10 Can't Miss Texas Hill Country Wineries

Wine Tasting & More in Texas

Located in central and south Texas, Texas Hill Country is a spectacular destination to visit this summer.  Though there are plenty of great things to do in the area, at the heart of any great trip to this part of the world are the Texas Hill Country wineries that have made this area so popular. 

The area known as Texas Hill country is absolutely beautiful, known for its rolling hills, spring-fed rivers and lakes, vibrant and quaint small towns with plenty of character, great food, and, of course, plenty of wineries to visit. It's no wonder this delightful area has become such a loved vacation destination for Texans and out-of-state visitors alike. 

Though Fredericksburg has the biggest reputation when it comes to Texas Hill Country wineries, there are plenty of them to enjoy throughout the region. This wine-growing region is the 3rd largest in the country and is home to more than 100 wineries. The varietals produced by Texas Hill Country wineries are diverse, but reflective of those you'd find in France, Spain, and Italy. 

Texas Hill Country is the perfect place for wine connoisseurs to explore this summer. Luckily, there are a few Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts located throughout the area, too, to make staying and playing at these incredible wineries even more enjoyable.  Browse the region's top Inns here, and get started planning your adventure today!

The Best Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country is famous for its expansive open spaces, frequently marked by huge old oak trees. The area is also home to a number of charming small towns, many of which have a rich German history. It makes for an interesting backdrop as you travel from one winery to the next. 

With more than 1,000 acres of planted vineyard and 100+ wineries calling the area home, it should come as no surprise that Texas Hill Country wineries are considered one of the "must-visit" wine destinations in the country. In fact, as of 2019, Texas Hill Country was the second most popular wine region to visit in the country, behind only the famed Napa Valley. 

Many of these wineries are located along Texas Highway 290, also known as Wine Road 290, which makes wine tasting here easy and convenient. However, with so many great Texas Hill country wineries to choose from, we know it can be hard to plan your itinerary.  We're here to help!  We've taken a look at reviews and recommendations from industry-leading experts, and have compiled a list of what we consider 10 of the best Texas Hill Country wineries to visit.

1. Easily considered to be one of the most beautiful Texas Hill Country wineries, a visit to Signor Vineyards certainly won't disappoint. The 135-acre vineyard is shaded with majestic oak trees and olive trees. 
2. While nothing replaces a visit to Tuscany, wine tasting at Duchman Winery is a close second. Not only are the wines superb, but onsite is an Italian Restaurant, Trattoria Lisina, that completes the Tuscan feel of this winery. 
3. Sitting on a tall bluff overlooking the stunning Texas Hill Country & vineyards below, Driftwood Estate Winery is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine, especially one paired with a beautiful sunset. 
4. Though 1851 Winery, a label under the Slate mill Collective, is a relative newcomer when it comes to Texas Hill Country wineries, it certainly is worth the stop. Their 2016 Estate Tannat won double gold and its 2017 Malvasia Bianca won silver at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
5. If you're looking for off-the-beaten-path Texas Hill Country wineries, consider taking a beautiful drive to Flat Creek Estate. They have a 2-story market hall for wine tastings, along with plenty of food to enjoy, and an expansive view of their 80-acre vineyard. It is as beautiful as their Italian-style wines are delicious!
6. Enjoy a signature food and wine pairing alfresco at the beautiful Kuhlman Cellars. It won't disappoint!  As far as wine at this establishment is concerned, you can't go wrong with the 2016 Barranca, which just earned a gold medal from the Concours International de Lyon wine competition in Lyon, France.
7. The sustainably focused gravity-flow system at Calais Winery is the start of the show. If you dream of French-style wines when you hear this winery's name, you're in luck. Calais Winery focuses on Bordeaux-style wines, all made with 100% Texas-grown grapes.
8. Pedernales Cellars sits on 154 acres of rolling hills punctuated by live oak trees and stunning views of the Pedernales River Valley. The solely focus on grape varietals that grow well here, and accordingly, have earned themselves quite a bit of national recognition amongst Texas Hill Country wineries. 
9. Becker Vineyards, a longtime mainstay in the Texas Hill Country, is the largest purchaser of premium Texas grapes. though their wine is delicious, their lavender farm is equally worth the visit!
10. 3 great Texas Hill Country wineries in one? That's what you'll find at the Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg! Here, you'll find the wines of McPherson Cellars from Lubbock, Brennan Vineyards from Comanche, and Lost Oak Winery from Burleson. It's a great place to sample a variety of wines, and they also offer wine pairings with Texas-made chocolate or Texas-made cheese.

More to Do in Texas Hill Country

Though we think visiting any of these Texas Hill Country wineries should be at the top of your list of things to do, there's certainly more to see and love about Texas Hill Country this summer. The area boasts an abundance of outdoor adventures, as well as charming small towns and historic attractions worth seeing. 

As you plan your adventures for this summer, here are just a few of our favorite recommendations, to help you round out your itinerary in Texas Hill Country:

1. Visit Garner State Park, where you'll find great hiking and the crystal clear waters of the Frio River that are perfect for tubing and kayaking. 
2. Float down one of the many rivers in the area, such as the Guadalupe River. A great place to do this is the 4-mile stretch of the river at Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch.
3. Cool off at the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve. The pristine natural beauty of this place is worth the visit, and the refreshingly cool waters are the perfect way to beat the summer heat. 
4. For more swimming and fun in the summer fun, head to the Blue Hole Regional Park. 
5. Enjoy some award-winning Texas BBQ!  This area is famous for it. One popular establishment is Franklin Barbecue in Austin.
6. Visit the famed Alamo in San Antonio.
7. Walk the beautiful riverwalk in Downtown San Antonio.
8. Explore the German heritage of downtown Fredericksburg.
9. Gardening enthusiasts won't want to miss Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, which is the largest wildflower seed farm in the U.S. 
10. Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, one of the top attractions in the Hill Country. It's a great spot from which to enjoy sweeping views of Hill Country. 

Whatever it is you're coming to Texas Hill Country to do, we know you're going to fall in love with the area.  As always, the Innkeepers of our Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts are an excellent resource when it comes to trip planning and enjoying the best of an area.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Lodging in Texas Hill Country

Sage Hill Inn & Spa

Located 25 minutes from Downtown Austin Texas, the Sage Hill Inn & Spa sit atop a hill on 88 acres above Onion Creek, with sweeping views of the Hill Country to the West. Sage Hill offers peace and relaxation away from city life.

The Sage Hill restaurant is an experience you don't want to miss. Our seasonal gourmet menu provides a three-course meal each night and a full hot breakfast each morning, both incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables from our gardens. Our land has miles and miles of hiking trails rich with wildlife including deer, blackbuck antelope, wild turkey, foxes, raccoons, and abundant birdlife. 

Learn More

Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch

Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch is a newly built luxury bed and breakfast situated on 25 secluded acres just minutes from downtown Wimberley. Enjoy stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, breathtaking sunsets, or the stars at night with a glass of your favorite beverage, relaxing from a rocking chair on your porch or from Adirondack chairs surrounding the fire pits.

Learn More