Perfect Pairings

6 perfect wine getaways in the Texas Hill Country

It's time to slow down and plan a weekend getaway where you can relax and enjoy some of Texas' finest wines. We’ve got six perfect pairings for your next getaway, all located a short distance from Dallas or Fort Worth.

A best-kept secret for many of the wineries on our list is membership in their exclusive wine clubs, which includes complimentary tastings, notifications of limited and newly released wines, member parties and special events, and discounts on bottles and cases. Check individual winery websites for details. Now onto the pairings.

Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood and Sage Hill Inn in Kyle
Duchman Family Winery is known for its Italian wines, most notably its Vermentino; founders Stan and Lisa Duchman turned their love of old-world wines into an award-winning success story. Located in just south of Austin in Driftwood, it's an easy getaway, and, best of all, it's only 20 minutes away from the beautiful Sage Hill Inn, a luxury property with a pool, fire pit, spa, onsite restaurant, and terrific Hill Country views.

Insider tip: Enjoy the Hill Country sunset from the back deck and end the day by the fire pit under the brightest stars in Texas.

Bending Branch Winery in Comfort and Camp Comfort
Bending Branch Winery has a beautiful tasting room and outdoor porch to enjoy a glass of Texas Tannat. Located in Comfort, it's a leisurely drive through the Hill Country, less than two hours from Austin. Nearby Camp Comfort is a rustic retreat created from a historic bowling alley built in 1860. It's the perfect place to wind down after a day of wine tasting.

Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall and Rose Hill Manor
Pedernales Cellars, a family-owned winery specializing in Spanish and Rhone style wines, has a striking view of the Hill Country from its outdoor deck, ideal for sampling the signature Tempranillo and Viognier wines. Just down the road is the beautiful Rose Hill Manor, a historic inn with suites and individual cottages. This is the place for a special romantic getaway — especially for proposals and anniversaries.

Insider tip: Make reservations in advance for the three-course dinner.

Brennan Vineyards in Comanche and the Star of Texas B&B in Brownwood
Brennan Vineyards’ tasting room is in one of the oldest homesteads in Texas, dating back to 1876. The vineyard recently debuted its below-ground cellar renovation, where you can enjoy reserve tastings (by appointment only and very limited, so be sure to reach out in advance). The Star of Texas B&B, which specializes in peace and pampering, is about 30 minutes from Brennan Vineyards and offers private cottages and a hot breakfast delivered to your room. Enjoy a secluded country setting where you can relax in the hot tub under the stars or sit back on your porch and listen to the birds. No children or pets allowed, so relax and enjoy a weekend getaway for two.

Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood and FCV Wine Country Inn
One of the pioneers of the Texas wine industry, Fall Creek Vineyards has opened a winery and tasting room in Driftwood. It's the only vineyard on our list that also has an exclusive guest house located on the property. This is a getaway that beckons two couples, as the inn has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a lovely living room featuring a huge stone fireplace. No children or pets allowed.

Insider tip: Call ahead for information on private tastings and special events. Make reservations well in advance, as there is only one rental house on the property.

Messina Hof Winery and the Villa at Messina Hof in Bryan
The Bonarrigo family established Messina Hof in 1977 and became a pioneer in the Texas winemaking and wine tourism industry. Today, the tradition is carried on by Paul Mitchell Bonarrrigo and his wife, Karen, who continue to produce award-winning wines and are known for their hospitality.

Messina Hof is located in Bryan, a short 10-minute drive from Texas A&M University. The villa features romantically decorated rooms named for iconic lovers and 11 suites, some with private patios and balconies. Your stay includes a tour of Messina Hof Winery, a sparkling wine breakfast, and a wine and cheese reception in the evening. Guests are also invited to dine at the onsite Vintage House Restaurant.

Insider tip: Messina Hof also has a tasting room in Fredericksburg, and the Manor Haus B&B is located just behind it. There are four romantic retreats at this B&B, each with private entrances, living rooms, and kitchenettes.

Pair the Sage Hill Inn with a trip to Duchman Family Winery.

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Hotel News

Storied Dallas hotel aims to reclaim grand status with new restaurant

Photo courtesy of The Stoneleigh

Lion's Den is described as a modern Italian supper club with American classics.

A storied hotel in Dallas is ready to relaunch: The Stoneleigh hotel, located at 2927 Maple Ave., is debuting following a major transformation with a goal to reclaim its status as "The Grand Dame of Uptown."

As part of its revival, the hotel — formerly known as Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh — will join Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection, a portfolio of more than 330 properties that also includes the Adolphus and Hall Arts Hotel.

A multimillion-dollar transformation of the Stoneleigh includes reimagined interiors by boutique design studio Fettle and a new restaurant led by a James Beard Award-winning chef. The hotel remained open during the renovation.

The Stoneleigh first opened in 1923, and was billed as the tallest hotel west of the Mississippi at the time of its opening. It's the second-oldest hotel in Dallas, following The Adolphus. It has undergone more than one rebranding during that time, including a $36 million renovation in 2008. It has been a Le Meridien since 2013.

Its transition to Marriott’s Autograph Collection is designed to solidify its status as one of Dallas’ premier hotels, while aligning it with a portfolio of properties known for individuality, character, and memorable guest experiences.

According to a representative, the property will officially rebrand on April 15.

Newly transformed room at Stoneleigh Hotel.Stoneleigh

Bold new design
The revitalized Stoneleigh will feature:

Expansive guest rooms and suites redesigned with bold textures and vibrant patterns
Immersive community programming featuring live music and entertainment, for hotel guests and locals alike
Reimagined pool and terrace
Meeting spaces and private venues
Fitness center with a focus on advanced performance equipment and strength training

Dining
The hotel will feature two new dining concepts led by chef Michael White, whose accolades include five simultaneous Michelin stars and multiple 3- and 4-star reviews from The New York Times. He was recently featured on a segment on the Today show.

Bar Leonessa
Now open, Bar Leonessa is a daylight café that evolves into a nocturnal cocktail lounge. It serves artisanal coffee, European pastries, and inventive spirits amidst a stylish Dallas atmosphere.

Lion's Den
Slated to open May 1, the hotel's main restaurant is described as a modern Italian supper club, with a menu of American classics, pastas, and a sprinkling of contemporary trends.

There's caviar with crème fraiche & potato chip, mushroom toast, and Caesar salad. A second course of pastas includes gnocchi, garganelli with prosciutto & English peas, agnolotti with oxtail & leeks, mushroom risotto, bucatini with clams, and tagliatelle with ragu Bolognese.

Entrees include:

cauliflower steak with pinenut sauce romesco
branzino with artichoke
veal chop with asparagus
ribeye with rosemary potatoes
Dover sole
Guinea hen cacciatore with Jimmy Nardello peppers, squash, and tomato

There are two sharing dishes: surf & turf with filet mignon and langostino; and Porterhouse Two Ways with tartar de manzo, strip loin, baked potato, and tableside egg.

An impressive list of seven desserts includes on-trend offerings such as olive oil cake, soft-serve ice cream, and a tiramisu big enough to be shared.

The restaurant is a concept from BBianco, a hospitality group founded by chef White and partner Bruce Bronster, which also includes Santi, an Italian restaurant they opened in New York in 2025.

Lion's Den will initially be open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch and brunch to be added at a later date.

“The Stoneleigh has always been more than a hotel — it has been a gathering place, a cultural landmark, and a symbol of Dallas’ spirit,” says Shai Zelering, Managing Partner, Global Head of Hospitality at Brookfield’s Real Estate Group. “This reimagining honors that legacy while introducing fresh, immersive experiences. With Chef Michael White leading the culinary vision, The Stoneleigh will once again be the centerpiece of Uptown.”

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