Best Wine Trips From Austin, Texas – Sipping in Dripping (Springs)

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    The Best Dripping Springs Wineries Day Trip From Austin, Texas

    This blog is featured in collaboration with Gina Bear’s Blog, as part of her series on the best day trips from Austin, Texas.

    We’ve shared many adventures together, at home and abroad. So if you’re looking for travel advice whether it be for Japan, South Korea, or the US, Gina has all of the best tips for all kinds of travel adventures. Go check her out.

    You can find our collab here, combining info from this day trip and more: The Best Wineries in Dripping Springs Texas

    Dripping Springs, Texas

    A fantastic day trip for a spur-of-the-moment adventure from Austin, Texas.

    Dripping Springs is about a 30-45 minute drive west of Austin Texas, nestled in the Hill Country. This is one of my favorite day trips, and spur-of-the-moment adventures, especially on a Sunday, when you’re not quite ready for the weekend to be over, but still want those laid-back vibes – jump in the car and head out west. Depending on where you live this is a 30-45m drive away from Austin.

    If you’ve never visited the Texas Hill Country, prepare to be surprised – roll your window down, throw out all your misconceptions, and enjoy the drive. When they say everything’s bigger in Texas, you can feel it when you drive out here, winding roads, endless sky, ranches, and all kinds of nature.

    When you’re not our tasting wine, check out the many distilleries in the area, or play some mini golf at their three courses at Dreamland.

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

    Cheers, the Lone Star Lass

    For this day trip, I’m saving the best for last – so if you want the wow factor, and have limited time, consider skipping straight to these two: Hawk’s Shadow and Solaro Estates.

    Mazama Coffee Co

    A quick pit stop before heading onto the wine.

    If you need a quick pick me up before you start wine tasting – drop into Mazama Coffee Co for a drink and wander around the Mercer Street, checking out the local vintage, art, and clothing stores – you never know what surprises you might find.

    Drinking coffee or eating something with a lot of flavor is a controversial topic when wine tasting, as it can effect things you taste afterwards. But acting like a regular human in public without caffeine is something else to consider, so do what you need to do to survive.

    Parmeson Wines or Graveyard Vineyards

    Roll the dice and choose your own California wine adventure…

    Finally, the wine drinking part: Parmeson Wines or Graveyard Vineyards . These two are neighbors – both specializing in California wines.

    You might be wondering why I’m recommending California wines in Texas, but I think it’s great to be able to try different styles of wine – especially if you’re new to wine tasting. California is traditionally known for its creamy Chardonnays and bold Cabernet Sauvignons (“Cabs”), but there’s a lot more to try at these two.

    Why not try both of them? Well, you can – but remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and this is your first stop of the day, there’s a lot more to taste coming up.

    Parmeson Wines

    Parmeson Wines has a cute outdoor art garden, so you can stroll and sip. (It’s important to exercise those leg muscles as well as your drinking muscles)

    You’re able to enjoy your tasting outdoors, under the oak trees if the weather permits.

    I recommend trying all your options, then take a wander with a glass of wine in hand around the various sculptures in the garden.

    Graveyard Vineyards

    Graveyard Vineyards has some quirky souvenirs, so if you enjoy shopping for unusual wine related gifts, this is the place to you. You can even buy a cute little coffin for your favorite wine bottle, so you’re ready for Halloween!

    A lot of their blends have spooky names too: Dark Phantom, Scream, and Psycho.

    I ended up going home with a special edition wine so dark and rich that it almost tastes like chocolate!

    Bell Springs Winery

    Winery, brewery, food truck – there’s something for everyone.

    For a second stop – Bell Springs has everything you could possibly need – a wine, beer, food, and some relaxing grounds to stay a while. On the weekend, you may be able to catch some live music too.

    I like to stop here, especially when I’m with people who are new to wine as they have something for everyone: sweet, white, red. Try them all and see what excites your tastebuds.

    Hawk’s Shadow

    Breathtaking views, and dog friendly too.

    Hawk’s Shadow is a bit more of a drive, you’ll probably start worrying that you went the wrong way, but once you get up there, it’s worth it. It’s easy to forget that you’re near Austin with the beautiful Texas Hill Country views all around you, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re the only people in the world.

    The winery also has a great name behind it, Hawk was the name of the owners’ horse so they named the estate after him. He also features on the bottle label.

    They specialize in dry Texas wines, but there are still whites and roses on the menu if you prefer something a little lighter to sip in the Texas sun.

    Solaro Estates

    Perfect Vineyard views.

    Solaro Estates is what comes to mind when you think of a vineyard – rows of grapes, farmyard vibes.

    We did our tasting inside at the bar, then bought a bottle before relaxing outside.

    Splurge here on a delicious meat or cheese board, take a breath, and sip while enjoying the view. This is very much a family vineyard, and you’ll hear a lot about the family (and possibly meet some of them too!)

    And more…

    More to try in Dripping Springs.

    Summer Revival Wine Co – This tasting room and restaurant has been on my list for a while. The food looks so tasty and fresh.

    Hamilton Pool Vineyards – This vineyard and event space is even further away, so not included in the day trip recommendations, but is technically still in Dripping Springs.


    Enjoy your day!

    Cheers!

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