TEXAS WINERIES HAVE MUCH TO OFFER THE INTREPID TRAVELER.

Growing number of Texas wineries have much to offer the intrepid traveler

With every new visit to the Hill Country, the state’s wines get more impressive. Winemakers are serious and invested, crafting delicious wines with a sense of place. The tasting-room experiences strike a careful balance between informative and just plain fun. Texas wine has arrived — and it’s right here in our backyard.

With vaccination rates going up and that glimmer of light at the end of the pandemic tunnel becoming brighter, those looking for an adventure close to home this summer should consider the Hill Country. The wine region is large, but the 55-mile stretch of U.S. 290 between Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg is where the action is at.

Fredericksburg is often considered the anchor of the Hill Country. Its Main Street is lined with tasting rooms and souvenir shops — it’s touristy, it’s bustling, it’s good fun. But don’t sleep on other towns, especially Johnson City, which has added a new coffee shop and a wine bar. It also offers plenty of antiques and gallery-hopping opportunities, as well as the kid-friendly Science Mill museum. To the west, Hye is more rural and has a high concentration of wineries. Stonewall’s Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park — where you can visit the president’s boyhood home, the Texas White House and his final resting place — provides a nice break from wine tasting.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many wineries are stricter about reservations, which were always recommended anyway during peak times. Make sure to look up the winery’s policy before your visit, as some are still not accepting walk-ins.

Where to taste

Ab Astris Winery

Ab Astris Winery is one of the newest tasting rooms on the scene. The family started making wine in 2015 but didn’t open to the public until August 2018, clearing a small

Photos by Blake Mistich / Contributor The Hill Country wine region is expansive, but the area between Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg offers the best tasting and dining options.

Becker Vineyards has a couple of spaces on-site for private tastings.