Wineries in Fredericksburg Texas – Hill Country
Texas has become a serious contender in the business of producing wine, and Fredericksburg has become the epicenter of the industry. More than 30 wineries and vineyards dot the area, many of which lie on U.S. Highway 290, or Wine Road 290 as it is quickly becoming known. Named by Orbitz as the second-most visited wine region in the United States, behind Napa Valley, Fredericksburg’s tradition of winemaking actually predates that of California’s.
One of the headlines of the 25th anniversary edition of the Fredericksburg Standard newspaper, printed on March 18, 1937, read “Winery Sells to Wide Area.” The article featured Ludwig Vorauer, who was the manager of Pecan Belt Nursery and owner of The Texas Winery. According to the article, “He manufactures his wine from the choicest grapes and ages it in oak kegs. This pure fine wine of the Hills of Fredericksburg can compete with imported wines.” The article, including a photo of the vineyards, encouraged everyone to visit the vineyards and winery “just five miles out on the Burnet Road.” One has to wonder what Mr. Vorauer would think of the explosive growth of internationally noted wine that has emerged not far from his early vineyard.
Becoming a wine destination takes both time and experimentation. Julie Kuhlken, owner of Pedernales Cellars, explains that when her parents first opened the vineyard in 1995, Texas was not known for fine wine, instead it was known for table wine. Kuhlken said that when her parents opened the vineyard it was an “interesting choice, (but) it wasn’t clear it would go anywhere.” Many wineries and vineyards at the time had to do a lot of testing to find which grape would grow best in the region, and which was best for their wine.
Brian Heath, owner of Grape Creek Vineyards, can relate, saying it “takes so long to see if trial and error really worked.” After wineries began experimenting, Heath and other wine makers have found that warm-weathered grapes work best.
Heath observes that in the past five years, winery owners have worked to create an attractive, diverse and high-quality wine destination here. Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 is an association of area vineyards and wineries, all located along this popular stretch of highway, that collectively markets their products to consumers and each offers tours, wine samplings and pairings, and special events. One local winery owner described Wine Road 290 as being Disney World, where all the wineries and vineyards are just different rides and attractions. For a full calendar of their events and tours, visit www.wineroad290.com.
Visitors can purchase wine by the bottle or glass and many of the wineries offer cozy tasting rooms or scenic outdoor pavilions to sit and enjoy the ambiance, along with a cheese plate.
Arrangements can also be made with one of several companies for a wine tour, including transportation in a luxury coach, limousine or even a helicopter! Packages including wine tasting fees and door-to-door service are offered by the following:
Fredericksburg Limo & Wine Tour
(830) 992-0696
www.fredericksburgtexaslimos.com
George’s 290 Wine Tours
(830) 456-5197
www.290winetours.com
Hill Country Express Tours
(855) 997-2190
www.hillcountryexpresstours.com
Texas Wine Tours
(877) 839-9463
www.texas-wine-tours.com
4.0 Cellars
(830) 997-7470
www.fourpointwine.com
Becker Vineyards and Lavender Farm
(830) 644-2681
www.beckervineyards.com
Chisholm Trail Winery
(830) 990-2675
www.chisholmtrailwinery.com
Fall Creek Vineyards
(325) 379-5361
www.fcv.com
Fiesta Winery Fredericksburg
(830) 307-3328
www.fiestawinery.com
Fredericksburg Winery
(830) 990-8747
www.fbgwinery.com
Grape Creek Vineyards
(830) 644-2710
www.grapecreek.com
Grape Creek Vineyards on Main
(830) 992-3373
www.grapecreek.com
Hilmy Cellars
(830) 644-2482
www.hilmywine.com
Lincoln Street Wine Market
(830) 997-8463
www.lincolnst.com
Messina Hof Hill Country
(830) 990-4653
www.messinahof.com/mhhillcountry/
Singing Water Vineyards
(830) 995-2246
www.singingwatervineyards.com
Texas Hills Vineyard
(830) 868-2321
www.texashillsvineyard.com
Texas Vineyards & Beyond LLC
(830) 990-9199
www.texasvineyardsbeyond.com
Wildseed Farms, Inc.
(830) 990-8080
www.wildseedfarms.com
William Chris Vineyards
(830) 998-7654
www.williamchriswines.com