Raise a Glass to Texas Wine Month: Celebrating 25 Years of Hill Country Wineries

by Jennifer Simonson on October 14, 2024 in Food+Drink, Drink,
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When October rolls around, most of the country starts thinking about crisp mornings, cozy sweaters, and colorful leaves. But here in Texas? We think about wine. That is because October is the official Texas Wine Month! 

This annual celebration invites you to explore the Hill Country while sipping some of the state’s best wines. This year is extra special because it’s the 25th anniversary of the Texas Hill Country Wineries association and the legendary Texas Wine Month Passport event. The month-long wine adventure includes winery tours, exclusive tastings and the opportunity to meet passionate winemakers all in one of the most beautiful regions in the state.

The Texas Hill Country Wineries organization started in 1999 with just eight wineries. Fast forward to today and there are more than 60 wineries working together to put the Texas Hill Country AVA (American Viticultural Area) on the map. At the heart of this celebration is the Texas Wine Month Passport, a self-guided tour that gives wine lovers a way to explore more than 45 wineries in the Texas Hill Country. With the purchase of a digital passport, participants gain access to complimentary tastings at up to four wineries per day, along with exclusive discounts on bottles. Not only does this passport offer incredible value, but it also supports the future of Texas wine. Five dollars from every ticket sold is contributed to the Texas Hill Country Wineries Scholarship Fund, which helps students pursue careers in viticulture, enology, and hospitality

Events and Specials Throughout the Hill Country

 

Grapes in Gillespie County. Photo Blake Mistich.

To top off the celebrations, the 2024 Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival is set for Oct. 25-26. The lineup includes more than 45 wineries, breweries, and distilleries as well as hands-on demos from award-winning chefs and mixologists.  You can start the morning off with yoga and Heath sparkling wines at the  Vino Vinyasa event before hitting interactive sessions on the Uncork Texas Wine Beverage Demo Stage and Culinary Demo Stage. You’ll also find a Distillery District, Beer Garden, and the wood-fired El Quincho Asador Argentino. Tickets are on sale now with four badge tiers, offering add-ons for intimate culinary and beverage demos with Central Texas hospitality stars like Antonelli’s Cheese, Dai Due, and Becker Vineyards.

Albarino from Signor Vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas. Photo courtesy Signor Vineyards.

Beyond the passport tastings, many wineries have limited-time offers to mark Texas Wine Month. For example, Wedding Oak Winery is offering a limited-edition “98 Point Special” wine trio, featuring award-winning wines available through October. Additionally, the winery will stay open later on Thursdays for a community-driven event called “Come Over October,” where visitors can enjoy extended hours, snack specials, and, of course, more wine.

The 98 Point Special from Wedding Oak Winery. Photo courtesy Wedding Oak Winery.

Similarly, William Chris Wines is offering a Fall Food & Wine Pack that brings seasonal flavors to life. This curated pack features four wines at a discounted price paired with fall-inspired recipes. Each wine is thoughtfully matched with a dish to complement its flavors, with expert tips from Kelsey Kramer, Head of Education at Hill Country Wine Academy. 

Why Visit the Texas Hill Country in October?

Couple Barrel Tasting at Becker Vineyards. Photo Blake Mistich.

Beyond the wine trail, October is an ideal month to visit the Texas Hill Country. October’s mild weather makes it the perfect time for a scenic road trip, with beautiful fall foliage enhancing the landscape. The Hill Country is famous for its breathtaking views, winding roads, and charming small towns — making it the ideal destination for a weekend getaway or extended retreat.

The Hill Country is also packed with activities beyond the vineyards. From hiking Enchanted Rock to shopping on Main Street to immersing yourself in history at the National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredricksbug has something for everyone. 

How to Plan Your Trip

Tasting room at Meierstone Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas. Photo courtesy Meierstone Vineyards.

Planning a trip to the Hill Country for Texas Wine Month is easy, especially with the Texas Wine Month Passport. To make the most of your experience, here are a few tips:

1.Plan Ahead: With 45+ wineries participating, it’s best to map out your route in advance. Many of the smaller, boutique wineries require reservations, especially on weekends, so be sure to book your tastings early.

2. Pace Yourself: Even with four tastings a day, you’ll want to take your time and savor each visit. Enjoy the scenery, relax with a glass, and explore the unique character of each winery.

3. Stay Overnight: Consider staying overnight to fully experience the region without rushing through tastings. The Hill Country offers plenty of charming places to stay, including a treehouse at the Blue Sage, a cottage at The Gathering and a bed-and-breakfast at Hoffman Haus. 

4. Designate a Driver: It goes without saying that safety is a priority. If you’re planning to visit multiple wineries in a day, consider hiring a driver like Texas Hill Country Wine Tours to keep the experience worry-free.

 

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Cover Photo courtesy Signor Vineyards.

Jennifer Simonson is a proud 7th generation Texan. She is a travel writer by trade and a lover of the world’s food, cultures, drinks and outdoor spaces by nature.