What’s New + Trending in Texas Wine Country: Winter Edition
Texas Wine Country is booming, and we’re here for it! We’re thrilled to launch our new series, “What’s New + Happening in Texas Wine Country,” your insider’s guide to the ever-evolving and increasingly elevated scene. From exciting new wineries and tasting rooms to must-try restaurants and luxurious stays, we’re here to keep you in the know about the hottest spots and happenings.
FREDERICKSBURG
Augusta Vin Winery: Opened their new tasting room where you can enjoy a variety of tasting experiences—no reservations needed. You can enjoy a tasting at the bar or relax with glass and bottle service on their patio while soaking in the serene views. For a more immersive experience, they have seated tastings designed to let you fully explore their wines. www.augustavin.com
Slate Theory: The buzz is building about their new glass tasting room, with rumors of an opening in the next couple of months. slatetheory.com
Ocotillo Chocolate + Wine Bar: Tucked away in the courtyard at Elk & Main, this new desert-inspired cozy wine bar is redefining wine tasting in Fredericksburg. Their innovative self-pouring station lets you sample rare and premium wines by the glass without the usual hefty price tag. Pair your wine with their artisanal drinking chocolates or espresso for an elevated tasting experience. Best part…they are open late at night. @ocotillowine
STONEWALL
Featherstone Ranch Vineyards: This family-owned winery is quickly becoming a new favorite among Texas wine lovers. Their working ranch offers an unique experience to enjoy their small-batch wines made from grapes grown across Texas, aiming to capture the distinct terroir of each region. You can relax in their spacious indoor and outdoor tasting areas, soak in the panoramic Hill Country views, and even feed their friendly Oreo cows! featherstoneranch.com
Cheers to Texas Wine! Becker Vineyards, Llano Estacado, Pedernales Cellars, Augusta Vin, Kerrville Hills Winery, Bending Branch Winery, Ab Astris Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Adega Vinho, and Elisa Christopher Wines all brought home medals from the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
-New Restaurants-
Casa Chloe: Setting a new standard for authentic Mexican cuisine in Downtown Fredericksburg. This stylish restaurant sets the stage for a memorable lunch or evening with its chic decor, lively atmosphere, and a menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. casachloetx.com
The Traveler Collections: More than just a meal, The Traveler Collections offers a journey for the senses. Immerse yourself in a world where art, mixology, and culinary expertise converge. From the thoughtfully curated decor to the exquisite presentation of each dish, every detail is designed to elevate your dining experience. thetravelercollections.com
Fredericksburg Brunch Co.: Nothing better than a pre-winery brunch. Family-owned Fredericksburg Brunch Co. is the newest hotspot to fuel up before hitting the vineyards. Think crab cakes, the FBG peach salad, steak & eggs and classic brunch fare. fredericksburgbrunchco.com
Mesquite at the Warehouse: Located in the historic Woerner Warehouse, Mesquite at the Warehouse brings elevated Southern cuisine to Fredericksburg. Hunter and Amy Huffman’s new restaurant features fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and slow-roasted meats, with dishes like crab cakes, steak, and grits earning rave reviews. Don’t miss Happy Hour Wed to Sun 3-6pm. mesquiteatthewarehouse.com
-Luxe Stays-
Albert Hotel: Recharge and indulge at the new Albert Hotel on Main Street in Fredericksburg featuring 105 luxe rooms, a full-service spa, pool and bar, plus a diverse culinary lineup including The Restaurant (led by Michael Fojtasek, MICHELIN star recipient & three-times James Beard finalist), The Pharmacy, The Saloon and soon, JuneBugs BBQ. Bunk rooms for up to 8 guests are also available. alberthotel.com
-Venues-
Cross Mountain Vineyards Venue: If you’re planning a Texas Wine Country wedding, you’ll want to check out this newcomer: Cross Mountain Vineyards, located just off 290. This gorgeous venue boasts a rustic-chic event space, 12 luxurious on-site cottages, and 33 acres of breathtaking scenery for weddings, engagement parties or corporate events. crossmountainvenue.com
BOERNE
Three Boerne wineries—DeVino Cellars, Lost Oak Cellars, and Platinum Brix Winery—joined forces to put Boerne on the Texas wine map! These tasting rooms opened up last year to offer distinct experiences, from award-winning wines to live music and food pairings, making Boerne your next wine destination. lostoakwinery.com | devinocellars.com | platinumbrix.com
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Bell Springs Winery & Graveyard Vineyards have teamed up to offer a unique tasting experience. Graveyard Vineyards has relocated to the beautiful Bell Springs Winery property offering tastings of their Paso Robles wines in the white stone house. bellspringswinery.com | graveyardvineyards.com
DRIFTWOOD
Whiskey Ridge: The Cover 3 team has brought their expertise to Driftwood with the opening of Whiskey Ridge. This new restaurant offers a unique dining experience, featuring Texas meats and fresh Gulf Coast seafood cooked over a coal fire grill, complemented by hand-selected whiskeys and craft cocktails. They are located right across from Hays City Store. whiskeyridgetx.com
Mean Eyed Cat: This ain’t your average dive bar. Mean Eyed Cat, an Austin institution, expanded to Driftwood serving up cold brews, live music, and a whole lotta unpretentious Texas charm. meaneyedcatdriftwood.com
This is just a taste of what’s happening in Texas Wine Country!
To get the inside scoop on hot new openings, best food + wine experiences, and hidden gems, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter. And don’t forget to explore our site for curated lists of the top wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, and luxe stays.
Have a new opening, exciting news, unique experiences and events you would like us to feature? Email team@bestoftexaswinecountry.com with the details and more info.