Ever wanted to go to wine country? Look no further than Fredericksburg and Texas Wine Country. It’s a lot like Napa with a healthy dose of southern (and German) hospitality. And in Texas, everything is better.
Thank you to Visit Fredericksburg and Stonewall Motor Lodge and or hosting us at some of these places so we could explore #FredTX.
“What have we gotten ourselves into?,” asked the lady through my window who just drove up next to us behind the rickety-metal building.
Actually that same phrase had crossed our mind a few times during our stays (yes plural) in Fredericksburg/Stonewall/Hye. Each one an adventure and each of one of them have always come out to be much better than we could ever imagine, which is why we keep going back to the area lovingly called “Texas Wine Country.”
We reassured her that the sandwich she was about to have and that we had devoured was the best sandwich we had ever eaten – which is why we had come back a second time in two days.
And it was. This loaded BLT had everything on it but the kitchen sink and couldn’t make me any happier than a week at Disney World.
Actually everything we had in the post office-turned-general-store-turned-restaurant-wine-tasting-still-post-office known as Hye Market was THAT good. Deceptively good as nothing there put on any heirs – it was what it was and that was why you loved it. It’s exactly the best example of why I love this part of Texas – it just is what it is and invites everyone to enjoy it. And if you just let go, you’ll have one of those “best days ever” experiences every time you visit (even if you don’t remember all the details.)
I honestly couldn’t recommend this area any more and could give you so many recommendations of places to visit, must-dine locations and of course, wineries to try.
The first trip I ever took to what I thought was a small town called Fredericksburg was only 24 hours and it was there I discovered just how much there was in Texas Hill Country and scouted out where to explore the next time I came. The second time I came ready to enjoy all the fun, food and grapes I could – so much so that I came home with my own Garrison Brothers whiskey barrel and a few cases of wine (yep, cases.) It was a good time and we didn’t even begin to see it all, which is why I’ve been begging to go again. And now that I have, all I can say, I still can’t wait to go back.
So until then, here are some of the best places we’ve found in Texas Hill Country and Fredericksburg. And there’s even a list of more places that I’m considering for our next trip.
Places to Stay in Texas Hill Country
The best part of Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas is that there are all different types of places to stay – from bed and breakfasts, motels, motor lodges and event tiny homes, you can have your pick. The only caveat is when there’s a big event in town which is when you need to make reservations well in advance. I appreciate also trying something a little different when in town than the normal “chain” experience. When it comes to wine country (Texas and California), I love motor lodges. They make it easy for access to your car (parked right outside the door), they have a cool retro vibe (they were all the rage in the 50s), are often very economical, and let’s be honest, you aren’t there to stay at the hotel. With so much to see and do, you won’t be there long, so you really need the bare essentials.
Stonewall Motor Lodge
14818 US Hwy 290 E
Stonewall, TX, 78671
On our recent stay we were able to get a preview of the restored jewel, the Stonewall Motor Lodge. Nestled between Fredericksburg and Hye in the capital of Texas peach country, the Stonewall Motor Lodge was once a host to some of the biggest names in history, as it was built to house the media and the D.C. elite that came to the sleepy little town when President JFK was assassinated (including a special dark room just for the Associated Press.) But once all the hubbub died, so did the hotel stays. But now 50 years later (and the site of the best wine last year when it was purchased by a group of 10 family friends, they dived into bringing back the motor lodge and turning it back to the urban oasis that the huge number of tourists expect but the kitsch you want when you get away!
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
14818 US Hwy 290 E
Stonewall, TX, 78671
If you’re looking for something right inside town, inexpensive and close to everything, consider the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites. Just a few walkable blocks from the museum, this little gym also has a pool (that’s heated year-round.) We loved that we could walk to National Museum of the Pacific War and AND also not too far from the 290 Wine Tour shuttle pickup (the Saturday-only pick up shuttle that drops off every 10 minutes around the local wineries.) Plus it was super cute and what we needed for our stay.
Things to Do in Fredericksburg and Texas Hill Country
Obviously, I’m going to share my favorite wineries in Texas wine country, but there is so much else to do here, too. The food here is right on (don’t miss the German influence), shopping (furniture, clothes, and culinary), and the historical museums are AMAZING! While searching online on Visit Fredericksburg, but here are some of our notable favorites.
National Museum of the Pacific War
340 E Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
If you love WWII, this is a must. The National Museum of Pacific War is a 6-acre, 3-museum complex and unique outdoor exhibit and is the only museum in the continental U.S. solely dedicated to telling the story of WWII in the Pacific. (Plan for several hours for this one as you will want to take your time here.)
Wildseed Farms
100 Legacy Dr.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Get ready for Instagram-worthy shots here. Open seven days a week and with no admission fee, Wildseed Farms is the the nation’s largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres for over 35 years.
I wasn’t even in search of this spot, but driving down road we came across Magnolia Pearl and knew we had to stop. Besides the fact that the exterior is stunning in a Miss Havisham meets Joanna Gaines meets the prairie kinda way, the inside of the cutting-edge fashion house from Robin Brown is filled with vintage looks as well as eye candy throughout.
Shop Main Street
Best thing to do in downtown Fredericksburg is to get a wine or beer of choice and start shopping! There are plenty of house furnishings, lots of culinary goods, sweets, gifts, clothes, antiques – you name it! And you’ll enjoy it because about every 3-4 stores is somewhere to enjoy a new libation so you can keep going!
Places to Eat in Texas Hill Country
Next to wine, this is my favorite thing to do in Hill Country. Besides the fact that the influence of German, Spanish and just good comfort food are all brought together in one spot, you don’t have to be dressed to nines or have a year-in-advance reservation to get a good table. Most the time if you ask real nice and order a glass of good local wine, you’ll get in pretty quick (or won’t care because you’re happy where you’re at.)
Otto’s German Bistro
316 E Austin St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
I have a real obsession with Otto’s. Yes, it’s Germanesque, but there’s so much else on this menu too. And remember just because it’s German doesn’t mean it’s just brats and kraut (although the wurst plate is one of the best.) It’s pretty much everything on this menu that makes me happy – but above all it’s the flammkuchen (I say “flam” *like spam and then “kookin” but it’s probably wrong.) A simple looking flatbread that tastes like what dreams are made of with with crème fraiche, caramelized onions, comté and cambozola cheese, arugula, sun dried tomatoes, honey doe parmesan, and basil pesto. Basically, it’s what dreams are made of. And this is just a starter.
Altstadt Brewery
6120 US HWY 290 East
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
Call it a brewery, call it a restaurant, call it a lounge space, or call it beautiful, Altstadt Brewery is a must-stop in Fredericksburg. Not that there aren’t plenty of off-the-charts German restaurants in Hill Country or a places to get a beer, but this place is just beautiful. Debuting in 2018, the working brewery (tours are available 3 times a day) makes German biers while also creating German dishes that pair wonderfully. With some amazing indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s worth the stop to drink, eat or just be merry.
Drinking in Texas Wine Country
One thing to know is that you don’t have to love wine, to love Texas wine country. There are many wineries here to spend years enjoying, but if you prefer beer, they have you covered here (see Alstadt above.) Then if you don’t like beer, then they have a few distilleries (I was actually told there are more than 5 but aren’t really on the radar yet), but a don’t miss is my favorite Garrison Brothers (that’s where the barrel came from and is an experience within itself.) So basically, if you enjoy a sip or a bottle, you’re good.
With more than 50 wineries on record (and growing fast) in Texas Wine Country, you have quite the selection of experiences to enjoy. However, since you can’t see them all in one trip, here are a few of our favorites to guide you…until the next time.
Fat Ass Ranch & Winery
51 Elgin-Behrends Rd.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Anyone will tell you that Fat Ass is just fun to say aloud as one of your destinations for the day. For me this isn’t where you go with a refined palette, you go here to have a fun light-hearted experience. Definitely reserve your schedule here for when there are food trucks on site (yum!) and to pick up a few bottles for gifts (yes, they say Fat Ass.) Most of all, if you have a mixed set of folks that don’t necessarily like wine or this is their first tasting experience, this is a great first stop.
Hilmy Cellars
12346 US-290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hilmy was actually my first winery to visit in Fredericksburg. There was just something about the door that drew me in and once inside, I was glad that it did. The very clean aesthetic has such a comfort to it as you’ll notice when the occasional rooster or dog comes walking in from the back patio. And that clean and simple feel is extended into the clean taste 100% Texas-raised wine. If you can score it, make sure to get a bottle of Doo.Zwa.Zo., but no matter what leave with a bottle since there aren’t many places you can find Hilmy.
Messina Hof
Oh Messina Hof and I have been friends for a while. My first visit was the “mothership” in Bryan to meet some of the most incredible leaders of Texas wines, the Bonarrigos family (for harvest), then the newest location in Grapevine to taste some fall wines with the family. So of course, I would HAVE to visit the Fredericksburg location sitting on 10 acres, complete with a winery, tasting room, and bed & breakfast! And like they say, it is like family here, so pull up to the bar and ask what they like and why. Then try it. Don’t be surprised if you like something different than you’d expect – and if you don’t like it, don’t worry like family, they’ll be ok with it.
Sitting on nearly 10 acres in the heart of Texas wine country along Highway 290, this winery also has its own vineyard. The Lenoir grapes grown at this location go into the making of more traditional style ports.
Pedernales Cellars
2916 Upper Albert Rd.
Stonewall, TX 78671
While you won’t find any vines here, you will find the largest underground wine cellar in the state of Texas. When we visited we were able to tour the cellar and taste several of their impressive wines including the 2016 Texas Albariño, 2016 Texas Roussanne, 2018 Over the Moon, 2016 Texas High Plains Tempranillo, 2016 Tempranillo Reserve, 2016 Newsom vineyards North Block and 2017 Viognier Reserve. While they are noted for their Tempranillo Reserve (this is a Texas hallmark), the Over the Moon won over my heart. The story is worth hearing for yourself.
Kuhlman Cellars
18421 E U.S. HWY 290
Stonewall, TX 78671
The Herbed Marcona Almonds is how they get you in the door, but the experience and hospitality will keep you here. “Kuhlman Cellars believes wine promotes an appreciation of life’s journey,” and you can tell throughout everything they do here (plus the view is outstanding so you might never leave.) This is a wonderful place to go when you want that picturesque wine and food tasting experience curated by their own sommeliers and reasonably priced.) Y’all, they have some lovely wine keeping with the refined skills of French-based winemaking including some of these proprietary blends.
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Rd.
Stonewall, Texas 78671
Not to far from the Stonewall Motor Lodge, you’ll find the beautiful, 10,000 sq. ft. reproduction of a German stone barn called Becker Vineyards. The winery is the largest purchaser of French and American Oak barrels in the state of Texas, so basically they do a lot of winin’ here – mostly, reds, whites and roses (which I bought multiple bottles of.) I admit this was one of my favorites and their staff make you feel so at home…it was just unfortunate that I had so much fun that I couldn’t find the photos I took. Here you’ll also find lavender, other great wine gifts, and will definitely want to take some photos.
4.0 Cellars
10354 E, 5761, US-290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Last, but certainly not least is 4.0 Cellars (yes, say the point.) What I loved about this winery is that 4.0 Cellars was inspired by the three separate wineries that came together to form what they call is a “matchless fourth winery,” plus Veldhuizen Cheese served onsite to make it even better. Brennan Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery, and McPherson Cellars, which are located respectively in Comanche, Burleson, and Lubbock, have collaborated to create a huge tasting experience in an grand space with several special events happening all the time (so check the calendar!)
And no trip to Texas Hill Country without a trip to Hye! With just a population of less than 225, I bet you think what could possibly be here that’s so fantastic…but it is. Really. And I can’t wait to share more with you about Hye, Texas! (yes, it’s that great and worth more than just a stop!) But you’ll have to wait for our special guide to Hye! (Yes, it’s worth the wait!)
Now actually that’s not the end of my list of places to go and experience…I have several places that I haven’t been that I cannot wait to go – and soon! So if you have any ideas, please share where to go in Texas Wine Country!
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