Is there anything better in life than a drink or two accompanied by pals and great scenery?
We don’t think so. This is why we compiled this list of Wineries and Distilleries around Austin and stretching into the beautiful Hill Country. Whether you enjoy a red, white, or a spirit that's a little stronger, we’ve got you covered with a local producer and, sometimes, a behind-the-scenes tour.
Contributed by Matthew Carlin
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WINERIES
photo via facebook
440 East Saint Elmo Road, A1
The Wine: One of the more recent additions to the greater Central Texas wine community, The Austin Winery does just about everything out of their urban warehouse in South Austin. They offer several varieties for purchase online; you can find everything about them here, but we recommend stopping by and seeing what’s in the vault.
Tastes & Tours: Pick three half-glass pours for $20 and they'll walk you through what you need to know about 'em.
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photo via yelp by s.e.
18059 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX
The Wine: Founded in 1975 - making it one of the oldest wineries in the Hill Country - Fall Creek is located right down the road from the famous Salt Lick Barbecue. If it’s a Chenin Blanc or tempranillo you’re feeling, you can try everything under the Texas sun.
Tastes & Tours: Fall Creek offers one tasting option of 5 hand-selected wines at the Driftwood location for $25, (waived when you join their wine club). You can find additional information on how to book here.
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photo via instagram
307 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX
The Wine: If you’re down to make a short trip to the elegant Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, the reward is worth the effort. Becker Vineyards sits on a beautiful open property that’s perfect for the family. You can enjoy any of their wines from the menu they provide but we suggest the Prairie Rotie, a perfect red blend to start out with.
Tastes & Tours: For $25 per person you can select six of the wines from their tasting list. Charcuterie and cheese plates are available for purchase to go with your tasting. Learn more here.
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photo via yelp by amy d.
Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard24912 Singleton Bend E, Marble Falls, TX
The Wine: Stretching 80 acres of Texas beauty, Flat Creek has everything you want: from quality wine using grapes from all over Texas, to wood-fired pizzas and other delicious snacks. You can get lost in everything they have to offer. Indulge to your heart's content!
Tastes & Tours: Estate wine tastings range from $25-$35 (club discounts apply). Every first and third Saturday, you can attend one of their winemaker tastings for $95, or $85 if you're a club member. You can make a reservation here.
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photo via facebook
2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd, Driftwood, TX
The Wine: Another marvelous staple just outside of Austin, Wimberley is home to one of the most delicious merlots south of the red river. You can join their wine club and enjoy a complimentary wine or tasting for you and a friend, as well as 20% off quarterly shipments, which is a pretty sweet deal!
Tastes & Tours: Wimberley Valley offers your choice of 5 wines for $20. Walk-ins are welcome for groups of 1 to 5; reservations are needed for groups of 6 or more. They highly recommend reservations for all group sizes on Saturdays.
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photo via duchman family winery
13308 Farm to Market 150 Driftwood, TX
The Wine: Founded in 2004 by Lisa and Stan Duchman, the Duchman Family winery uses 100% Texas Grapes to make 100% Texas wine. (No California here!) Visit the oasis that is their property for a day trip or a weekend away.
Tastes & Tours: You can choose to join them for a taste of 6 of their most popular varietals, by the glass or by the bottle. Please note, they accept walk ins for tastings, based on availability, Monday-Thursday and tastings are by reservation only Friday-Sunday. You can also enjoy bottle service outside on their 40+ acres of land.
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DISTILLERIES
photo via yelp by virginia c
2250 E Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX
The Booze: The distillery and tasting room for one of Austin's favorite brands is located just outside of town in Dripping Springs. You can enjoy several craft cocktails or grab a flight of your favorite flavors while hanging out on the patio.
Tastes & Tours: Tastings are available daily with your choice of four flavors. All seating is on a first-come-first-served basis. They recommend getting there early, especially on Saturdays.
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16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
The Booze: If you want a slice of Texas pure and simple, then you need to walk the beautiful property that is Treaty Oak Distilling. With a restaurant and brewery on site, there’s something to love for everyone. Try any of their bourbons or switch it up and go for the Waterloo Gin. This distillery is family and pet-friendly so everyone can enjoy.
Tastes & Tours: Tours are 45 mins and $25 a person. Begin your tour with a complimentary cocktail and explore the Treaty Oak Distillery with a knowledgeable tour guide as you learn about their heritage, history, and what it takes to make craft spirits in Texas.
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photo via yelp by jeff z.
12345 Pauls Valley Rd
The Booze: This small craft distillery serves up some top-notch gin with several coffee-based liqueurs. Stop by during their cocktail hour to try one of Revolution's unique concoctions.
Tastes & Tours: Their tasting room is open Saturdays, offering a free tasting of their main portfolio, as well as simple cocktails and bottles to-go.
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photo via facebook
440 E St Elmo Rd
The Booze: Using only local Texas grains, Still Whiskey makes sure the heart of the Lone Star State shines through in their product. You can try four different whiskeys as well as gin.
Tastes & Tours: Still Austin offers several in-depth tours. You can do a distillery tour and tasting, or book a private tour. All information on how to book your tour is here.
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photo via dripping springs distilling
5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX
The Booze: Quality vodka and artisan gin are the true standouts for this small-batch distillery. Serving Austin and Central Texas since 2007, you can’t go wrong with the Dripping Springs Vodka, especially the Texas Orange flavored vodka paired with just about anything.
Tastes & Tours: Book a tour or tasting through their website and learn how small-batch spirits are made.
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MORE GREAT LOCAL SPIRITS AND WINE:
211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood, TX
1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX
1419 Co Rd 409, Spicewood, TX
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Happy Drinking!
Did we miss your favorite spot?
Holler at [email protected]
