The 19th-century German settlers who landed in the Pedernales Valley region of Texas Hill Country left two lasting traditions. A rich agricultural heritage and a spirit of being “fun-loving, and hardworking. Two traits that go well with making wine!
Fredericksburg is nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country and it’s currently undergoing a renaissance. It has made wine commercially for 40 or so years and there are now plenty of wineries that serve up the fruits of local labour.
How Many Wineries Are There In Fredericksburg?
While Texas is much bigger than France, the American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) are still get lumped together as Texas. The Texas High Plains are much farther away from Texas Hill Country than Bordeaux is to Burgundy. Some grapes far do better in the High Plains, while others appreciate the hotter climate in the Hill Country.
The Texas Hill Country has over 100 Fredericksburg wineries and vineyards. This is because Fredericksburg is the epicentre of Texas Wine Country. There are a lot more than 50 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms that are located in Fredericksburg’s Gillespie County. This is not to mention dozens more wineries located within an hour or two drive.
Texas wineries in the state’s wine country have been producing award-winning wines that have earned honours around the world. The best wineries in Fredericksburg TX date back to the original settlers who used the native mustang grape in order to produce wines.
Pedernales Cellars -The Most Popular Winery In Fredericksburg
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A number of kilometres off the main drag, Pedernales Cellars is situated on almost 145 acres of sprawling Hill Country beauty. Its situation provides phenomenal views from the deck which is adjacent to the tasting room where you can relax with your favourite glass of wine on a sunny day. This winery also allows for a lot of room for the vineyards and their state-of-the-art production area based around limestone insulation and a geothermal cooling system.
Pedernales Cellars had its beginnings around 30 years ago in a grape-growing business that was started by Larry and Jeanine Kuhlken. They planted a vineyard near Fredericksburg. Over 10 years later, the couple’s two children and their spouses purchased the sprawling property in Stonewall which officially opened as Pedernales Cellars in 2008.
At the moment, the winery is known for its Spanish and Rhone-style wines and its commitment to Texas fruit. Around half their grapes are grown on the property while others are grown in different areas of Texas.
But it’s not just about locally sourced fruit for Pedernales Cellars. David Kuhlken, who is the winemaker, is committed to making the best wines possible. This is demonstrated by their long list of awards. The winery hosts live music on Saturdays and welcome special events (including cooking demonstrations) during the year.
What Is The Largest Winery In Fredericksburg?
In its rustic-chic tasting room that is situated right on Highway 290, Bingham Family Vineyards highlights its wines from the Texas High Plains. Grown and made solely in Texas, Bingham wines have a heritage of excellence that comes from a family who has farmed in the state for four generations.
On the High Plains near Lubbock, the owner of one of the best wineries in Fredericksburg – Cliff Bingham – grows over 20 varieties of wine grapes. This includes Trebbiano, Viognier, Tempranillo, and Merlot. The farm spans 245 acres.
The large grape-growing operation not only gives grapes to other winemakers but assists Bingham to have one of the broadest estate wine portfolios among the Fredericksburg TX Wineries. Dirt Farmer, which is a bold blend of five red grapes that goes with just about anything, is exceptional.
Bingham Family Vineyards doesn’t have the all-encompassing estate views which you’ll find at some of the nearby vineyards. However it’s an easy stop with lots of great Texas wine options. Charcuterie boards and other snacks are available which complement the wines.
What Is The Oldest Winery In Fredericksburg?
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Fall Creek Vineyards, which was founded in 1975, is the oldest vineyard & winery operation in the Hill Country. This is indeed one of the best wineries in Fredericksburg TX and is at the forefront of the Texas wine industry in demand and accolades for its award-winning wines.
Situated on the northwest shorelines of Lake Buchanan, boat cruises are available to magnificent Fall Creek Falls lake – level permitting. Tasting, tours, picnic facilities with light fare for sale and gift shop offered daily.
Fall Creek is closed between Tuesday and Thursday. On Monday, Friday and it is open between 12pm to 5pm. On Saturdays, this Fredericksburg winery is open from 11am to 5pm.
The winery has facilities for hosting weddings and conferences. There is a restaurant and a picnic site and private tours can be arranged.
What Wine Is Fredericksburg Known For?
The best wineries in Fredericksburg produce a wide variety of wines however it is most known for its Syrah, Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Picpoul, Cinsault and Tempranillo.
How Much Is A Wine Tasting In Fredericksburg?
The answer to this is that it varies from vineyard to vineyard.
However, on average, there are three different wine tastings: regular, reserve and VIP production tours:
- The regular wine tasting includes five wines of your choice from the menu for $20 per person.
- The reserve tasting includes four reserve wines for $25 per person.
- The VIP production tour is 1.5 hours long and includes a regular wine tasting of five wines.
Fredericksburg, Texas, is home to many exceptional wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms. However, the places featured above are some of the best. They showcase the finest wines in the city.
As the number of best wineries in Fredericksburg has grown, ancillary businesses – such as wine tour companies – continue to expand. Visitors can uncover a dozen wine tour and wine shuttle companies in Fredericksburg. Local wine tour companies provide half-day, full-day and custom wine tour options. 290 Wine Shuttle offers weekend shuttle service to and from the best wineries in Ferrisburgh, TX.
Whether you’re after an elegant and majestic establishment so that you can indulge in a luxurious atmosphere or a charming, intimate winery to unwind with good company, any of the Fredericksburg wineries above are well worth checking out.