If you’ve been daydreaming about sipping Viognier under a big Texas sky or snapping selfies in front of endless vineyard rows (guilty), it’s time to stop scrolling and start planning your trip to the Texas Wine Country. Specifically, we’re talking about the charming little wine-loving pockets of Fredericksburg, Hye and Johnson City—where the grapes are ripe, the pours are generous, and the vibes are impeccable.

At Cellar Rat Wine Tours, we’re basically your designated driver/BFF/know-it-all when it comes to wineries. But before we hit the road together, let’s make sure your travel plans are dialed in. Here’s how to prep for the perfect Hill Country getaway.

1. Book Your Lodging Before You Book Your Wine Tour

Fredericksburg is cute. Real cute. Which means it’s not-so-secretly super popular, especially on weekends and holidays. Accommodations can fill up faster than a tasting room on a Saturday afternoon. Whether you’re into luxury B&Bs, rustic cabins, or modern boutique spaces, you’ll want to snag your spot early.

Check out places like:

• The Whitetail Court Hotel for a cozy stay near Main Street 
• The Albert Hotel for the latest Main Street swank
• Airbnb & VRBO have a ton of options if you prefer having the whole place to yourself

2. Plan for Wine—and Then Some

Sure, you’re coming for the wine (smart choice), but there’s more to love here than just what’s in your glass. Fredericksburg’s Main Street is full of boutiques, galleries, biergartens, and—no joke—a museum dedicated to WWII. The National Museum of the Pacific War is actually pretty amazing.

Also worth checking out:

• Enchanted Rock for some light hiking and epic views
• Wildseed Farms for wildflowers, butterflies, and that “I’m in a rom-com” feeling

3. Don’t Try to Wing the Wine (That’s Where We Come In)

The Highway 290 Wine Trail is packed with incredible wineries—from the polished and picturesque to the quirky and rustic. But let’s be honest, trying to hit them all in one day while also navigating Texas backroads? Not a great idea. That’s where Cellar Rat Wine Tours comes in.

We’ll curate a custom itinerary (no cookie-cutter routes here), drive you around safely, and throw in a little behind-the-scenes wine geekery for good measure. Basically, you sip—we steer.

Wanna know who’s pouring the good stuff? Think:

• William Chris Vineyards in Hye (seriously, go here)
• Calais Winery for quality without the crowds
• Adega Vinho Winery for good people, good tunes and good times
• Fat Ass Ranch & Winery for sweet wines and sassy vibes

4. Pack Smart (But Not Too Smart)

Hill Country weather can be a little all over the place—sunny and 90s one minute, breezy and chilly the next. Pack layers. Also, wear comfy shoes. Wine tasting is technically a sport.

Oh, and bring a cooler for the ride home. Many wineries offer tasting room specials, and you’re gonna want to bring a few souvenirs home (read: wine).

Ready to Wine Like a Pro?

If you’re ready to plan your dream Texas Wine Country getaway—whether it’s a girls’ trip, a romantic weekend, or just a “because I deserve it” solo mission—Cellar Rat Wine Tours has you covered.

Check out our tour options, and shoot us a message if you want help picking the best spots. We’ll handle the details. You handle the tasting.

Cheers, y’all. Let’s go make some wine-soaked memories.