With more than 350 wineries, Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state. Known as one of “the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world” (among other accolades), Texas is home to skillfully crafted wines that regularly earn gold, silver, and bronze medals in competitions around the globe.

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Home to some of Texas' best wineries, the Texas Hill Country is a key destination for first-time vineyard visitors as well as winery vets. Award-winning wines can be found throughout this lush region at more than 50 different destinations, including Ab Astris Winery, Hilmy Cellars, Kuhlman Cellars and William Chris Vineyards.

A must-stop for any trip to the Hill Country wine region is Fredericksburg, Texas, part of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail and home to some of the oldest wineries in the state. Fredericksburg cultivates more than half of the world’s grape varietals and is located just a short drive west of Austin and San Antonio. The quaint town includes notable award-winning wineries such as Fall Creek Vineyards and Becker Vineyards. Fredericksburg was settled by German immigrants over 160 years ago, so while you're there, experience some of the town’s authentic German culture, found in its food, festivals and architecture.

Set in the Texas Hill Country and surrounded on all sides by vineyards, the Fall Creek Vineyards offers tastings and tours along with guest quarters that combine early Texas and antique country French and English furnishings. Their 400-acre growing site, selected and purchased in 1975 for its unique soil and climatic conditions, is located on the northwest shores of Lake Buchanan in the heart of the Hill Country. Among its many accolades, Fall Creek was awarded a double gold medal and three golds at the 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition, a double gold and five silver medals at the 2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a gold and four silver medals art the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Its founder, Susan Auler, was recognized by Wines and Vines as one of the top 50 people in the world wine industry.

Located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, the Becker Vineyards site was chosen for its bounty of native Mustang grapes, a time-honored component used by the area's German settlers. Among Becker's many awards are 13 medals from the TEXSOM International Wine Awards 2021 and 20 medals, including a double gold, from the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The vineyard itself was even named one of the most picturesque wineries in the country by HGTV. Tours are available seven days a week and Becker Vineyards holds an annual grape stomp in August.

Del Rio

Outside of the Hill Country, prolific wine producers can be found across the state. Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, just a few blocks from the Texas-Mexico border, was founded in 1883 when an Italian immigrant named Frencesco “Frank” Qualia moved to the area and discovered Lenoir grapes flourishing there. The current fourth-generation Qualia vintner still uses Frank’s family traditions from the old country to produce a highly respected variety of reds and whites, including an award-winning Port blend and a very popular Texas rosé.

Lubbock Wineries

From Del Rio, trace a line due north for 345 miles to Lubbock, home of Llano Estacado, the largest, best-selling premium winery in Texas. The name means “staked plains,” in honor of those vines originally tested in the plains of the Panhandle. From its first release of just 1,300 cases in 1977, Llano Estacado has grown rapidly, and now produces extraordinary Texas wines that have been lauded at competitions throughout the world. Lubbock is home to a number of additional excellent wineries, including Bolen Vineyards, English Newson Cellars and McPherson Cellars.

Grapevine Wine Trail

Northeast of Dallas, the city of Grapevine is home to an urban wine trail consisting of eight wineries. Visitors can take a wine train or guided tour of the wineries or plan their own individual tours. If you plan a trip in September, make sure to attend GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest.

The Piney Woods Wine Trail

With rolling hills and majestic forests, the Piney Woods Wine Trail of East Texas offers serene beauty and award-winning wines. Ranging as far north as Naples and as far south as Nacogdoches, there are more than a dozen spots to explore, including Kiepersol Vineyard & Winery and Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery.

Wineries, beautiful views and scenic towns leave visitors feeling relaxed and at home in Texas. Our wineries invite you to sit, sip and stay awhile, and we guarantee that when you leave, you’ll already be thinking about your next trip back.