Wineries are popping up everywhere in the Texas Hill Country, but especially along Highway 290, nicknamed “Wine Road 290”. The best way to explore the top tasting rooms and wineries near Fredericksburg is to let someone else do all the driving, hop on a local tour like the Texas Wine Tours.
With a knowledgeable local wine guide at the wheel they can pick you up at your lodge and coordinate all the stops on the weekend or during the week. These comfortable coaches have ample leg room with captain chairs, favorite tunes and storage for the wine you will buy. Gather your friends, family, or let it be an anniversary gift for two to relax and enjoy an elegant fun way to tour Texas wineries. Here are some places that I visited with my husband to celebrate our ten year anniversary.
Texas Heritage Vineyard Tasting Room
Opened in May 2018, Jessica Allen manages the tasting room at 3245 E US Hwy 290. This southern charmer has inviting knowledgeable staff that offers award winning wines like the Alicante Bouschet, Stella Solitaria, Tannat, Troubadour’s Edge, Valor, Albarino, Malvasia Bianca and the Trebbiano. Sip and savor right on the patio to treasure the peaceful views of the Texas hill country. This gem is also a local favorite for live music entertainment on Fridays and Sundays.
Rhinory
Sip wine right across from Blake the resident rhino! This winery has a rhino reserve on 55 acres that backs up to the Pedernales River with a creek that winds the property where the wildlife drinks. The rhino pen is designed so that guests can have a good look and enjoy the natural beauty of this winery. In 2016, the family visited South Africa while they were on a safari where two rhinos were poached nearby. This sparked their passion for rhino conservation by importing rhinos into Texas where they would be safe on a private reserve. By combining a winery that would provide the land and sales of the wine it would help further rhino conservation. Winery located at: 13112 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
Texas Wine Collective
Expand your Texas wine collection when you visit this modern farm style estate where three unique wineries showcase a best in class experience. This venue has an open spacious layout with a variety of seating indoor, outdoor and a private boardroom. Serving a wide range of delicious wines to taste and learn about the Texas wine industry. Try Lost Oak Winery Dolce Rouge NV, McPherson Reserve Roussane 2021, Brennan Vineyards Protectors of the Republic Reserve 2019, Lost Oak Sweet Duet NV, La Diosa Sangria NV, or Brennan Vineyards Winemakers Choice VII NV. Located at 10354 E US Hwy 290.
Wine is not the only draw in Fredericksburg. It is also a great American art destination for the novice collector, the advanced collector or anyone who is looking for fine works of art. Visit these fine galleries in historic buildings in the Arts & Entertainment District.
Charles Morin Fine Art Gallery
The gallery displays over 250 works of vintage Texas and Santa Fe art. See great artworks by Gerald Harvey Jones (G. Harvey) and Porfirio Salinas, as well as a group of Texas landscape artists. Many of the artists works are framed with quality craftsmanship that enhances these period pieces. Located at 244 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
InSight Gallery
This beautifully restored 12,000 square foot limestone building that originally dates to 1907 is uniquely designed with windows in the floor and the lower level basement that adds to the allure of the creative space. Find landscape, figurative, impressionistic, still life, wildlife, and Western art that is worth visiting in person. Almost every nook, wall and corner is covered with exceptional, varied techniques and unique styles from nationally recognized and award winning artists, both living and passed. In addition to the paintings you will find a notable inventory of sculptures. Located at 214 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
Good Art Company
The perfect spot to find a conversation piece or display something personal that has a beautiful meaning. The masterpieces in this gallery are by a diverse group of artists from Texas, Canada, Spain, Italy, and France that are challenging the boundaries of art. Find contemporary pieces, works with vivid color palettes, Pointillism, Baroque Art inspirations and realism. The visual details and imagination will ignite your appreciation. Located at 218 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.
This article and many of the photos published in the March/April 2023 Issue of Forney Living, Little Elm Living and Prosper Living community magazine!
Photo Cover Credit: Hailee Davis | Texas Wine Tour Bus
