If youâre a wine lover planning a trip to Texas, a visit to wine country is a must. And this guide to the best wineries in Fredericksburg, TX will give you all the details you need.
This historic United States town was founded by German immigrants. And itâs home to some of the best wineries in the Lone Star State. With more than 50 in the surrounding area, it can be hard to tell which ones are worth your time.
But donât worry, Iâve done the work for you. As an American Wine Expert and WSET-certified wine blogger, I personally research, visit, and taste the wines of every region I write about. That way, you can skip right to the good ones.
So grab a glass, kick back, and learn all about this exciting Texas wine region.
The Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX
While there are many great options, these Fredericksburg area wineries stand out for exceptional wines and hospitality.
1. William Chris Vineyards
Winemakers William (Bill) Blackmon and Chris Brundrett got together in 2008 and founded William Chris Vineyards. The two shared a vision to make great wines from all-Texas fruit at their Fredericksburg winery.
And you might say theyâve succeeded, being named 56 out of 100 in the 2022 list of Worldâs Best Vineyards.
As president of Texas Wine Growers, Chris also led the charge in passing stricter wine labeling laws. And heâs a huge advocate internationally for Texas wines.
I had the opportunity to meet him briefly during our visit and he had just gotten back from traveling around Japan and other parts of the world sharing Texas wines.
Many of the grapes for William Chrisâ wines come from the Texas High Plains. And the team believes in minimal intervention in the winery, letting the fruit speak for itself.
Wines to Try
William Chris specializes in Mourvèdre, with an impressive 9 different versions.
One of the standouts for me was their Artist Blend, a Rhône-style GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre). Each year they have a contest to choose the artwork on the bottle. The current release features a beautiful butterfly drawn by a local 17-year-old.
I also loved EnchantĂŠ, a Bordeaux-style blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. And we couldnât resist sharing a bottle of the delightfully effervescent PĂŠt-Nat (short for PĂŠtillant Naturel) rosĂŠ after our tasting.
Visiting
If youâre looking for Fredericksburg wineries with food, this is a great spot. You can preorder a picnic with sandwiches, sides, and dessert to enjoy on their beautiful patio.
They also offer special experiences like food and wine pairing and a monthly supper club. And donât miss the live music on weekends.
2. Lost Draw Cellars
As another believer that Texas wines should be made from Texas grapes, Lost Draw Cellars has close ties with William Chris Vineyards.
Andy Timmons was a farmer in the Texas High Plains. In 2000, he decided to add wine grapes to his plantings. Coincidentally, his nephew Andrew Sides decided to pursue a career as a winemaker.
Andrewâs father-in-law happened to have some land in downtown Fredericksburg. And it all came together like it was meant to be.
Lost Draw Cellars produced their first vintage in 2012 and opened the tasting room in 2014. And in 2022, they added a Johnson City location.
Wines to Try
Like many others in the region, they focus on Southern France, Spanish, and Italian varieties. I particularly enjoyed the Picpoul, a high-acid grape variety found in Franceâs Languedoc-Roussillon. Itâs perfect for patio sipping on a warm summer evening.
I also enjoyed the spicy Tempranillo, grown from older vines in the Lost Draw Vineyard. And the Petite Sirah, a bold wine with loads of concentrated black fruits.
Visiting
You can choose between a select tasting and a reserve tasting. Or they offer food and wine tasting experiences. And you can catch live music on their patio on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
3. Pedernales Cellars
Pedernales Cellars began as an experimental vineyard in whatâs now the Bell Mountain AVA, a nested AVA of Texas Hill Country. This was the first viticultural area designated in Texas.
Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken saw promise in the cooler evenings and better soil of this site. So, they planted the estate vineyard in the 1990s. Over time, they were able to start producing high-quality fruit with the bold and intense flavors they desired.
Their children David and Julie founded the boutique winery in 2005 to produce small-batch wines from their parentsâ labor of love.
Today, theyâre still family owned and operated. Wines are 100% Texas grown, made with fruit from the original 17-acre vineyard and the Texas High Plains. Plus, they use sustainable practices for both grape growing and winemaking.
Wines to Try
Pedernales focuses on Spanish and RhĂ´ne-style wines, with Tempranillo being a specialty. Their earthy and spicy Tempranillo Reserve was one of the best I tried in the region. And the youthful Joven style is delicious lightly chilled on a warm day with its fresh and juicy red fruits.
Theyâre also making some interesting blends with grapes normally found in the Douro Valley, Portugal like Touriga Nacional and Tinta CĂŁo. Plus, an intense Graciano, a grape rarely seen outside of Spainâs Rioja and Navarra regions.
Visiting
Pedernalesâ tree-shaded deck has stunning views of the Pedernales River Valley. Itâs the perfect place to enjoy your tasting and a glass (or two) after. Plus, they have charcuterie boards if youâre hungry.
Our host was also very knowledgeable about the wines and did an excellent job guiding us through our tasting. You can choose between their Estate Tasting or an all-reds Reserve Tasting. And to go more in-depth on the winemaking process, add on a cellar tour for your visit.
4. Texas Wine Collective
The Texas Wine Collective is a great spot to be able to taste wines from multiple producers. Three wineries came together to create one site where you can swirl and sample an array of wines made from 100% Texas fruit.
Brennan Vineyards was founded in 2001 by Dr. Pat and Trellise Brennan. The two are committed to producing authentic Texas wines that each have their own unique history and story.
Theyâre able to cover 60-70% of the grapes needed for their award-winning wines from the estate vineyards in Comanche and Newburg. And the rest is sourced from carefully selected growers throughout Texas.
McPherson Cellars is named after the one and only Doc McPherson. After studying winemaking and working at the familyâs Llano Estacado Winery, Docâs son Kim launched McPherson Cellars in 2000.
He makes sustainably farmed, small-batch wines from fruit that exclusively comes from the Texas High Plains.
Lost Oak Winery completes the Texas Wine Collective trio. Gene Estes began making wine in his garage in the 1960s.
He eventually turned his passion into a profession by purchasing Lost Oak Winery in 2006. And his daughter Roxanne Myers runs the place today. Jim Evans is the long-time winemaker, having been with Lost Oak since 1996.
Wines to Try
Highlights from my tasting include the Brennan Vineyards Viognier. It had nice acidity (which sometimes Viognier lacks) and yummy peach and nectarine on the palate.
I also enjoyed the McPherson Cellars Alicante Bouschet. Known for its red flesh, this grape produces rich red wines. And this one didnât disappoint, with silky tannins, red plum, and a little peppery spice.
Visiting
I liked that Texas Wine Collective gives you 3 options for the Signature tasting. You can do a mix of white and red, all red, or sweet wines. They also offer cheese pairings and food and wine experiences.
Saturday afternoons are a great time to grab a charcuterie board and listen to some live music on their large lawn.
5. Grape Creek Vineyards
Driving down Highway 290 into Fredericksburg, youâll pass by dozens of wineries. But in the 1980s, things were a little different. As the oldest winery on this road, Grape Creek Vineyards was a pioneer when it opened in 1983.
Jason Englert has been the winemaker since 2004. He started off working as the assistant winemaker at Doc McPhersonâs Llano Estacado winery. Since then, his wines have won quite a few medals at wine competitions throughout the country.
Brian and Jennifer Heath purchased Grape Creek in 2006 and have done a lot to grow the operation. They planted the estate vineyards and upgraded the Grape Creek winery facilities. Plus, theyâve expanded into four different labels, including a bubbly line and an ultra-premium collection.
Wines to Try
The majority of their wines are labeled under Grape Creek. Grapes are sourced from the Texas High Plains. Although, due to the volume needed, some wines have a portion of out-of-state fruit.
The Cabernet Trois blend was a standout for me in this label. It had a silky texture and ripe blackcurrant and black cherry fruit.
The Grape Creek Estate wines are made from grapes grown on their 25 acres of vineyards in Texas Hill Country. And they also own 22 acres in the Willow Creek District AVA of Paso Robles, CA.
These are used to make the Heath Vineyards wines. While these arenât Texas wines, the Pinot Noir and Syrah I tried were both outstanding.
And if youâre into ultra-premium wines, keep an eye out for Jenblossom, the newest label. The signature Scary Good wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valleyâs Pritchard Hill.
Visiting
Grape Creekâs elegant downtown Fredericksburg tasting room is a convenient spot to sample a flight. Our host was exceptional at describing the wines.
If you want to enjoy a little âTuscany in Texas,â head to the original location on 290. The terracotta-tiled tasting room will make you feel like youâve stepped into an Italian village. This location also offers more options for tastings and tours. Plus, an on-site restaurant for wine club members.
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6. Heath Sparkling Wines
Heath Sparkling is the first winery in Texas dedicated to producing sparkling wines. While technically part of Grape Creek Vineyards, itâs a separate tasting experience. But the beautiful tasting room is just across the parking lot from Grape Creek so you can do them back-to-back.
All of Heath Sparklingâs bubbly is made in a dry style using the traditional method found in Champagne. These spend 18 months on the lees (the leftover yeast particles from fermentation), which is what gives the wines more of those toasty and biscuity aromas and flavors.
Grape Creekâs winemaker Jason Englert oversees the first fermentation and blending at the winery in Texas. But due to the excessive costs of equipment and specialized staff, the wine is sent to California for the in-bottle secondary fermentation.
Wines to Try
Their signature wine, Euphoria, uses the traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Plus, they make a Blanc de Blanc from 100% Chardonnay and a rosĂŠ from 100% Pinot Noir.
The Ebullience is an interesting find. Made in the Ramato style found in Italyâs Friuli region, juice from Pinot Grigio grapes spend time on the skins (called maceration). The pinkish-grey color of the skins gives the wine a copper hue. And the maceration adds texture and richness to the wine.
Visiting
The Heath Sparkling tasting experience is one of the most unique in the Texas Hill Country. Small bites are paired with each sparkling wine. These are changed up seasonally. But my favorite was a strawberry rhubarb parfait on a vanilla wafer along with a sip of the Adoration rosĂŠ.
We had a blast with our tasting host, who entertained us with stories from his wine travels in Chile. And he was very knowledgeable about the wines and the winemaking process.
Itâs a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends.
7. Augusta Vin
This newcomer to the Texas wine scene opened its doors in 2019. Augusta Vinâs stunning property takes its inspiration from Napa Valley, but with a Texas twist.
Planted in 2017, the estate vineyards include 10 varieties that can withstand the Texas heat. Grapes also come from the Texas High Plains and Monterey and Lodi, California.
Wines to Try
Youâll find Italian, Spanish, and Southern French varieties. The smoky and spicy Mourvèdre Estate Reserve was a winner for me. And I also enjoyed the Estate Tannat.
Love rosĂŠ? Youâre in luck because Augusta Vin has a whole flight of them. The Sirens Brut RosĂŠ was stunning. Made from the Counoise grape found in Southern France, this delicate sparkling wine has a beautiful pale pink color and delicious flavors of raspberry and cherry.
Visiting
Our tasting host was delightful and shared great information on the wines. Having worked at other wineries in the area, she even gave us some insider tips on ones to check out.
I like that Augusta Vin has a variety of options for wine flights. You can sample a mix of white wines and red wines, all rosĂŠ wines, or all red. Or go for the elevated tasting if you want to experience their top reserve and estate wines.
And if youâre looking for something to snack on, they have a great food menu. Thereâs something for every taste with cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and sweet treats.
8. Hilmy Cellars
Erik Hilmy decided to pursue his passion for winemaking in 2008 when he opened Hilmy Cellars. The clay soil vineyard site he selected in the Texas Hill Country is one of the largest in Fredericksburg.
Erik started with Sangiovese but has expanded to other red grapes like Malbec, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hilmy also sources from the Texas High Plains and California. And they use French and American oak and stainless steel for their wines.
The current winemaker, Michael Barton, is among the many in the area who came from Doc McPhersonâs Llano Estacado Winery.
Wines to Try
I enjoyed the AlbariĂąo, a Spanish grape with refreshing acidity and yummy lemon and melon flavors. And like Augusta Vin, Hilmy is also making a beautiful Counoise rosĂŠ.
The reds are an interesting style, with the Sangiovese being one of the lightest Iâve had. The Tempranillo was a standout for me.
Visiting
All of Hilmyâs tasting room staff are WSET Level 2 certified, so youâre guaranteed to get someone who knows what theyâre talking about.
And you can enjoy their wines in the rustic tasting room adorned with artwork from local artists. Or relax with a glass of wine in an Adirondack chair on the beautiful deck overlooking the vineyards.
You can even enjoy some live music on Saturday afternoons while munching on a charcuterie board.
9. Signor Vineyards
Clay Signor comes from a family of horticulturalists. His great-grandfather owned the famous Teas Nursery in Houston.
Clay carried on the familyâs green thumb and purchased the first land for what became Signor Vineyards in 2010. It now stretches to more than 200 acres of the Pedernales River Valley.
Vines were planted in 2015 on a natural bluff that receives cooling effects from the nearby rivers. Mediterranean grapes like Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, and Tannat are hand harvested. Signor also sources from the Texas High Plains and places like the Rogue Valley in Oregon.
The tasting room opened to the public in 2018. This gorgeous property is bedecked with colorful flower gardens, charming white buildings, and an adorable wine barn. Itâs for sure one of the most Instagrammable spots in the area.
Wines to Try
Signorâs Roussanne was one of my favorites of the tasting, with ripe peach and tropical fruit flavors. This late-ripening grape is a tough one to grow but does well in the dry conditions of the Texas High Plains.
I also liked the Mozzafiato, a blend of the Italian grapes Sangiovese, Barbera, Primitivo, and Dolcetto.
Visiting
Signor doesnât take reservations for standard tastings if youâre not a member. But we had no problem getting a spot on a busy Saturday. And you can book the elevated tasting in advance, which is offered on select days.
If youâre looking for some snacks, check out JoAnnaâs Market. Named in memory of Clayâs mother, you can pick up some delicious food items and ranch-flavored gifts.
Plus, keep an eye on their special events calendar for fun experiences like charcuterie classes, vineyard-side yoga, and even engagement packages. And they have live music on Saturdays.
10. Becker Vineyards
Founders Richard and Bunny Becker bought a cabin with 46 acres of land in 1990. They discovered native grapes on the land, which sparked the idea to plant a vineyard of their own.
Since the first harvest in 1995, the Becker Vineyards estate has grown to 308 acres, with 56 of those under vine. This includes 9 varietals, including Petit Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc.
They also source grapes from the Texas High Plains. And from places like Sonoma for their collaboration wine with Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Wines to Try
Outside of having their wines served at the White House, one of Beckerâs claims to fame is that they were the first to plant Viognier in Texas. Richard and Bunny were inspired by a trip to Franceâs RhĂ´ne region, where they found similarities to the Texas Hill Country climate.
Other wines include Roussanne, white and red RhĂ´ne blends, Tempranillo, and several different Cabernet Sauvignons. I enjoyed the one made with grapes from the Canada Family Vineyard in the Texas High Plains.
Visiting
If youâre looking for a snack while sipping your way through Fredericksburg, their downtown tasting room is a great place to stop. They have a delicious charcuterie board you can enjoy while sampling their wines.
Or head out to the beautiful estate with a winery building modeled after a 19th-century German stone barn. Grab a spot on the outdoor patio with a view of their 500 lavender plants, which bloom in April and May. And you can purchase products made from these perfumed plants.
At the estate, Becker offers tours, private tastings, and access to special library wines. Got a large group? You can make a reservation for 8 or more in advance.
The Best Way to Visit Wineries in Fredericksburg
With more than 50 wineries in the Fredericksburg area, you could easily spend an entire week here and not run out of places to visit.
Iâd recommend spending a day exploring downtown Fredericksburg wine tasting rooms. And then another day or two visiting wineries in the surrounding area.
If you have a car, most of the wineries are within a 10-20 minute drive from town.
đ If you prefer not to drive, this is a great wine tour that will take you to a few boutique wineries. It includes transportation, tastings, and lunch.
Recommendations may be affiliate links on which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me share new wine destinations with you and I only recommend products and services that I love and think youâll love too!
Where to Stay for Visiting Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX
Fredericksburg is in the heart of Texas wine country. So, itâs the best place to stay for visiting wineries along the Highway 290 wine road. The townâs German heritage means there are plenty of delicious restaurants. Donât miss the duck schnitzel at Ottoâs German Bistro.
And youâll be able to walk to the downtown tasting rooms. While youâre there, check out La Bergerie, an awesome wine bar.
As a small town, there arenât a ton of hotel options in Fredericksburg. For this reason, Iâd recommend booking a vacation rental through VRBO. We stayed at a cute one with a hot tub that was within walking distance of Main Street.
But if you prefer a hotel, Iâd suggest the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. Itâs in a great location and they even include breakfast.
đ¨ You can find the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites and many other great options on Booking.com. Just enter âFredericksburg, Texasâ and select your dates below to see available options.
Booking.comFAQs About Visiting Fredericksburg Wineries
When Is the Best Time to Visit Wineries in Fredericksburg?
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Fredericksburg. March and April bring the famous Texas bluebonnets, blanketing fields with brilliant sapphire blooms.
In the fall, catch Fredericksburgâs Oktoberfest, one of the largest in the U.S. Plus, late October is the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest.
To save a few bucks, time your trip for one of the quarterly Texas Wine Trailâs Passport events. The passes include tastings at up to 4 participating wineries per day. Plus, discounts on your bottle purchases.
What Wine Is Fredericksburg Known For?
Most of the grapes used for Fredericksburg wines are from the Texas High Plains. Hot-climate grapes do well here like the Spanish varieties Tempranillo, Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), and Graciano.
Youâll also see a lot of RhĂ´ne-style dry wines from Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache. And other Southern-France varietals like Tannat, Picpoul, and Counoise. Central and Southern Italian grapes like Sangiovese and Aglianico are common too.
You can find some Cabernet Sauvignon here, but the climate is a bit hot for it. This is used for both single varietals and Bordeaux-style blends with Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Do You Need Reservations for Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX?
Most tasting rooms prefer you make a reservation, especially on weekends. But youâll find some that accept walk-ins or donât take reservations.
If youâre there on Monday or Tuesday, places will be pretty quiet so you can often get away without booking in advance. Just be sure to check their hours as some smaller producers may be closed.
Learn more about what to consider when planning your winery visits in my guide to wine tasting etiquette.
How Much is a Tasting at Fredericksburg Wineries?
Expect to shell out between $25 to $35 per tasting. See my guide on wine tasting prices throughout the world.
This typically includes sampling 4-6 wines. Although, bonus pours are a big thing here. Plus, some tastings will include extras like small-bite food pairings. Pro Tip: If you join the wineryâs wine club, youâll often be credited the cost of your tasting.
Check out More U.S. Wine Destinations
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10 Best Solvang Wineries and Wine Tasting Rooms
Have you visited any of these Fredericksburg wineries? Which one is your favorite?
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