Ever wonder who’s behind the wheel, behind the wine recs, and behind the bad grape puns on your tour? That would be us— Cellar Rats. And no, we’re not furry critters hanging out in wine barrels. Are we crazy for branding our company with an industry term? Maybe. But being a Cellar Rat is where our passion for Texas wine began.

At Cellar Rat Wine Tours, we’re the ones who make your day in the Texas Wine Country smooth, safe, and seriously fun. We combine our wine-based experience with the relationships we’ve forged for more than a decade on the road. So, buckle up and pour a glass—we’re giving you a peek behind the curtain.

What is a Cellar Rat Anyway?

The term cellar rat traditionally refers to winery workers who handle the unglamorous (but essential) behind-the-scenes stuff—hosing floors, moving barrels, lugging cases of wine. It’s hard work, but it keeps the wine flowing.

We borrowed the name with a wink. Our version of a Cellar Rat is part Guide, part Driver, part Wine Whisperer, part Local Tour Guru. We’re the folks who know the best backroads to Hye, the best places to grab a meal in Fredericksburg, and the difference between a Sangiovese and a Tempranillo (even after three tastings).

Prepping for a Tour: Coffee + Logistics

The day starts with one thing: coffee. Strong. Local. Black.

Then it’s on to the logistics. We prep your tour itinerary based on your wine style (bold reds? crisp whites? surprise me?), confirm tasting reservations, and gas up and clean the tour vehicle. We also double-check the cooler is packed—we bring the cold water, you bring the snacks

Hosting Guests + Pouring Knowledge

When we pick you up, we’re not just your driver—we’re your wine concierge. We’ll guide you through the best wineries between Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Hye and Johnson City, share fun facts about Texas wine, and keep you on schedule without rushing your vibe.

We don’t recite canned speeches—we have real convos. Want to know what a “dry” wine really means? Why Texas is producing killer Tempranillo? Why sparkling wine before noon is totally acceptable? We’ve got you.

Oh, and we also help you carry your bottles and we’ll keep them at the proper temperatures so you get them home in perfect condition. It’s like having a wine butler, but with better jokes.

Why We Love This Job (Spoiler: It’s You)

At the end of the day, we do this job because we love sharing the magic of the Texas Wine Country with awesome people like you. We want you to feel like friends when you leave. Like you can text us at any time for more local recs, random wine-related topics or just to swap good graces. At this point, we’re lucky enough to have many repeat guests that we now call friends.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just need a getaway with your besties, we’re here to make your experience unforgettable.

You bring the good vibes—we’ll bring the wheels, the wine smarts, and maybe a few cheesy jokes.

So next time you book a tour with us, know that there’s a real human behind the wheel who’s passionate about local wine, good conversation, and making your day memorable.