Tribeza’s Guide to Hill Country Wineries

Ab Astris

320 Klein Rd., Stonewall

This small, family-owned venture was established in 2018 and has quickly become one of the most acclaimed operations in the region. In addition to pouring tasty vintages, the winery is beloved for its live music events and bottle release parties. After a trip to their tasting room, you’ll want to join their wine club, which offers different membership levels with perks, discounts and special limited-production wines.

William Chris Vineyards

10352 U.S. 290, Hye

William Chris Vineyards started when William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett partnered to create high-quality wines that showcase the best of Texas’ grape-growing regions. Passionate and community-driven winemakers, the William Chris team uses Old-World techniques to fill their bottles, which are all inscribed with the message, “We are pleased to share a piece of our world.”

Signor Vineyards

362 Livesay Ln., Fredericksburg

Nestled in the heart of the Hill Country, Signor Vineyards invites locals and tourists alike to experience their 200 acres of vines and gardens, as well as a beautiful tasting room and shopping at Joanna’s Market. The boutique winery is owned and run by the Signor family, which has deep roots in Texas farming. Try the Pinot Gris for a light, fruity sip or open a bottle of the 2020 Rochambeau for a bold bend of red varietals.

Messina Hof Winery

9996 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg

One of the most prominent wineries in Texas, Messina Hof now has four locations across the state. Their Hill Country destination sits on nearly 10 acres in the ever-popular town of Fredericksburg. For the full experience, book a stay at The Manor Haus B&B, where guests can enjoy an intimate getaway on the Messina Hof property, located within walking distance of many nearby attractions.

Augusta Vin

140 Augusta Vin Ln., Fredericksburg

With stunning views and a gorgeous two-story tasting room, Augusta Vin is a feast for the eyes and a treat for your taste buds. Enjoy a standard tasting of five wines for just $25, or take part in a winery tour, in which visitors see the progression of wine-making, from the crush pad to the barrel-aging process.

Texas Wine Collective

10354 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg

First launched as 4.0 Cellars, Texas Wine Collective has changed its name and evolved into a group of dedicated industry leaders from different vineyards sharing their passions. The collective is home to Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery and McPherson Cellars. Thanks to its multiple winemakers, Texas Wine Collective’s tasting experience includes varieties that change frequently, making it a perfect place to return to time and time again.

Pontotoc Vineyard

320 West Main St., Fredericksburg

Grapes grown exclusively in the Hill Country contribute to the delicious and decadent wine made by the team at Pontotoc. Their wines, which come from hand-picked grapes, are poured at their weingarten in downtown Fredericksburg, a convivial and casual environment. Owned by a fifth-generation farming family, Pontotoc’s specialty is Spanish-style wines. We recommend their 2019 Estate Tempranillo — a medium-bodied red that delivers notes of sour cherry, plum and toasted oak.

Duchman Family Winery

13308 FM 150 West, Driftwood

Duchman Family Winery was founded in 2004 by Drs. Lisa and Stan Duchman. The proprietors wanted to bring fine wine to Texas and have successfully done so with the help of winemaker Dave Reilly. Every wine is worth a try, but we particularly recommend the 2018 Montepulciano, which offers hints of blackberry, cherry and plum, and pairs well with savory bites. Plus, the gorgeous winery is also a wedding venue!

Grape Creek Vineyards

10587 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg

The oldest winery on Highway 290, Grape Creek Vineyards produces more than 700,000 bottles of wine per year and sells directly to consumers. Their Wine Club is highly recommended, with members enjoying access to exclusive wines, discounts and benefits. Winemaker Jason Englert has worked at Grape Creek for nearly two decades, earning a myriad of medals and high scores from wine competitions over the years.

Becker Vineyards

464 Becker Farms Rd., Fredericksburg

Guests are invited to explore 56 acres of vineyards, a 10,000-square foot production facility, a stunning lavender field and so much more at the picturesque Becker Vineyards. The scenery will draw you in, but the wine is still the main attraction. Go for a glass of their Chardonnay Reserve, which shows hints of Meyer lemon, tropical fruit and toasted vanilla.

Kuhlman Cellars

18421 U.S. 290, Stonewall

Relish in an intimate 45-minute seated tasting at Kuhlman Cellars in Stonewall, complete with chef-prepared small bites. Winemaker Bénédicte Rhyne started her career in Sonoma before eventually bringing her Old World winemaking principles to Kuhlman Cellars. Pop open a bottle of rosé while snacking on the winery’s signature herbed almonds, seasoned with Herbes de Provence sourced directly from France.

Ron Yates Wines

6676 U.S. 290, Hye

Focusing on Spanish, Italian and Rhone-style wines, Ron Yates Wines is the sister winery to Spicewood Vineyards, a long-time Texas Hill Country favorite. Ron Yates is a specialist in Tempranillo so the vineyards currently hold four acres of Tempranillo vines, with plans for more crops to come. The tasting pavilion is open seven days a week, and tastings only cost $15. Plus, you may just run into Yates himself as he often greets customers!

Perissos Vineyard and Winery

7214 Park Road Four West, Burnet

With a farming-first philosophy and a dedication to minimizing manipulation in the winemaking process, Perissos Vineyard and Winery is home to pure, flavorful wine. Owners Seth and Laura Martin started cultivating their vineyard in 2003 after experimenting with growing grapes in their own yard and making wine in the garage. These days, they’re crafting a large variety of delicious vino at their laid-back, family-friendly winery.

Pedernales Cellars

2916 Upper Albert Rd., Stonewall

Pedernales Cellars, which overlooks the gorgeous Pedernales River Valley, is a family affair. Run by a brother-and-sister duo, the small-lot wines range from the light-bodied Chenin Blanc to a deep Texas Tempranillo. On top of the tasty varieties they make, the boutique winery’s focus on sustainability is evident in their winemaking facilities, which include a geothermal cooling system and natural insulation of limestone.

Driftwood Estate Winery

4001 Elder Hill Rd., Driftwood

This veteran-owned and family-run business is a worthy destination during a trip to Driftwood. The winery offers a Tuscan-esque setting approximately 25 miles outside of Austin. As for the wine, the Longhorn Red is Driftwood Estate’s flagship blend, created with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Syrah, then aged for 30 months in French and American oak barrels.

Halter Ranch Texas

8561 US-290, Fredericksburg

Halter Ranch, a renowned organic vineyard estate from Paso Robles, CA, is opening a picturesque tasting room on Fredericksburg’s US-290 wine road, offering a unique Texas Hill Country experience. Nestled on 32 oak-studded acres, the property will feature wines made from certified organic estate vineyards and carefully-sourced High Plains grapes, including a Texas-made Rosé. The estate boasts modern architecture, a restaurant with a Texan-sourced menu, and a private art collection, creating an inviting destination for wine enthusiasts.

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