Getting Around From Fredericksburg, Texas – The 290 Wine Shuttle

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    Leave the car at home, and enjoy being shuttled around 290.

    Fredericksburg is a cute German-style town in the Hill Country. Surrounded by wineries, it’s a great place for a weekend getaway.

    One of the great appeals of Fredericksburg is it’s proximity to all the wineries – but with it being a small town, despite many Ubers and services – it can be a test in patience and planning to make the most of your time, and be a responsible wine drinker.

    Never fear – there is a solution – the 290 Wine Shuttle. For a flat fee, you can visit a handful of wineries over the weekend. Your only task is not to miss the bus back – so set your alarm!

    This is one of many guides to Fredericksburg – but I’m starting off the series with some of my favorite wineries that you can visit while taking the shuttle.

    Cheers,

    the Lone Star Lass

    The 290 Shuttle

    Hop-on, Hop-off wine bus which leaves from Frederickburg on weekends.

    The 290 Wine Shuttle is one of the best ways to get around multiple wineries, without committing to private transportation. At around $50 per person, it’s cheaper than an Uber, and great if you have a few people and don’t want to split the cost of a private car.

    I’ve taken the shuttle in the past with friends, and it allows for a last-minute trip, without all the hassle of multiple bookings. Although the shuttle allows children over 10, and tiny dogs – I would recommend you leave them at home. The last shuttle home can be a little lively, and often busy.

    I’m adding some of my favorite wineries that the shuttle currently stops at. They’ve also recently added Friday and Sunday options – with a stop at 3 wineries – so I’ve given an option for each.

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

    Cheers, the Lone Star Lass

    Texas Heritage Vineyards

    Hidden gem.

    For the first stop I recommend Texas Heritage Vineyards. While it looks tiny from out front, they have a beautiful patio too – perfect for sunsets.

    You might want to make a reservation for a tasting – as it is on the smaller side – but has an interesting space – with gifts and antiques to browse, and often music too.

    You can book a special Tempranillo tasting if you like your reds, or for the white wine drinkers they have something a little unusual – an oaked Albarino to try.

    Barons Creek Vineyards

    Whites, and Rose, and Reds – oh my!

    For your second stop of the day, there are a few different (and difficult) choices to make.

    Barons Creek Vineyard is a tough recommendation to give, it’s tough because I think I enjoy every single wine on their menu.

    So with that in mind, try a tasting. I love their Sauvignon Blanc, or Albariño on a hot summer day. If they have the Reserve Chardonnay – get some! It’s one of my favorite Texas Chardonnay – buttery, crisp, just yum.

    For a hot day on the porch, you can’t go wrong with the Rose. I affectionately call it ‘danger wine’, it’s waaaay too easy to chug this back accidentally. It’s that good. Not too sweet, not too dry. Take some extras home. Please. (You can thank me later.)

    For reds, there are no issues with the many selections there too. With favorites like their “Boots” Cabernet Sauvignon, or the ‘Velvet’, which tastes so smooth, like it’s name. The biggest challenge that you’re going to have is can you taste them all?

    Grape Creek Vineyards / Heath Sparkling Wines

    Neighbors and part of the Health Family Wineries.

    Grape Creek is another big player in Texas wines. Part of the Heath Family of wineries, there are plenty to choose from here too.

    The staff here at Grape Creek will have lots of great recommendations for you. They are one of the big OG Texas wineries in Frederickburg, and you can’t go wrong.

    If you like bold reds, they have a bunch for you to try – as well as countless other wines, including ports. You get to select from a long list, or ask for some recommendations as you go.

    However, if sparkling wines are your thing – then they have a dedicated tasting space – Heath Sparkling Wines is for you. Check out their website carefully – and make reservations to avoid disappointment here, as it’s a smaller more exclusive space.

    Go try!

    Slate Theory

    Last stop, on the way back to town – with a large outdoor patio, and a special cellar tour.

    Slate Theory is a relaxed winery, I like to stop off here for a snack and usually split a bottle of wine. Their blends have some fun names, and stories – so be sure to ask.

    There is a Cave Tasting, or a Production Tour you can take, but every time I’ve visited I haven’t had the foresight to book. Don’t be like me – and plan ahead!

    A cave tour sounds like the perfect break from the hot Texas weather, and is pretty unique compared with some of the other production style tours in the area.

    Go try!

    I hope you enjoyed my recommendations – always try and make tasting reservations if you want to have the full experience – and also check out the 290 Wine Shuttles website to make sure that times and stops are available.

    Cheers!

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