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The Texas Hill Country is a must-visit. Its rolling hills are filled with wildflower-covered fields and winding rivers, and it feels like Texas’ best-kept secret. Every turn reveals a new gem, like a small-town wine bar, cozy distilleries, beautiful overlooks, or winding roads perfect for a cruise. Whether you’re looking to relax with a glass of wine, savor some local spirits, or just enjoy the open road, here are some of my favorite spots to experience the best of the Hill Country.
There’s no better way to unwind than with a glass of Hill Country wine. These spots are a mix of rustic charm and Hill Country hospitality. Each has its own personality, but all are perfect for an evening (or afternoon!) of sipping, savoring, and enjoying good company.
An elegant spot for wine lovers, offering flights, pairing plates, and a variety of wines by the glass in a cozy setting.
Location: 238 W 2nd St, Austin
Known for its relaxed ambiance and impressive wine list, Cellar on Main is a must-visit in Boerne’s quaint downtown area.
Location: 153 S Main St, Boerne
A unique wine and beer bar housed in a former barber shop, offering a laid-back atmosphere and local craft selections.
Location: 207 W Mercer St, Dripping Springs
A cozy, historic spot to enjoy Texas wines with a rustic charm, open daily with extended hours on weekends.
Location: 501 Old Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs
Offering an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio, Lincoln Street is a Fredericksburg favorite.
Location: 111 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg
A welcoming, neighborhood wine bar known for its themed tasting events and eclectic wine selection.
Location: 19141 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio
A sophisticated bistro with a charming patio, offering a curated wine list and classic cocktails in downtown San Antonio.
Location: 207 N Presa St, San Antonio
A lively bar in the heart of San Antonio, serving up local wines, Texas brews, and a fun, casual vibe.
Location: 200 Navarro St, Ste 100, San Antonio
…and so many others, each one offering its own flavor of Hill Country hospitality.
If you’re more of a spirits or beer person, the Hill Country has some incredible distilleries and breweries, too. These places take their craft seriously, but they’re welcoming and down-to-earth. Each has its own story, and you’ll find that everyone loves sharing it over a tasting or tour.
Known for its smooth vodka made with pure Texas water, Deep Eddy offers a laid-back experience with food trucks and live music on weekends.
Location: 2250 E Hwy 290, Dripping Springs
Specializing in whiskey and vodka, this distillery offers a Southern Texas charm in every bottle. Tours provide insights into their process.
Location: 26605 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio
Famous for their Texas-style whisky, Balcones is known for bold flavors and innovative techniques that highlight local ingredients.
Location: 212 S 17th St, Waco
This is true Texas bourbon. The folks here are passionate about their craft, and the tour takes you behind the scenes of every step.
Location: 1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye
Known for their award-winning vodka and gin, Dripping Springs Distilling provides a charming Hill Country tasting experience.
Location: 5330 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs
Distilling unique Texas flavors like prickly pear and jalapeño spirits, Hill Country Distillers is perfect for adventurous taste buds.
Location: 723 Front St, Comfort
A destination distillery with extensive grounds, Treaty Oak offers tastings, tours, and a delicious on-site restaurant.
Location: 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs
This whiskey distillery uses traditional methods and Texas-grown grains to create rich, flavorful spirits in small batches.
Location: 6462 N US Hwy 290, Blanco
Specializing in Texas sotol, Desert Door offers a unique spirit rooted in native Texas plants and traditions.
Location: 211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood
One of Austin’s few urban distilleries, Still Austin produces high-quality whiskey with locally sourced ingredients.
Location: 440 E St. Elmo, Austin
Known for ultra-smooth vodka made with Texas limestone-filtered water, Goodnight Loving offers a true Texas experience.
Location: 12440 Trail Driver, Austin
A distillery focused on small-batch whiskey, Ben Milam honors Texas heritage and tradition in every bottle.
Location: 281 N Blanco, Blanco
A unique cider house in Hye, offering innovative, small-batch ciders with a Hill Country twist.
Location: 123 Rocky Rd, Hye
A pioneer of Texas craft brewing, Real Ale is known for a wide range of high-quality, locally inspired beers.
Location: 231 San Saba Ct, Blanco
Innovative craft beers with a fun, relaxed vibe, Free Tailing is a San Antonio favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Location: 4035 North Loop W #105, San Antonio
A staple of the Austin beer scene, Austin Beerworks brews crisp, refreshing beers with a focus on quality.
Location: 3009 Industrial Terrace, Austin
A farmhouse brewery with a focus on wild ales, Jester King pairs unique brews with a rustic setting and nearby pizza.
Location: 13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin
Independence Brewing crafts beers with a true Austin spirit, perfect for locals and visitors alike.
Location: 3913 Todd Ln #607, Austin
A farm-to-table brewery, Vista offers fresh flavors and a beautiful outdoor setting in Driftwood.
Location: 13551 FM 150, Driftwood
Hill Country is a place that begs you to slow down and enjoy the view. Here are my favorite drives, whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon or a day of exploring. Pack a picnic or just bring your camera—you’ll want to capture these landscapes.
Head north from Fredericksburg on Hwy 965, pass Enchanted Rock, and enjoy scenic views of Cedar Mountain and Bee Rock. Continue through Willow City and reconnect with Hwy 16 to return.
From Kerrville, take Hwy 783 to Doss, then Hwy 87 to Mason. Continue on Hwy 29 to Llano, then Hwy 16 back to Fredericksburg.
Take I-10 from Boerne, exit 533, and follow the road through scenic areas and historic sites like Luckenbach before reaching Fredericksburg.
From Kerrville, exit 533 on I-10, follow scenic roads past Guadalupe River and quaint towns, returning to Kerrville via Comfort’s historic district.
Take Hwy 27 from Kerrville to Hunt, then Hwy 39 along the river, past Lost Maples State Park, and loop back on Hwy 16 to Kerrville.
Drive State Hwy 29 and Hwy 71 for beautiful Highland Lakes views.
Follow Ranch Road 32 from Wimberley to Blanco along scenic ridges.
Scenic route from Kerrville through Camp Verde to Bandera.
Take Hwy 16 from Kerrville to Medina for stunning fall foliage views.
No matter where you go in the Hill Country, you’ll find something to love. So go ahead, get out there and explore. Are you looking for more to do while you’re in the Hill Country? Book a cooking class and fill it up with fantastic food to power your adventure. And if you need any more recommendations, you know who to ask! Happy adventuring!