BEST FREDERICKSBURG WINERIES

Where German heritage meets Texas hospitality. Just 90 minutes west of Austin is Fredericksburg, Texas –  home to the best  wineries in the Texas Hill Country! The Texas Hill Country is the second most visited wine region in the U.S., with Napa Valley coming in first. 

As you sip and swirl on planning your Fredericksburg visit, I’ve put together a list of the best Fredericksburg wineries and local tips for the perfect girls trip, or couples getaway. 

** This guide has been updated with 2023 information!**

Read on to discover the best Fredericksburg wineries! I’m sharing what to see (and what to skip), where to eat, stay, and sip for the ultimate Fredericksburg, Texas wine country getaway.

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Brief History of Fredericksburg Wineries

In the last 10 years, Texas wines have exploded in popularity thanks to prescient winemakers who experimented in the Texas Hill Country back in the early 2000’s with a variety of different grapes. 

The winemakers discovered that the grapes that thrived the best in the Central Texas climate came from regions similar to Italy and Spain. Fast forward to today, Fredericksburg is famous for having the best wineries in Texas. Texas is now the fifth-largest wine-producing state behind California, Washington, Oregon, and New York.

What type of wine is Fredericksburg famous for? 

The grape varietals of Texas, range from Bordeaux blends to Mediterranean varietals. Varietal refers to the type of grape used in making wine. In Fredericksburg, you’ll see Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Tempranillo wines.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo varietals have the highest number of plantings in Texas.

How many wineries are there in Fredericksburg? 

Fredericksburg has over 50 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms! For a population of slightly over 11,000 people, this quaint Hill Country area draws more than one million visitors each year! 

How Much is a tasting in Fredericksburg? 

A wine tasting in Fredericksburg can range from $20 – $35 depending on what is included in the tasting. For example, if your tasting includes a tour of the production facility or food, those tastings are usually higher in price. 

Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas

Heath Sparkling Wines

Why I Recommend It: Great sparkling wines, beautiful tasting room. 

Tasting Prices: $35 includes four different sparkling wines and seasonal small-bites. Tasting reservations can be made here. 

Pop. Fizz. Clink! Sparkling wine lovers – this winery is for you!  Heath Sparkling Wines exclusively focuses on the production of sparkling wine. Opened in 2019, Heath is the premiere sparkling wine in Fredericksburg. The tasting room is beautiful with large open windows that look out onto their vineyard and the picturesque Hill Country.

Your tasting at Heath Sparkling Wines begins with a brief video that shares interesting details about the production and fermentation process of their sparkling wines. All their grapes are grown and crushed in Texas and bottled in Sonoma, California. Your tasting includes four different sparkling wines – each paired with a seasonal small-bites. 

Barons Creek Vineyard

Why I Recommend It: Comfortable courtyard, great value for their wine tasting, a great option for larger groups

Tasting Prices: $25 for the mixed tasting which includes 5 different types of whites, rosé, and reds. You can make tasting reservations here. 

Barons Creek has a welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful courtyard complete with a gorgeous fountain and fire pits to gather around. Barons Creek is located along the main Highway 290 in Fredericksburg and popular for larger groups. 

The tasting room experience was intimate and away from the crowds – which we enjoyed! I recommend purchasing one of their charcuterie boards to enjoy with your tasting. 

Barons Creek is one of the newest wineries in Fredericksburg. They opened to the public in 2015, and in 2019 they began harvesting their own grapes for production. Currently, most of their grapes come from Texas and Washington, California, and Spain.

Becker Vineyards 

Why I Recommend It: Industry-leading Texas wine, Award-winning Bordeaux, Burgundian, and Rhone-styled wines

Tasting Prices: From $25 for six award-winning wines from their tasting list 

Native Texans will tell you that Becker Vineyards is easily one of the best Fredericksburg wineries.  Their Texas pride runs deep. All their grapes are grown in Texas, and they currently purchase more fruit from independent Texas grape growers than any other winery in Texas. 

From April to early June, guests to Becker Vineyards are welcomed with the smell of lavender! In the late 90’s, Becker Vineyards took inspiration from Provence, France, and planted over 10,000 lavender plants alongside their winery. Depending on the season, you can spot bluebonnets and sunflowers at their vineyard as well.  Have a seat on their patio and taste award-winning wines and gaze over the beautiful flower flowers.

Signor Vineyards 

Why I Recommend It: Beautiful and spacious location, photogenic vineyard, award-winning wines  

Tasting Prices: From $22 includes four different tasting 

The most gorgeous and picturesque of all the Fredericksburg wineries. At Signor Vineyards, you can opt for a wine tasting, or pop open a bottle and sit in an Adirondack chair under beautiful oak trees. It’s one of the best Fredericksburg wineries for ambiance and award-winning wines. 

This boutique family vineyard in the Hill Country, named Texas’ most beautiful winery, will quickly become one of your new favorites! Reservations fill up quickly and can be reserved online here.

What to Do (and skip) in Fredericksburg, Texas! 

Skip: A hop on, hop off wine shuttle 

Try: A private shuttle! A private shuttle is ideal for larger groups with itineraries that can be customized to your exact preferences! It’s the best way to maximize your day and avoid waiting for a shared wine shuttle. All tours come with cold bottles of water, a customized itinerary, and pick-up / drop-off at your preferred location!  True luxury in the Hill Country!

Private shuttle companies in Fredericksburg that I recommend are Texas Tipsy Tours, Absolute Charm Wine Tours, 19th Hole Wine Tours.  

Skip: Only sticking to wine tastings. 

Try: Buying a bottle! Wine Tastings will add up quickly in price(around $17 – $25 a tasting) It’s more economical to purchase a bottle. All of the wineries in Fredericksburg I’ve listed have patio space outside with seating that’s perfect to sip on a bottle of wine. 

Skip: Relaying on the wineries for lunch.

Try: Pack your own picnic! I was shocked at the lack of food options available at the wineries. Plan on having a filling breakfast before your tastings that morning. I highly recommend the Old German Bakery. If you book a private tour, most tours will include the option to purchase a box lunch in advance. 

Unique Places to Stay in Fredericksburg 

Complete your Fredericksburg experience and stay somewhere special! In Fredericksburg you’ll find cozy 1970’s airstreams, quirky cottages, and even a romantic 1940’s inspired airplane hangar! After visiting the best wineries in Fredericksburg these are the perfect places to stay.

Happy Camper AirBnB 

This stylish and cozy fully renovated 1970’s Airstream is one-of-a-kind. The Airstream is located in a quiet area that’s off the beaten path, but you’re still just less than a 5-minute drive to Main Street.  During the evening, the location is perfect for stargazing! 

Your Airstream has all the amenities you’ll need – complete with a comfortable nook and spacious outdoor picnic area with a fire pit. 

During the winter, you have a strong heater – perfect for chilly nights. In the summer months, the A/C will keep your camper nice and cool. This is the perfect AirBnb for two people, ideal for a romantic weekend getaway in Fredericksburg. 

The only downside is the camper doesn’t have WiFi. However, there is plenty of cellular service. 

I loved our experience staying here, and I couldn’t recommend it enough! You can book this camper on AirBnb here.

Hangar Hotel 

The Hangar Hotel pays tribute to Fredericksburg aviation and military history. This one-of-a-kind WWII military hangar is perfect for lovers of aviation! 

Locals and visitors rave about the  onsite bar, The Officer’s Club, inspired by the 1940s and decorated with vintage luggage and other airline memorabilia.

The Hangar Hotel is adjacent to Fredericksburg’s local airport. You can watch private prop planes take-off and land on the second-floor observation deck.

View availability and book the Hangar Hotel here.

Blue Skies Retro Resort 

These colorful retro Shasta trailers look straight out of a postcard! Blue Skies Retro Resort has five of these trailers complete with your own private bathroom, outdoor showers, and covered pavilion with your own patio! 

Guests can enjoy a shared pool, board games, fire pit, and grill. Blue Skies Retro Resort is perfect for the ultimate glamping experience in the heart of the hill country. 

View availability at Blue Skies Retro Resort and book here.

Hoffman Haus 

A bed and breakfast in a renovated historic cabin just steps away from Main Street. Hoffman Haus is the perfect place if you’re looking for a stay that embodies the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Rooms are individually decorated in a rustic Texas style.  A homemade breakfast is delivered to your room daily in a picnic basket.

For the full experience of staying at the Hoffman Haus, ask about one of the cooking classes offered by chef-owner Leslie Washburne.

View the availability of the Hoffman Haus and book here.

The Winchester Lodge 

A mountain-lodge vibe with Texas Hill Country charm. Guests who stay here rave about the amenities that include concierge service, chef-curated breakfast baskets, outdoor fireplace, and pool. 

View availability of the Winchester Lodge and book here.

Best Local Restaurants in Fredericksburg 

Cabernet Grill 

Come here for an unparalleled Texas Hill Country dining experience. Cabernet Grill exclusively serves over 180 different varieties of Texas wine. You must start with their signature “Texas Twinkies” – Bacon wrapped jalapeños stuffed with beer sausage and cheddar! 

Popover Tip: If the weather is nice, they offer outdoor dining in a gorgeous patio and water gardens lit up with fairy lights. You’ll fall in love with the Hill Country all over again!

Old German Bakery & Restaurant 

The Old German Bakery and Restaurant has been family-owned for generations and uses traditional German recipes to make all of their food from scratch. Stop by for lunch for Schnitzel or try the sausage plate for a sampling of bratwurst, knackwurst, and smoked on sauerkraut and German pan fries. Fresh bread is baked daily, so grab a loaf for something to snack on at the best Fredericksburg wineries. 

Otto’s German Bistro

An upscale take on German classics. Otto’s was the first restaurant in Fredericksburg to introduce farm-to-table German cuisine to the Texas Hill Country. Their menu changes seasonally. You won’t have trouble finding a drink to pair with your food thanks to their large selection of wine, cocktails, and craft beers.

Helpful Tips for Fredericksburg, Texas 

When to Visit  

The best time to visit Fredericksburg is Spring between late March – May and between October – December. Fredericksburg is home to over 400 different events and festivals that will help you narrow down when to visit. You can read more about upcoming events here. 

The middle of April is the best for seeing the bluebonnets and wildflowers that line the roadside! The bluebonnet is the Texas State Flower. During peak bloom from mid-March to mid-April, you can come across fields covered in bluebonnets and gorgeous wildflowers! 

If you visit in June during peach season, stop by Burg’s Corner for the best farm fresh peaches, local seasonal fruits, and peach ice cream. 

October is another popular month to visit for foodies with Oktoberfest, BrewFest, and Food and Wine Fest! Fredericksburg is also known as one of the best Christmas destinations to visit in Texas. During December you can see the ​​Lighting of the German Christmas Tree and Light the Night Christmas Parade. 

How Long to Stay 

A Fredericksburg, Texas getaway is best enjoyed in 2-3 days! Three days allows you enough time to explore outside of Fredericksburg and around the Texas Hill Country. If you’re only interested in visiting the best Fredericksburg wineries, you can easily cover the area in around two days. 

You’ll see the most crowds and highest hotel prices on the weekends. If your travel is flexible, the best hotel rates are found Monday – Wednesday! 

Getting There

Fredericksburg is centrally located in Texas. If from Dallas, Fort Worth or Houston it’s around a 4-hour drive to Fredericksburg. Austin and San Antonio are a quick 90-minute drive to Fredericksburg. If you’re coming from outside of Texas, the best two airports to fly into are San Antonio (SAT), or Austin-Bergstrom (AUS). 

Do I Need a Car? 

Yes! You will definitely need a car to visit Fredericksburg. Uber/Lyft are available in Fredericksburg, but we noticed they had very few drivers. If you plan to visit several of the best wineries in Fredericksburg, you’ll need a designated driver, a private shuttle service (more on that below!), or reserve a shared hop on hop off shuttle. 

Fredericksburg Map 

Below you can find a customized map with pinned locations of everything you need to visit in Fredericksburg. 

If you open up this post on your phone and click on the bracket in the upper right corner, it will open in the Google Maps app. This convenient map will save you so much time and help you efficiently plan out all your places to visit in Fredericksburg. 

Final Thoughts on the Best Fredericksburg Wineries 

It’s easy to see why Fredericksburg is ranked as one of the top small towns in Texas. Fredericksburg is the perfect trip for a romantic getaway, or a girl’s weekend! The wineries will draw you in, but you’ll keep coming back for the Texas hospitality. 

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