Planning to tour Hill Country wineries? Leave driving to the pros
Companies roll out the red carpet for tourists looking to endulge in a glass or two of wine
Wine is big business in Texas — at least 430 wineries make their home in the state, with more than 50 in the main artery of the Hill Country’s wine region, which snakes along U.S. 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City.
There are more options than ever for planning an immersive tour of all those vintners. And the best part? You can catch the bus, limo or van from San Antonio. From structured tours to choose-your-own adventures, the following businesses can make sure you sip all the sips and leave the driving to the pros.
ARC’s Wine Plus:
In addition to fully customizable winery tours, this outfit provides trips to regional breweries and distilleries. Tours run $139 per person, with group rates available, and include at least three stops. 210-602-8675 or ArcsWinePlus.com.
Bandit Bus Co.:
This Helotes-based operator specializes in groups of 14-16 and specializes in wineries located along U.S. 290 through the heart of Fredericksburg’s wine country, but it will make runs from Boerne to Austin. Tours are priced at $850 per group and include as many stops as desired. 210-649-9289 or BanditBusCompany.com.
Cottonwood Wine Tours:
Choose one of six tours that range from a single stop to an all-day excursion for $65-$205 per person. This year, Cottonwood has added a private tour option, allowing individuals or groups to book an exclusive tour. 210-488-6867 or CottonwoodWineTours.com.
CTA Worldwide Limos:
If you want to haul the whole office out for a wine-sampling retreat, consider CTA’s charter service with seating for up to 56. They won’t plan the tour, but they will provide transportation in style. Pricing varies depending on vehicle and duration. 210-829-8608 or CTALimo.com.
Line up a ride for your self-guided itinerary in anything from a Cadillac sedan to a stretch SUV to a motorcoach in this fleet of vehicles. Pricing varies depending on vehicle and duration. 210225-5466 or ElegantRide.us.
San Antonio Detours:
This boutique tour company promises a casual, unscripted adventure that will include plenty of games and trivia. They only book private tours, but there’s no minimum participant count and prices start at $70 per person. 210-632-7839 or sanantoniodetours.com.
San Antonio Wine Tours:
This newcomer launched in early 2018 and offers door-todoor pickup and drop off from tour participants’ homes or hotels. All tours are private, with a five-person minimum priced at $129 per person. 210404-7112 or winetourssanantonio.com.
Stone Oak Limousine:
Contact the wine tour specialist to customize a trip that includes limousines fully stocked with glassware. Prices depend on destinations and travel time. 210-683-5035 or StoneOakLimousine.com.