Which Option is Right for You? A Cellar Rat Guide to Sipping in Style
So, you’re coming to Texas wine country…
First of all, great decision. Your palate will thank you. But now comes the question: How do you want to sip your way through the vines?
At Cellar Rat Wine Tours, we’ve got three ways to roll:
Let’s break them down, wine flight style.
Private Guided Tour: The VIP Experience (minus the velvet rope)
Best for: Couples, small groups, serious wine lovers, bachelorette squads who don’t scream “WOOOO!”
Think of this as your front-row seat to wine country. One of our expert Wine Guides (yep, certified wine nerds who also know how to tell a good story) will personally lead you through the Hill Country’s best wineries. You’ll get the behind-the-barrel scoop, curated tastings, and maybe even some cellar secrets.
You’re not just getting a ride, you’re getting an insider’s look at Texas wine, without the crowds or the guesswork.
What makes it pop:
- Custom itinerary based on your tastes
- Access to exclusive or boutique wineries
- Wine education without the snobbery
Possible stops:
- Calais Winery – small-batch magic made by a cool Frenchman we love
- French Connection Wines – Rhône varietals with serious swagger
- Slate Theory Winery – modern aesthetics and underground surprises
Group Tour: Sip, Chat, Repeat
Best for: Social butterflies, first-time visitors, low-key celebrators, and budget-friendly planners
Hop aboard one of our small-group tours and meet fellow wine lovers while tasting your way across Texas Hill Country. It’s relaxed, fun, and zero pressure, think “friend you haven’t met yet” vibes, not party bus chaos.
What makes it pop:
- You’ll visit 3 curated wineries
- Everything’s pre-arranged: tastings, reservations, and the ride
- Great for first-timers or casual sippers
Bonus: You might leave with new besties and a new favorite bottle.
Possible stops:
- Portree Cellars – excellent view + wine = Instagram gold
- Hilmy Cellars – bold wines and chill vibes
- Adega Vinho Winery – insightful tastings and vinyl records
Private Transportation: You Call the Shots
Best for: DIY adventurers, repeat visitors, folks who’ve already made tasting reservations
Want to build your own wine trail but don’t want to draw straws on who drives? We’ve got you covered. With our Private Transportation option, you plan the stops, we provide the smooth ride, local insight, and cooler full of water (and maybe a few free dad jokes).
What makes it pop:
- Full flexibility to choose your wineries
- Safe and comfy transport for your crew
- Perfect if you’ve got wine club hookups or birthday plans
This is wine country on your terms, just add your itinerary and let us do the heavy lifting (and by that, we mean the driving).
So… Which Option is Right for You?
If you:
🍷 Want to learn and explore with an expert → Go Private Guided Tour
🍇 Want a fun, social, well-planned day → Book a Group Tour
🚐 Just need a designated driver with local cred → Choose Private Transportation
Or as we like to say:
Private Tour = curated and cozy.
Group Tour = easy and friendly.
Transportation = all you, but safer.
Still not sure? No worries. Contact our Concierge and we’ll help match you with the perfect wine-soaked adventure.
Bonus Tips:
- Book early! Weekends fill up faster than a tasting room on a holiday weekend
- Wear comfy shoes (wine + gravel = unexpected cardio)
- Don’t wear white (especially if you’re a red wine enthusiast)
- And yes, tip your Wine Guide. They’re the ones who know exactly where the bathroom is.
