Plan Your Perfect Hill Country Trip
Discover the hidden gems of the Texas Hill Country while visiting our wineries — a list of our preferred vendors, local stays, and restaurants.
Explore Our Preferred Wine Tours
Texas wine lovers, pull up a chair, and let’s toast to the delightful escapades that await you! Here are our go-to wine tour partners for exploring the Hill Country:
- Hill Country Wine Tours — expansive knowledge and robust tastings of our local grapes.
- Cellar Rat Wine Tours — an intimate tour with a friendly touch, with stops at family-run wineries.
- George’s 290 Wine Shuttle — a custom, private tour that picks you up in Fredericksburg and takes you to 3 wineries in the area.
- Reserve Tours — custom wine and brew tours, and a great pick for a larger group.
- 830 Elevated Wine Tours — another trusted local favorite for touring the wine trail in style.
Chris's Favorite Hill Country Wineries
Our founder Chris Brundrett has spent years getting to know the winemakers up and down the trail. Here’s where he sends guests looking for outstanding wine and an unforgettable experience:
- Calais Winery — French-owned, with beautifully crafted wines.
- Adega Vinho — Portuguese and Spanish varieties, with lunch served most days.
- Ab Astris Winery — laid-back and easygoing, with great wine.
- French Connection Wines — a Rhône-focused house with some of the best sunset views in the Hill Country.
- Elisa Christopher Wines — bubbles poured in the tiniest (and cutest) tasting room around.
- Texas Heritage Vineyard — good folks, good wine.
- Ron Yates — a lively, welcoming stop with generous pours.
- Lost Draw Wines — laid-back and easygoing, with consistently solid wines.
- Michael Ros Winery — striking architecture paired with standout wines.
- Kalasi Cellars — don’t miss their higher-end tasting line.
Savor the Delectable Dishes of the Hill Country
Our founder, Chris Brundrett, knows the Hill Country’s best bites better than anyone. Here’s where he sends guests looking for a great meal or a fun night out between wineries:
- The Saloon — a great bar in the front of the Albert Hotel.
- Six Twists Sparkling — a bubble house with a few cool spots to eat and drink in the same compound.
- Cabernet Grill — the best Texas wine list in the Hill Country, with steaks that don’t disappoint.
- Eaker Barbecue — top-50 BBQ in Texas; get there early for lunch.
- Hill & Vine — a great spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- El Quincho — a locals-only hangout with great food and an even better wine list.
- Prometheus Pizza Trattoria — our favorite pizza and a fun, natural-wine-forward list; also has a food truck location.
- Alla Campagna — nice Italian food and a good wine list.
- Caliche Coffee — the best coffee and a light breakfast.
- Junebug’s BBQ — great BBQ with live music some evenings.
- Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse — a fun night out for beers and live music.
- Maggie’s at the Emigrant Hotel — a real chill 1930s-style speakeasy in the basement of the Emigrant Boutique Hotel, with great cocktails. Open Thursday through Saturday evenings.
- Pecan Street Brewing — grab lunch or a beer with our winemakers in Johnson City.
Rest Up at These Homely Havens
There are numerous amazing lodging options in the Hill Country, from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and delightful country cottages. Here is a list of homely havens to recharge after a day of wine tasting!
- Hill Country Guest Houses at Hacienda Amor
An idyllic retreat minutes away from Lost Draw and William Chris Vineyards. Home of Hill Country Wine Tours, it offers four barndominiums, each with two king-sized bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living area, and a private patio for up to four VIP guests, spread across a serene 12-acre ranchette — ideal for couples or a group of up to sixteen. - Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
A full resort experience in the heart of the Hill Country, with a spa, winery, and villas — our newest recommendation for guests looking to extend their wine country escape. Ask our concierge team about William Chris guest perks. - Wrenwood Ranch
A home-away-from-home where rustic meets luxury. William Chris Wine Club Members enjoy exclusive discounts: 10% off a 2-night stay w/ code “WC10”, 15% off a 3-night stay w/ code “WC15”, 20% off a 4-night stay w/ code “WC20”. - Albert Hotel
A landmark stay in downtown Fredericksburg, home to The Saloon and Junebug’s BBQ — an easy walk to Main Street and a great spot for a nightcap after a day on the wine trail. - Howdy Chill at Howdy Hill
A relaxed Hill Country retreat just 10 minutes from William Chris Vineyards. Book directly on Airbnb.
More From William Chris Wine Co.
While you’re in the Hill Country, make time for our sister brands — just down the road and worth the trip.
Rebecca Caroline
Our traditional-method sparkling wine brand, pouring some of the first Texas-made sparkling wines. The tasting room sits in the historic Hye Post Office — a charming stop for bubbles just down the road.
Uplift Vineyard
Our estate winery in Burnet, Texas, set among rolling vineyard rows with sweeping Hill Country views. Stop by for a tasting on the patio and see where time raised the land.
Let Our Concierge Team Help
Still have questions about your next visit to the Hill Country? Our concierge team would love to help — give them a call at 830-998-7654. Looking for more Hill Country restaurants that serve William Chris wines, or a local spot near you? Our Wine Locator map will reveal where you can find our Texas wines.