Day Out In Driftwood – A Wine, Food and Drinks Paradise

Driftwood is about a 30-45 minute drive west of Austin, Texas. You can be excused for not knowing Driftwood, it’s a tiny town located in the Hill Country. Probably most famous for being home of Salt Lick BBQ, there are so many great food and drinks options out available.

If you like taking pictures, stop a minute in Driftwood, to take a few pictures of the Welcome to Driftwood billboard and old gas station for a quick photo op.

I’ve also added some extra options to this itinerary that aren’t wineries but are too good to pass up.

Don’t forget to check out my tips and tricks blog to make the most of your day.

Cheers, the Lone Star Lass

Starting your day off brisket from Driftwood’s best BBQ joint couldn’t be any better. Actually wait, washing it down with a glass of BBQ Red… now that’s perfect!

Salt Lick BBQ is pretty famous – you can buy their BBQ sauce in the grocery store, you can eat their BBQ (and sip their wine) in the Austin airport too.

They used to do tastings at Salt Lick Cellars (basically a shed out back, but now you can buy glasses or bottles instead). Get in line, and send one of your group to grab the wine.

Their house wine – BBQ Red, and BBQ White are tasty, reasonably priced and pair perfectly with their food. If you’re going for turkey, grab some white, brisket or beef rib, grab some red.

While their meats are delicious, don’t forget to try some potato salad – and their homemade bread too.

Don’t forget, if this is your first stop – there is more to come – so split a plate, or take a bottle of wine to go (don’t forget your cooler…)

So as the name suggests, Vista Brewing is not a winery. However, it does have a long list of Texas wines to try.

Vista brewing is a great outdoor space – with farm-to-table food options, beer, and lots of Texas wines choices too. These rotate, so the best way to find out what’s new, is to visit!

It’s a fun space to hang out in with a group, so bring friends, family, and dogs. You may even catch some music on the weekends, or Sunday brunch. The relaxed atmosphere is a great way to enjoy a chill weekend.

Check out their instagram for more details on events.

Note, they’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so you may want to check out some of the other options listed below on those days.

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This is the place where it all began. Where I fell in love with Texas wine. I had no experience with Italian grapes, or Texas wine, but felt right at home here in their tasting room.

Duchman Family Winery has the most relaxing grounds to unwind in, you can picnic under the trees, or bring your own blanket and sit out on the grass. I love bringing friends, and my dog too and taking in the fresh Texas air.

They’re open 7 days a week for tastings, where you can try the best Texas wine with traditionally Italian grapes.

Their tasting allows you to try six of their different wines, and they also have a couple of sweet options too, so you can explore your wine tastes.

The winery is a slice of Texas heaven – so once you’ve enjoyed a tasting – grab a snack and a bottle and relax a while.

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Another, “not a winery” choice here. Trattoria Lisina ia a Tuscan style restaurant, with many non-Texas wine choices.

You can enjoy an amazing lunch or dinner here. Whether you go before or after Duchman, their next-door neighbor and less than a minutes walk, is up to you.

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Another non-wine option on the list, Desert Door Distillery. Open Thursday – Sunday, with live music on the weekend – this is another dog, and family friendly venue.

A sotol distillery is really unique around the area. You can take a tour if you book in advance too. But regardless, the cocktails are delicious and the food truck, Lo Salvaje, is mouthwatering too.

You can try a tasting of their sotols, a cocktail flight, but my favorite is their take on an espresso martini. Everything from the food truck I’ve tried has been top-notch, fresh, and rotates regularly. I still dream about watermelon gazpacho I tried once, it was perfect for the Texas weather.

Remember, if you want to take a bottle home, you can’t on Sundays due to liquor laws, but don’t worry there’s plenty to buy in Austin liquor stores now too.

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I’ve added Crowded Barrel Whiskey Co as a bonus stop. If you’re on your way back to Austin, and had to convince a whiskey drinker to take you wine tasting, you can repay the favor.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, they have cocktails and other drinks too to enjoy. And if you time it right, some pretty wild flowers for some great photo opportunities.

They also offer distillery tastings – make sure to check availability and book in advance if you’re interested.

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Fall Creek Vineyards – This vineyard is right next to Duchman, and is open 7 days a week.

Driftwood Estate Winery – There are picturesque views at this winery which is open 7 days a week, with a slightly earlier opening time of 11am that some of the otheres. But note, it’s adults only (21+). And as it’s little further out, plan accordingly.

Hill Country Tasting Rooms – This location doesn’t have the same picturesque views as many others, but has an indoor space (perfect for hot Texas summers) – and many beer and wine options to choose from. Their opening hours are limited to Friday evenings and Saturdays, so check that they’re open if you plan to visit.