The Best Johnson City Wine Trip
Are you planning on visiting the Texas Hill Country for a romantic getaway or friends trip? Have you heard that the Johnson City area is the new cool place for all the best Texas wine? Well then check out this post with my recommendations to help you plan a great trip for a weekend of wine tasting and fun around Johnson City.
Quick Overview of the Area
If Fredericksburg is like the Napa of The Texas Hill Country, then Johnson City is like Sonoma (or maybe Healdsburg ;). It's the smaller, quieter, more laid back neighbor with the better wine and less hullabaloo. (BOOM! There, I said it)
You will find most of the almost 100 wineries somewhere in between Johnson City and Fredericksburg on Highway 290 (aka the 290 Wine Trail) or just a few miles down a side road off 290. It is just a 30 minute drive from Johnson City to Fredericksburg so don't be afraid to venture out. Wherever you staying, I always recommend starting the day far away from your home base and working your way back for dinner. That way you are close to home after a long day of wine tasting. Please drink responsibly, stay safe and help to keep our roads safe.
Wineries
There are a lot (a LOT) of wineries in the area. I love so many of them, but I can't recommend them all. If you really enjoy wine, I recommend keeping it to 3-4 tastings a day (no more), and be sure to find a great place for a filling breakfast (just to get a base).
First, I am only including wineries that produce and sell 100% Texas wine. If you are coming on a wine trip to the Texas Hill Country, then you need to try Texas wine. Wine is about place. Experience Texas and the vineyards and soak in the sun just like the vines did to produce that amazing Texas wine. I am also recommending a mix of big and small wineries so you can get a full picture of the wine scene. Terroir and the experience are about the place, the view, the experience, the wine and the people. It's the mix of all them that make a winery special and unique. Enjoy!
Sandy Road Vineyards
Hye-Johnson City | Small | Reservations Required | Family Owned & Operated | Vineyard | Outdoors | Pet Friendly | Kid Friendly | Treehouse
This is our place. It's awesome. Of course you must come visit and experience our elevated wine tasting in the treehouse.
Ron Yates Wines
Johnson City | Medium Sized | Walk-in | Family Owned | Vineyard | Patio
Open 7 days a week. You can just walk in and do a casual wine tasting at the bar. Very friendly and fun staff.
Ab Astris
Stonewall | Small | Reservations Required | Family Owned & Operated | Indoor | Patio
Great family and great wines.
Adega Vinho
Stonewall | Small | Reservations Required | Family Owned & Operated | Indoor | Patio
Ben Calais Winery
Johnson City | Small | Reservations Required | Indoor | Family Owned & Operated
French Connection
Hye | Small | Reservations Required | Indoor | Family Owned & Operated | Patio
Kuhlman Cellars
Stonewall | Medium Size | Reservations Required | Indoor | Family Owned & Operated | Patio
William Chris Wines
Hye | Large Size | Reservations Required | Indoor | Patio
Westcave Cellars
Hye | Small | Reservations Recommended | Indoor | Family Owned & Operated | Patio
Food
Johnson City Coffee Co
Great for a quick breakfast on your way out to a winery.
Lowes Market
Lowes is the main grocery store in Johnson City. Swing by and pick up any staples you might need.
Pecan Street Brewing
This is the best place in Johnson City for your every day lunch or dinner. A lot of hand crafted beers on tap, a brick oven pizza, fun atmosphere and usually music on the weekends.
Proof & Cooper
Bryans on 290
This is "THE" place for a special dinner in JC. Great food.
Stay
This is one activity I have not done in JC. As a local, I have not rented a place, so take this with a grain of salt. I'm sure any high rated place on Airbnb or VRBO will be great. I do have some friends who have some nice places that are worth a look.
Carter Creek Winery, Resort & Spa
Carter Creek is a large resort just outside JC with a winery, brewery, restaurant and spa. They usually have live music on the weekends.
Little Grey Cottage
4 guests - 2 bedrooms - 2 beds - 2 baths
Hye Life
12 guests - 4 bedrooms - 12 beds - 3 baths
The Hye-DAWAY at Westcave Cellars
6 guests - 3 bedrooms - 3 beds - 2 baths
Stonewall Motor Lodge
Cool newly renovated historic motel.
Transportation
If you are going to be drinking, please let someone else do the driving. Unfortunately, ride sharing like Uber and Lyft are not very reliable out here. If you have cell signal, it can take 30 minutes to get a car. I recommend a private car service. Here are my favorites.
Dave’s Hill Country Wine Tours
Reserve Tours
Cellar Rat Tours
After Party
These are some fun places that stay open a bit later than the wineries, so you can head on over and continue the party.
Hye Cider
They also usually have great live music on the weekend.
Vinovium
Sometimes you can catch a comedy show, trivia night, or steak night.
Nice N Easy
Cool local brewery with local wines
About Me
Hi Friends. Bryan here. My family and I own and operate a small family vineyard and winery in the Texas Hill Country near Hye & Johnson City. I get asked multiple times a day for recommendations on where to go, what wineries to try, where to stay and what to do for fun out here in the Hill Country. So here is my current list. This is my general list of recommendations for couples and small groups in their 30s-60s trying to get a little time away from responsibilities and kids and wanting to relax, slow down and enjoy good food & great Texas wine. These recommendations are places I have personally visited, and people I personally recommend. I am not paid by any of these people or businesses for my recommendation. I just like them and I think you will like them too. If you have a great or less than great experience at any of these places, please let me know so I can update my list.