Visit William Chris Vineyards in Hye
The winery sits on Highway 290 in Hye, between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, on the vineyard where William Chris started making wine in 2008. Come for a guided tasting, a glass on the porch, or lunch with the Hill Country in front of you. Every wine is grown in Texas.
Wine Tasting in the Texas Hill Country
Hye is a one-blink town on the road between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, and the winery is the reason most people stop. Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett planted here and opened the doors in 2008 with the idea that Texas could grow wine worth putting on any table in the world.
Every tasting is hosted by a wine ambassador who walks you through the current wines and the vineyards they came from. Stand at the bar for the Winemaker’s Tasting, or sit down in the Oak Room for something longer. Either way, there is a porch, a lawn, and a view that does most of the talking.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially Friday through Sunday. If you don’t see a time that works, call 830.998.7654 and the concierge will help.
Pick Your Experience
The Winemaker's Tasting
A 45-minute standing tasting at the bar, guided by one of our ambassadors, with the Hill Country out the window. $30 per person, up to six guests. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Thursday, pending availability.
Elevated Wine Tasting
A seated, 75-minute tasting in the Oak Room: five pours chosen to show the depth and age-worthiness of Texas wine, with a charcuterie board or focaccia available to add. Thursday through Sunday, $40 per person, up to six guests.
The Chef's Table
Ninety minutes, five wines, each paired with a housemade bite so you can taste the wine before and after. Wednesday through Sunday, $95 per person with a member rate, up to six guests. Book at least a day ahead.
Hungry? The Farmhouse Bistro serves seasonal dishes from our kitchen, no reservation needed. Groups of seven or more can book the Winemaker’s Large Group Tasting. Hye Society members have their own member tasting and lounge. See all experiences.
On Highway 290 in Hye
10352 US Highway 290
Hye, Texas 78635
On the north side of 290, between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. Look for the sign and the long drive up to the tasting room.
From Fredericksburg: about 20 minutes east on 290.
From Johnson City: about 10 minutes west on 290.
From Austin: about an hour west. Take 290 through Dripping Springs and Johnson City.
From San Antonio: about an hour and fifteen minutes. Take 281 north to Johnson City, then 290 west.
Rebecca Caroline, our sparkling house, is directly across the highway in the old Hye Post Office. Our downtown tasting room is 20 minutes away at 101 E. Main in Fredericksburg.
Tasting Room Hours
| Sunday – Wednesday | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Thursday – Saturday | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |
Last tasting reservations are at 4:30 p.m. Hours shift on holidays and release weekends, so check before a special trip. Questions: 830.998.7654 or info@williamchriswines.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
We recommend one, especially Friday through Sunday. Walk-ins for the Winemaker's Tasting are welcome Monday through Thursday, pending availability. Book online or call 830.998.7654.
How far is the winery from Fredericksburg?
About 20 minutes east on Highway 290. Johnson City is about 10 minutes west. From Austin, plan on an hour.
Is this the same place as the Fredericksburg tasting room?
No. Hye is the winery and vineyard, with guided tastings and a view. Our downtown room at 101 E. Main in Fredericksburg is a walk-in bar for a glass, a bottle or a short tasting.
Is there food?
Yes. The Farmhouse Bistro serves a rotating menu of seasonal dishes from our in-house culinary team, made to go with the wines. No reservation needed. Walk up, order, and eat on the porch or lawn before or after your tasting. For a full sit-down pairing, book the Chef's Table.
Can you take a large group?
Groups of seven or more should book the Winemaker's Large Group Tasting. For private events, use the private events form and our team will reach out.
What is across the street?
Rebecca Caroline, our traditional-method sparkling house, pours in the historic Hye Post Office directly across Highway 290. Easy to do both in an afternoon.
Are the wines really all from Texas?
Yes. Every William Chris wine is made from grapes grown in Texas, most of them from the Hill Country and the High Plains.
Downtown Fredericksburg
Staying in town? Our tasting room at Main and Adams pours the same wines inside an 1874 limestone building. Walk in, no reservation.