Deciding how to spend one day in Texas Hill Country? You’re sure to find something for everyone in this list: wineries, towns, bbq, antiquing, and more.
When we booked our trip to Austin Texas, I had no idea what to expect outside the city. After doing some research I realized that Texas Hill Country Austin is just 20 minutes from the city center and is almost the complete opposite experience of the Austin city. Not only in it’s aesthetic, but in it’s experiences too. In the short amount of time we were in Austin, we decided to take a road trip and dedicate one day in Texas Hill Country to its many wineries and BBQs. Yes, wineries–you heard that right!
The first question you are undoubtedly asking yourself is: Does Texas have wineries?
Many don’t know that just outside of Austin lie numerous wineries. In fact, the Texas Hill Country area is nicknamed the ‘Napa Valley‘ of Texas. Texas’ year-round warm climate makes it ideal for growing it’s own grapes mixed together with some from Italy and Southern France. Hill Country is about 900 feet in elevation and receives only 7-10 days of winter per year. In turn this makes the wines in this region more acidic and have a lighter color. In contrast, the high plains in the northwest receive about 2 months of winter. So you’ll notice their wines are darker in color and fruitier. There are over 100 wineries in the Texas Hill Country area dotted around various towns…that’s enough wineries to fill up an entire week.
Where to stay in hill country? Where is Texas Hill Country?
If you’re looking to make a whole weekend road trip out of it, you should stay at The Wayback Austin when in Texas Hill Country. It’s location is the ideal spot for an urban and suburban weekend road trip. The boutique hotel is made up of 8 cottages and is located right outside the city of Austin. For some context, Austin is technically part of hill country. Texas Hill Country begins in the north and ends at the Balcones Escarpment in the south and stretches out to the Edwards Plateau in the west.
Unfortunately, the day Pat and I decided to explore Texas Hill Country is the day the epic Texas Freeze of 2021 began from Winter Storm Uria. The roads were not icy just yet, but the temperature was below zero and the ice was going to be rolling in later in the afternoon. So while we had a nice long drive planned, we kept it short and got home just in time before the freeze began. I wanted one day in Texas Hill Country wineries and BBQ places and I was going to get it no matter what!
Most of our recommendations came from The Wayback owner Sydney and her husband, who Pat and I happened to meet during breakfast that morning. They were so gracious that they took time out of their morning to map out a list of local things to do in the area, including their favorite wineries, places to explore in Texas Hill Country, Austin, and more. On a sunny day, there is a lot to do in one day in Texas Hill Country. The list spans everything from vineyards, hikes, breweries, olive oil tastings, apiaries, farms, cideries, shopping, spas, art galleries, alongside various food stops. Winter Storm Uria was trying to stop us, but we made the most of what we could.
1. Spicewood Vineyards
Why stop at Spicewood Vineyards? Price, quality, and service.
Our first stop was Spicewood Vineyards. Spicewood Vineyards is a little bit out of the way from the other wineries in Hill Country, but it was the closest one to us so we decided to head here first. We passed a few cows and reached the end of a dirt road, where we found a winery with a few patio chairs outside overlooking the vineyards. We headed inside and decided we would do a 6 flight wine tasting here for a few hours. First, because they had a wide selection. And second, because it was only $15 per person! Our flight included a mix of local Texas Hill Country wines mixed with a few French or Italian grapes.
My favorite wines:
Out of the 6, my 3 favorite wines were: The Good Guy from Texas Hill Country, Tandem from the High Plains, and Tempranillo from the High Plains. Although I will say, the 2016 Syrah almost made the list just because of it’s very specific wine pairing recommendation which made us giggle: best enjoyed with chimichurri flank steak or blackberry cobbler a’ la mode. The Good Guy was my favorite because of the story behind the name. The grandson of the owner couldn’t pronounce the word grandpa growing up, so would just call his pop “the good guy.” That’s how this wine got it’s name.
The Highlight of Our Experience: Aside from the amazing wine, we spent a good hour and a half in good company chit chatting with the staff. Pat and I also became entranced by the extreme sports that were playing on TV that we had never heard of like Ice Gladiator Speedway to name one of them. It’s a motorcycle race on frozen surfaces. Quite fitting to watch if you ask me given that the Texas Freeze was just about to hit us…!
2. It’s All Good BBQ
Apparently, you can’t go wrong with any BBQ joint you choose in Austin. Locals say they are all good and it’s up for constant debate which one might be better than the other. On our way back from Spicewood Vineyard, we stopped by It’s All Good BBQ, one of the many in the running for best BBQ. Verdict: It was delicious. We got their award-winning brisket lean and moist.
3. Duchman Family Winery
Location: Driftwood, TX
Known for: 100% Texas grapes and wines, tasting and vineyard views
4. Eat at Salt Lick BBQ
Driftwood is known because it’s the OG spot of the famous Salt Lick BBQ, also known as one of the best BBQ joints in Austin. It’s so renowned, they opened up a second location at the Austin airport. But you really want to visit this Driftwood location because it’s an experience in and of itself. They have a huge open firepit where they have bangers and sausages roasting over the open flame, various bbq meats and sauces, communal picnic tables to eat out on, and live music. It’s a scene you won’t want to miss! Because of Winter Storm Uria, Salt Lick was closed when we visited. But we had the opportunity to eat their famous brisket when at the airport and it was amazing, even in the airport.
5. Visit the town of Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is one of the few towns in the area where you can get lost for an hour or two. Here are all the things I wanted to do…but didn’t get to because of Winter Storm Uria:
6. William Chris Vineyards
Location: Hye, TX
Known for: Wine tasting availably by reservation only. But it’s a great place to enjoy some 100% Texas grown wine. The estate is beautiful.
Pictures of vineyards during the Texas Freeze of 2021 
Pictures of vineyards during the Texas Freeze of 2021 Pictures of vineyards during the Texas Freeze of 2021 Pictures of vineyards during the Texas Freeze of 2021
7. Becker Vineyards
Location: Stonewall, TX
Known for: Lavender Fest, tastings, picnic area, veranda and outdoor pavilion. Come during lavender season in May.
8. Visit Luckenback Texas General Store
The store is legendary and is both a souvenir shop and saloon 1800s trading post.
9. Wedding Oak Winery at Wildseed Farm
Location: Fredricksburg, TX
Known for: 100% Texas wine grapes overlooking wildflowers. Wildflower sightings typically start in March.
10. If you’re into art, visit the town of Wimberley
If you’re looking to head a bit further south, stop by Wimberley known for it’s many art galleries:
11. Antique in the historical town of Gruene
Gruene is listed on the national register of historic places.
>> Next: What Locals Do In Austin: The Wayback Guide
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