Fredericksburg, Texas – Fly-In for a Winery Vacation
When many people think of going to a place where they can sample fantastic wines from a variety of wineries, they think of Napa Valley in California. However, Napa Valley isn’t the only place in the United States where you can visit lots of wineries over a weekend or during your annual vacation. Fredericksburg, TX is quickly becoming a wine travel destination. There are numerous wineries in the area, including Grape Creek Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, The Edge Tasting Room, and the Fredericksburg Winery, where you can sample amazing wines.
Fredericksburg, Texas’s Fascinating German Heritage
Fredericksburg is located in central Texas in hill country. It’s 75 miles west of Austin, 250 miles south-southwest of Dallas-Fort Worth, and 325 miles south-southeast of Lubbock. It was first settled in 1846 by John O. Meusebach with the help of the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. In fact, the town has a very rich German immigrant history, and it’s home to the famous German Texas dialect. By 1850, the town boasted a population of 754 residents. Today, it boasts a population of 11,542, and it’s still known for its German heritage, which can be viewed at the Pioneer Museum.
When it comes to wineries, you may be surprised to find out that the first winery in Texas Hill Country was established by Franciscan priests in 1662. As the years moved forward, an increasing number of European settlers arrived in the area with their own grapevine cuttings, and they planted them in the Texas Hill Country soil.
While the vineyards expanded with the help of German settlers, the modern vineyard era of Texas Hill Country gained traction in the 1970s. At that time, the technology of growing grapes had advanced to the point where commercial growing was possible. At that same time, the wineries were starting to understand what types of grapes thrived in the hill country climate. As it turns out, Texas Hill Country is ideal for growing Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, and Black Spanish grapes. Today, Texas has more than 4,000 acres of vineyards, and the Fredericksburg area and Texas Hill Country boast an impressive 50 wineries.
Start Your Winery Vacation by Landing at Gillespie County Airport (T82)
Gillespie County Airport (T82) is located 3.5 miles south of Fredericksburg. Commercial flights to the airport are available from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), or you can fly your own private plane or luxurious private jet. T82 was first activated in 1947. Runway 14/32 sits at an elevation of 1,694 feet above sea level. It’s 5,001 feet long and 75 feet wide. The airport has 100LL and Jet-A available, as well as major airframe and powerplant services. The CTAF is 122.7. It is an uncontrolled airport.
Once you land, you have the option of staying at the airport. T82 is home to the Hangar Hotel, which was built to resemble a WWII airplane hangar. In fact, the entire interior of the hotel and the guest rooms have been styled just like they would have looked during WWII, which makes it a wonderful place to stay if you’re looking for a hotel with a historical aviation ambiance. It’s important to note that the hotel is adults only.
Fredericksburg, Texas Wineries
Fredericksburg, Texas is known for its amazing wineries, and many of the tasting rooms are located on Main Street. A few notable establishments include Grape Creek Vineyards, Becker Vineyards, The Edge Tasting Room, and the Fredericksburg Winery.
Grape Creek Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards is located on Main Street. It’s a larger operation under Health Family Brands, which owns four properties, including Grape Creek Vineyards, Invention Vineyards, Health Sparkling Wines, and the Kuhlman Estate. Walk-ins are welcome, and Grape Creek Vineyards sells wine and gifts at the establishment.
The winery offers two different tasting experiences, including Comparative Tasting and Sparkling Tasting. The comparative tasting includes wines from Grape Creek Vineyards and Invention Vineyards. The Sparkling tasting allows patrons to sample wines from their Health Sparkling Wines collection. The winery also has a patio where patrons can order small bites and receive wine service from 11 AM until 5 PM. The small bites menu includes cheese platters, meatballs, garlic hummus, and spinach artichoke dip.
Becker Vineyards
Becker Vineyards was established in 1995, and in 2025, they are celebrating 30 years of amazing wines. They have a Main Street tasting room. Walk-ins can enjoy the general tasting, which includes sampling up to five wines. The winery does ask that groups make a reservation. The group wine tasting includes sampling five pre-selected wines. It’s important to note that there is a charge for the general and group wine tastings. The Wine Club Member Tasting is included with a membership to the winery. Individuals who are members can enjoy one tasting at one location per day. The winery also has a gift shop and a lavender shop. The gift shop offers jackets and hats. The Lavender Shop offers various lavender products, including bath salts, candles, salves, and oils.
The Edge Tasting Room
The Edge Tasting Room and Restaurant is located at 3567 E. US Highway 290 in Fredericksburg on 140 acres. They offer a large selection of handpicked wines that you can order and taste in their 11,800-square-foot seating room and patio. They serve food daily. If you’d like to stay at the winery longer, they have tiny homes for rent.
The Fredericksburg Winery
The Fredericksburg Winery is located on Main Street. They were established in 1996. Individuals and couples can walk in for a tasting. However, the winery does ask that if you have a group that includes six or more people that you make a reservation so that they can be prepared for your visit. The Fredericksburg Winery has a wonderful selection of red, white, rose, and spiced wines that are made with 100 percent Texas-grown grapes. In addition to their wines, they also have a selection of products made with wine, including chocolates, jams, and jellies.
Awesome Places to Stay in Fredericksburg, Texas While You Peruse the Wineries
There are plenty of hotels and motels to choose from in Fredericksburg, Texas, so you’re certain to find accommodations that will please your entire family.
The Emigrant
One hotel that you might want to consider is The Emigrant. It’s located at 341 E. Main Street in Fredericksburg. It’s a boutique hotel that offers its guests comfortable accommodations with an old-world look and feel. The hotel offers a lobby bar and dining in the Bistro.
Dietzel Motel
The Diezel Motel is located one mile from the Fredericksburg shopping district. It’s located on six acres that include a gazebo, swimming pool and plenty of outdoor seating. The rooms include telephones, alarms, a TV with cable and comfortable beds.
Peach Tree Inn and Suites
The Peach Tree Inn and Suites offers hotel rooms and homes for rent. The hotel is non-smoking and includes WiFi, cable, and continental breakfasts. The hotel rooms contain microwaves and refrigerators, and the grounds of the hotel contain grills and picnic areas.
If you’re looking for a unique fly-in wine vacation that’s off the beaten path, you might choose to land in Fredericksburg. They have plenty of places to stay, lots of wineries, and plenty of shopping and dining experiences to help you relax and unwind.
