The Best Wineries in Austin, Texas

Take a leisurely drive on US 290 W from Lake Travis, and the scenery quickly opens to vast grasslands and gently undulating hills. Welcome to the Texas Hill Country! Known for its alluring landscape, quaint towns, and romantic vineyards, Texas Hill Country is home to some of the best wineries in and around Austin, Texas. With over 60 stunning wineries spread across the region and tasting events and lively festivals happening throughout the year, Texas Hill Country is the perfect place to sip and savor, drink, and dream.  

History of wine-making in Texas 

Did you know that the country’s first vineyard was established in Texas? In fact, wine-making in Texas can be traced back to the mid-17th century, a solid century before the first vineyards in California were established. Today, out of the eight American Viticulture Areas or AVAs in Texas, Hill Country, spread across 14,000 square miles, is the largest. The region’s mostly temperature climate aids in producing nationally and internationally awarded Chardonnays, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbecs, and more! 

The Lake Travis Advantage  

With a 64-mile coastline and a never-ending list of outdoor activities, Lake Travis is a destination in its own right. But what adds to its appeal is that some of the best wineries in the Austin region are almost in your backyard. Its proximity to some of the most picturesque vineyards allows you to sample award-winning wines and fine cuisine in picturesque surroundings. Throw in weekends with live music and one-of-a-kind culinary events and festivals, and you have a calendar that is as enriching as it is entertaining.  

Top Wineries Near Lake Travis 

Spicewood Vineyards: Located less than an hour from Lake Travis, Spicewood Vineyards is one of the biggest vineyards in Hill Country and one of the best wineries in Austin. Go on a self-guided tour of their 28-acre property and pick from one of two tasting menus to sample their Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernets, and other wine varieties. Pack a lunch or savor their charcuterie board and enjoy a delightful day amid beautiful surroundings at this kid and pet-friendly vineyard.  

Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard: Located a stone’s throw from Lakeside Tessera, the Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard goes beyond the ordinary and offers couples and families a full day of wining, dining, and fun. Sign up for their Winemaker Tasting event, perfect for those who want an insight into what goes into crafting a bottle of wine. Take a walk through the gorgeous vineyards while enjoying an 18-hole game of disc golf. Rest your legs and relish a wholesome farm-to-table lunch at their full-service restaurant, or enjoy the winery’s award-winning reds, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with light bites and live music at the outdoor pavilion.  

Call out – The best time to visit the Texas Hill Country is during the spring months from March to May when the region is a riot of colors as wildflowers bloom across the hills and grasslands.  

Stone House Vineyard: Sitting on top of a bluff overlooking Lake Travis, Stonehouse Vineyard, located less than an hour from Lakeside at Tessera, provides an idyllic getaway for couples and wine aficionados. A family-owned setup, Stone House Vineyard prides itself on its small-batch, handcrafted wines. Go for an hour-long Vineyard Tasting session of five winemaker-selected wines or attend an engaging and informative Grand Cru Tasting session, which includes five specially selected wines paired with savory bites.  

Exploring Further 

Exceptional vineyards and memorable experiences can be in and around Austin. Reserve a tasting session at Becker Vineyards, located in Fredericksburg and known for their award-winning Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhone-style wines. You can also choose to go on a behind-the-scenes tour that takes you to their production facility, which includes tank and barrel sampling. If you are looking for a side of spectacular scenery with your glass of wine, enter the Driftwood Estate Winery as your destination on Google Maps. Discover flavorful Spanish and Rhone-style wines and an atmospheric underground wine-making cellar at Pedernales Cellars. Alternatively, you can sample delicious Syrahs and Orange Muscats while watching Texas longhorns graze at Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery.  

Call out—The 290 Wine Shuttle, which starts from Fredericksburg, is a fabulous way to visit Texas Wine Country. The shuttle offers different services from Friday to Sunday, with a popular hop-on hop-off service on Saturdays. With pickups from and drops to 15 distilleries every 15 minutes, it’s a great way to experience the wide variety of Texas wines.  

Planning Your Wine-Tasting Adventure At the Best Wineries in Austin 

Tips for a Successful Trip: 

• It is best to make reservations for wine-tasting sessions. This is particularly relevant if you are visiting in a big group. 

• Call ahead to learn about the different types of tours and tasting sessions offered so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.  

• Many wineries hold special weekly or monthly events; research before firming up your travel plans. 

• Minimum age restrictions vary by winery. Some are family-friendly, while others are open only to those 21 years or older.  

• Consume alcohol responsibly. If you are traveling as a group, decide on a designated driver before the tour begins.  

Get ready to experience ‘la dolce vita’ when you live at one of the fabulous homes at the Lakeside at Tessera. With easy access to the best wineries in Austin, Texas, gourmet culinary options, and an exciting calendar of events and festivals year-round, there is never a dull moment when you decide to call Lake Travis home.  

Explore all that the region has to offer! Get an insight into life at Lakeside here and take the first step towards calling Lakeside your home and contact us here.