Frequently asked questions
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START?
We provide round-trip service from wherever you’re staying in Fredericksburg, TX.
If you’re staying outside the city limits:
- Group Tour: We will meet you at our local Visitors Center located at 302 E. Austin Street.
- Private Tour: We will provide a custom quote for the extra travel required based on your address.
- Private Transportation: Your timeline starts when we depart from Fredericksburg, TX.
WHAT DAYS ARE YOU OPEN?
Office: Wednesday – Monday, closed Tuesdays (and some weekends)
Group Tours: 7 days/week
Private Tours: 7 days/week
Transportation: 7 days/week
HOW LONG DO THE TOURS LAST?
Most tours last between 5 to 7 hours, depending on how many places are visited and route.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF GUESTS YOU CAN ACCOMMODATE PER GROUP?
On Saturdays, 10 is the maximum amount of guests we will take per group. Weekdays, we have more flexibility to accommodate groups with more than 11 guests.
DO I GET TO CUSTOMIZE MY ITINERARY?
All Private Tour itineraries are customizable. For our Group Tours, we ask for everyone’s preferences and we build an itinerary to best suit the group as a whole.
ARE THERE VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, AND GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS DURING THE TOUR?
Yes. Please notify us in advance of special dietary preferences when you make your reservation.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN OUR GROUP TOUR?
Most of our tour groups average 6 – 10 guests on the weekends. Weekdays are typically smaller groups and couples.
ARE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased in specific dollar amounts or a particular tour. We provide gift certificates via email as PDFs.
CAN ANY MINORS JOIN A TOUR?
No, all guests must be 21 years or older to ride with the Rat. Some wineries will check ID’s, so be sure to bring a government-issued form of identification.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Although we love our furry friends, NO pets are allowed to ride with the Rat. Luckily, there are several pet care options in Fredericksburg.
CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD/ALCOHOL?
All of our vehicles are stocked with a cooler and bottled water. You’re welcome to bring snacks, if desired. We’re not a booze cruise which means we cannot allow any open alcohol in our vans. We want your memories to be good ones, not fuzzy ones!
DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR NON-DRINKING GUESTS?
Yes, we discount all tasting fees from their price.
DO YOU PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION OUTSIDE OF FREDERICKSBURG?
Yes, for our Private Tours only. We will ask for a specific pickup address in order to provide you a custom quote.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We recommend layers and comfortable shoes. Most of the cellar spaces are kept at cool temperatures and some tasting experiences are conducted while standing.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE?
Yes, because many of the places we visit require appointments, we must make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance.
DO YOU HAVE ANY LIMOS?
No, we have Ford Transit passenger vans and a Ford Expedition in our fleet.