Wine lovers, listen up: You don't have to travel to Napa or France to fill your cup with a wonderful wine-themed vacation.
Fredericksburg is the epicenter of Texas Wine Country, producing award-winning reds, whites, and rosés from more than 60 wineries and tasting rooms. Whether you choose to join a tour or explore at your own pace, the opportunities for a toast-worthy time in the Hill Country are practically endless.
Plus, if you time your visit for midweek or during the grape harvest, you're in for an even bigger treat.
Wine time
Fredericksburg's Gillespie County is home to a staggering number of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, and there are dozens more only an hour or two away.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed at the array of choices, book with a wine tour company and let them plan out the itinerary.
Choose from more than 30 companies and full-day, half-day, and private tours to get exactly the experience you want.
Or hop on the 290 Wine Shuttle, which departs from downtown Fredericksburg every 10 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, and hit a couple set wineries along the way.
Urban sips
You don't even need to leave downtown to sip and stroll. The Urban Wine Trail includes 10-plus wineries and tasting rooms owned by Fredericksburg wineries, all within walking distance of historic hot spots and maybe even your B&B or hotel.
Midweek mood
Consider visiting Fredericksburg Sunday through Thursday, when crowds are fewer, lodging has more availability, and you're likely to receive a more personalized experience at the wineries and tasting rooms.
As a bonus, the wait times at restaurants will be much less and you can browse the charming shops and boutiques downtown without bumping elbows.
Let's stomp
Grape harvest time arrives as summer draws to a close, and with it come wine-related festivals, picking parties, special release events, and — of course — grape stomping.
Yes! You can participate in this time-honored tradition by kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs, and mashing the freshly picked grapes to your heart's content.
Check with individual wineries for event details, but in the meantime here are some tips to make sure you're ready.
Start planning your Fredericksburg getaway now.
Photo courtesy of Fredericksburg CVB
Grape harvest season means plenty of food and wine events.
A rendering of the Grand Central Atrium. Courtesy of Carnival 