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8 Texas Hill Country Wineries & Vineyards Locals Love

Folks love the Hill Country for its gorgeous views, sparkling rivers, and adorable small towns (usually packed with German-flavored charm)...but our favorite part of Texas also boasts another distinct perk: the meandering Texas Wine Trail.

One of the top-producing wine regions in the country, the Hill Country is peppered with top-notch wineries and vineyards, from vast and iconic to local and family-owned. To help you narrow down a list of places to visit, here’s a cheat sheet to a few of our favorite spots to grab a glass of primo Texas vino!

Image Courtesy of Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

1. Dry Comal Creek Vineyards

1741 Herbelin Rd (New Braunfels)

An award-winning, family-owned winery in the charming town of New Braunfels, Dry Comal Creek Vineyards is considered one of the pioneers in Black Spanish wines, boasting multiple awards and accolades. In their premier tasting room, learn the nuances of your favorite wines, pair them with great food, and get to know the talent behind the bottle. This vineyard also hosts annual events like the Grape Stomp, where you get to take off your shoes and participate in the old school methods of winemaking! (Note: This space is also available for special events and weddings.)

2. Fawncrest Vineyard

1370 West Side Circle (Canyon Lake)

Located in a well-hidden sanctuary overlooking Canyon Lake, Fawncrest Vineyard has been making incredible wine since 1998. The entire winemaking process takes place on-site (with the occasional exception of a few imported grapes). This is a small batch winery (only producing about 400 cases a year) that focuses on Bordeaux style wines and has won awards for its Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Image Courtesy of Wimberley Valley Winery

3. Wimberley Valley Winery

2825 Lone Man Mountain Rd (Wimberley)

Founded in 1983, Wimberley Valley Winery is known for making fine wines that focus on quality and selection. Pouring everything from seasonal wines to the classics, this winery surpasses expectation, bringing forward the best of the wine world with creativity and care.

4. Spicewood Vineyards

1419 Co Rd 409 (Spicewood)

A vineyard and winery combination with serious Hill Country prestige, Spicewood Vineyards stretches out over 32 acres of premium Hill Country landscape, anchored by a 5,000-square-foot winery. Inspired by both the Spanish wines and Texas soil, Spicewood Vineyards makes a killer Tempranillo, Viognier, Grenache, and Syrah, among others. Relax on the patio or visit the Spanish-style barrel room!

Image Courtesy of Sister Creek Vineyards

5. Sister Creek Winery & Vineyards

1142 Sisterdale Rd (Sisterdale)

Sister Creek Vineyards sits in the tiny little Texas town of Sisterdale (population 25!) and has been around since 1988. Sister Creek uses Bordeaux and Burgundy wine techniques to make classic, traditional wines that taste incredible. The sweet nectar is aged in big oak barrels for up to three years, and minimal filtration is utilized to achieve a pure taste. Go in for a tasting and pick up a few bottles!

6. William Chris Vineyard

10352 E US Highway 290 (Hye)

Just down the road from Fredericksburg (located in Hye, TX), William Chris Vineyards is about as quintessentially “Texas Hill Country” as it gets. Besides its semi-rural, utterly scenic location (within a serene farmhouse, no less), William Chris Vineyards utilizes low-impact 100% Texas-grown grapes that fully represent the terroir and growing conditions of the Lone Star State. Be sure to call ahead or make a reservation to visit!

Image Courtesy of Bending Branch Winery

7. Bending Branch Winery

142 Lindner Branch Rd (Comfort)

Hailing from Comfort, TX, Bending Branch Winery produces boutique wines with 14 different grape varieties. This winery specializes in traditional styles of wine, but also branches out into adventurous territory! Try the Tannat, Petite Sirah, Souzao, Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, and Roussanne. (Bending Branch Winery was voted the Best Texas Winery in 2015 and 2016 by the San Antonio Express-News Readers’ Choice Awards!)

8. Duchman Family Winery

13308 FM 150 W. (Driftwood)

Founded in 2004 by husband and wife duo Lisa and Stan Duchman, Duchman Family Winery was created to “bring world-class winemaking to Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country.” And, from what we’ve tasted, they’ve succeeded. This winery is known for utilizing Italian grapes with a Hill Country twist (think: Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto). And, besides their world-class wine game, the Duchman facility was listed by HGTV as one of the 20 most picturesque wineries in the country!

Interested in what life looks like in Texas wine country? To discover where you fit, from farm and ranch to luxury, contact one of our licensed agents! Plus, download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide to discover tips written specifically for the Hill Country buyer.