided for you to explore the pleasant town of Fredericksburg, where you can find shops, other wine tastings and restaurants (although none of these are included in the price). Tours depart daily but are slightly pricier on Saturdays.
From $169/ per person
Creating a whole new definition to the concept of “getting trollied”, this fun and informative five-hour tour is a bespoke way to experience the local wine region. Best for those already planning to stay in Fredericksburg, tours depart on weekends only (Sat & Sun) at 10.30am from close to the city center. This is a completely novel way to explore the wine country. Naturally, wine tastings are included. In fact, with lunch and three separate tastings forming the itinerary, this is not only the most unique way to tour Fredericksburg, but one of the best value tours as well.
From $209/ per person
One of the best things about the Texas Hill Country is the number of wonderful boutique wineries open to visitors. Learn all about the unique wines that come from this region of the world, as well as getting the chance to meet the vintners of these privately-owned wineries. There are three stops in total, each at a winery that is unlikely to appear on the itinerary of the bigger tours. A private tasting session for your group is provided at each site. A chef-prepared lunch is also provided. This tour runs from Weds–Sat each week.
From $225/ per person
Quantity and quality combine on this three-hour wine tour from Fredericksburg. During the three-hour trip your guide will take you to three separate wineries, which are among the best known in the region. Here you’ll get the chance to see behind the scenes and learn all about the wine making process, before participating in the most important part of that process: tasting. This tour runs from Sun–Fri, with departures at around 1pm. Please note that there is a two-guest minimum for this tour to operate.
From $275/ per person
If visiting three wineries does not sound like it will be enough, this extremely popular tour adds in a fourth. The aim of this tour is to focus on what matters most: spending a pleasant day out in the Texas Hills drinking excellent wines. Tour durations vary depending on the four wineries that are including in the itinerary that day, but lunch and snacks are provided so that you won’t go hungry (with the bonus of also meaning you won’t be powered solely by the wine). The tour runs from Sun–Fri, with departures at around 10.30am.
