Many of the vineyards and wineries in Texas are located here in the Hill Country. Those closest to Austin stretch across three zip codes: (512), (830), and (325). Most of the vineyards in this guide focus on Italian and French varietals that thrive in hot climates such as Tuscany, southern France, and central Texas. You’ll also run into German and South African varietals.
All of the establishments featured here are within reasonable driving distance — and there are more of them than you might realize. This guide could keep you busy for many weekends. You should call ahead, however, before committing to a day trip: The best vintners are an overlap of farmer, artist, biologist, and chemist — so you never know what they might be up to in a day; assume their hours are flexible.
(512) Vineyards and Wineries
Driftwood Vineyards
Gary and Kathy Elliot have a 20-acre vineyard, planted in 1998. Wines: Super Texan (75% Sangiovese and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), Lone Star Cabernet Sauvignon, Longhorn Red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah), Syrah, Dry Rosé (Merlot), Sweet Blush (Merlot), Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Daily: 10am–6pm
Elder Hill Road (County Road 170)
Driftwood, TX 78619
512-692-6229 / 512-858-9667
Flat Creek Estate
Rick and Madelyn Naber have a twenty acre vineyard and 5,500 case winery. Wines: Super Texan (Sangiovese), Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscato D’ Arancia, Muscato Blanco, and Port. They also serve food.
Tuesday through Friday: Noon–5pm
Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: Noon–5pm
24912 Singleton Bend East Road
Marble Falls, TX 78654
512-267-6310
Mandola Estate Winery
Mark Penna, Damian and Trina Mandola, and Stan and Lisa Duchman all work together in various capacities to run Mandola Estate Winery. The vines are in their infancy and will mature over the next few years. Wines: Viognier, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Pinot Grigio, Syrah. They also serve food.
Monday: 10am–6pm
Tuesday through Sunday: 10am–10pm
13308 Fm 150 W
Driftwood, TX 78619
512-858-1470
Pillar Bluff Vineyards
Pillar Bluff has been around since 1999. They focus on French wines. Wines: White Merlot, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Boar Doe (Bordeaux blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot), and Ruby Port.
Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: 12:30pm–5pm
300 County Rd 111
Lampasas, TX 76550
512-556-4078
Stone House Vineyard
Howard and Angela Moench planted their vines over six and a half acres in 1999. They grow a varietal native to America — Norton — a vigorous, disease resistant, low-yield varietal. The resulting wine, Claros, has won several international awards. The also make a port — Scheming Beagle. The following wines are made by Stone House with grapes sourced from wine making regions around the world: Chardonnay, Marsanne, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Shiraz, and Sangiovese Rosé.
Friday through Sunday: Noon–5pm and by appointment
24350 Haynie Flat Road
Spicewood, TX 78669
512-264-3630 / 512-264-9890
Three Dudes Winery
The three dudes of Three Dudes Winery are Terry Alford, Jeff Felderhoff, and Ron Pontiff. Their winery is on the San Marcos River, where they make wines from grapes sourced from throughout the state of Texas. Wines: Chenin Blanc, White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Texas White.
Tuesday through Sunday: Noon–6pm
125 Old Martindale Road
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-392-5634
(830) Vineyards and Wineries
Becker Vineyards
Richard and Bunny Becker made their first harvest in 1995. Since then the vineyard has grown to 46 acres. They also grow lavender. Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
Monday through Thursday: 10am–5pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: Noon–6pm
64 Becker Farms Road
Stonewall, TX 78671
830-644-2681
Bell Mountain
Began as a part-time affair in 1976, Robert Oberhelman began dedicating all his time to the vineyard in 1990. In 1986 Bell Mountain (an actual mountain in Texas) was the first region to be sanctioned an official wine growing area (AVA) in Texas. Wines: Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Merlot, and Rosé of Cabernet.
Saturday: 10am–5pm and by appointment
463 Bell Mountain Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-685-3297
Chisholm Trail Winery
Paula K. Williamson began producing wine for the public in 1999. Grapes are planted over 23 acres, and they are in the process of expanding their winery. Wines: White Merlot, Desperado (red table blend), Blanc du Bois, Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Thursday through Monday: Noon–6pm
2367 Usener Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-2675 / 877-990-2675 (toll free)
Comfort Cellars Winery
In addition to making wine, Comfort Cellars also makes organic soaps and and bubble baths. Wines: Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Comfort Blush, White Zinfandel, Comfort Gold, Sweet Rojo, Rasin wine (dessert), Orange Chardonnay (dessert), and Jalapeño wine (cooking, marinating).
Sunday and Monday: Noon–5pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: Noon–6pm
Thursday through Saturday: 11am–5pm
723 Front Street
Comfort, TX 78013
830-995-3274
Dry Comal Creek
Since 1998 the grapes at Dry Comal Creek have been raised and tended with a hands-on philosophy — an old world, labor intensive approach. While most of the wines are made from estate grapes, some blended wines are supplemented with grapes sourced from elsewhere. Wines: White Port, Port, Orange Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, French Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, and Red VI (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Norton).
Daily: Noon–5pm
1741 Herbelin Road
New Braunfels, TX 78132
830-885-4076
Fawncrest Vineyard
Wayne and Patty McNeil started this family run vineyard in 1998. Because of heavy rains and late freezes, some of their wines are blended with imported grapes to supplement estate grapes. Wines: Meritage (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.
Saturday: Noon–6pm
Sunday: Noon–4pm
1370 Westside Circle
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
830-935-2407
Fredericksburg Winery
Fredericksburg Winery has been around since 1978. It’s run by the three Switzer brothers: Cord, Jene, and Bert — along with their wives, nieces and nephews, and Oma, the Switzers’ mother. Their philosophy is especially concerned with issues of quality, independence, and history. Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Orange Muscat, Syrah, and Late Harvest Muscat Hamburg.
Monday through Thursday: 10am–5:30pm
Friday through Saturday: 10am–7:30pm
Sunday: Noon–5pm
247 West Main Street
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-8747
Grape Creek Vineyard
Grape Creek has been making wine since 1989. They also have a bed and breakfast on the grounds. Wines: Fume Blanc, Petite Rouge (Sangiovese, Merlot, and Semillon), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet trois (Cabernet Sauvignon, Ruby Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot), and Bellissimo! (Merlot, Sangiovesse, and Cabernet Sauvignon).
Monday through Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: Noon–5 pm
97 Vineyard Lane
Stonewall, TX 78671
830-644-2710
McReynolds Wines
Mac and Maureen McReynolds have been making wine since 1989, but it wasn’t until 2000 that they started making wine for the public. Though they currently import their grapes from other growers in Texas, they planted vines not long ago and hope to be using estate grown grapes in a few years. Wines: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé of Chenin (blend), and Cabernet Sauvignon High Plains.
Saturdays and Sundays: Noon–5pm
706 Shovel Mountain Rd
Cypress Mill, TX 78663
830-825-3544
Singing Water Vineyards
Wines: Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend (55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon), Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sweet Lupe (semi-sweet merlot).
Friday through Sunday: Noon–5pm
316 Mill Dam Road
Comfort, TX 78013
830-995-2246
Sister Creek Vineyards
Housed in a restored cotton gin dating back to the 1880s, Sister Creek has been making wine since 1988 — they use minimal filtration and barrel aging techniques to ensure maximum flavor. Wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat Canelli.
Monday through Friday: 10am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–5:30pm
Sunday: Noon–5:30pm
1142 Sisterdale Road
Sisterdale, TX 78006
830-324-6704
Spicewood Vineyards
Edward and Madeleine Manigold started making commercial wine in 1995. They’ve been expanding ever since. They employ handcrafted methods from harvest to bottling. All their grapes are estate grown. In addition to wine, they offer a number of event/party solutions. Wines: Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Holiday Blush, and Bluebonnet Blush.
Friday and Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: Noon–5pm
1419 Burnet County Road 409
Spicewood, TX 78669
830-693-5328
Texas Hills Vineyard
You’ll find Texas Hills Vineyard on the road to Pedernales Falls State Park. The vineyard is family run by Gary & Kathy Gilstrap, and son Dale Rassett. Wines: Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Monday through Thursday: 10am–5pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: 12–5pm
878 RM 2766
Johnson City, TX 78636
830-868-2321
Torre Di Pietra
Ken Maxwell is a fourth generation vintner. Ken and his family only recently began producing wine for the public, though they’d been making wine for themselves and friends for some time. Wines: Gewurztraminer, Carignane, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Mourvedre, Parada, Petite Syrah, Port, and Sangiovese.
Sunday through Thursday: 10am–6pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am–7pm
10915 E 290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-644-2829
Woodrose Winery
In 2005 Mike Guilette took over Woodrose, which has been producing wine since 2001. They have been increasing in production each year since Guilette took over the five acres; Guilette is expanding the vineyard to cover more of the twenty-four acre estate. They offer a relaxed intimate environment to taste and enjoy the wines. Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Monday through Friday: 11am–6pm
Sath
Tursday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: Noon–6pm
662 Woodrose Lane
Stonewall, TX 78671
830-644-2539
(325) Vineyards and Wineries
Alamosa wine Cellars
Jim and Karen Johnson run Alamosa. They made their first commercial wines in 1999. Their philosophy favors blends made in the field and/or fermented together. Some of their wines are blended from imported grapes, while others are estate grown. Wines: Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Rosé, Tempranillo, and Port.
Friday and Saturday:
10am–5pm
Sunday: 12 noon–5pm
677 County Road 430
Bend, TX 76824
325-628-3313
Fall Creek Vineyards
Established by Susan and Ed Auler in 1975, Fall Creek combines European and Californian styles of wine making. Lake Buchanan provides the grapes with a fairly temperate climate and loamy soil. Wines: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Semillon, Johannisberg Riesling, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Viognier, and Malbec.
Monday through Friday: 11am–4pm
Saturday: 11am–5pm
Sunday : Noon–4pm
1820 County Rd. 222
Tow, TX 78672
325-379-5361
Lost Creek Vineyard
David Brinkman grows his grapes on a particularly lush swath of central Texas land that sustains a complex ecosystem owing to the creek — grapes, fowl, and butterflies. Wines: Buddy’s Blend (Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz), Merlot, Chardonnay, and Blanc du Bois.
Monday through Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: Noon to 5pm
1129 RM 2233
Sunrise Beach, TX
325-388-3753
Comments
What I love about scientific research is that it is proving over and over that one glass of wine a day (two for guys, lucky!!) has great health benefits. Yippee!
What is not commonly known is that one of the health benefits of wine, a substance called resveratrol, is actually a great help in the prevention of breast cancer. It helps reduce toxic effects of substances in your environment that predispose toward cancer tumor formation. It also helps make estrogen less harmful to breast tissues. Cool, huh?
One thing to know is that resveratrol is contained in the skins of the grapes. It is basically a byproduct that is not used by the wine industry, per say. Some gets into the wine anyway. It is thought that the wine industry may soon start getting into the resveratrol business, too since it is such a beneficial molecule.
The best way to get resveratrol, if wanting to drink wine, is through red, organic wine. Pinot Noir is actually one of the highest holders of resveratrol. It seems that the colder, wetter the environment for the grapes during harvest, the better amounts of resveratrol.
Anyway, interesting stuff…
I work with a lot of women in my naturopathic medical office and I am telling most of them that one glass of red wine is suitable for most women. Of course, asking your doctor is always adviseable in case of drug interactions, etc.
Salud!!
Jeanne Galloway, ND
AustinsNaturalDoctor.com
Austin, TX
We were wondering if any of these places were hiring and where we might apply, this is for someone with an engineering degree and 10+ years of experience in the winemaking industry.