Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful regions of Texas, if not the entire Southwest. You might think dusty plains and cattleland, but Hill Country is all rolling hills, massive oak trees, and an explosion of myriad wildflowers from bluebonnets to black-eyed susans. But did you know that Texas Hill Country is also Texas wine country?

That's right: Texas Hill Country is basically the Napa Valley of the Southwest with about 20 wineries in the area alone (plus another 30 scattered throughout the rest of the state). Cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are the most popular varietals with merlot and muscat canelli following close behind. More than five million visitors make their way to the area each year, and with all this in mind we think it's pretty easy to understand why.

If you're into a DIY experience, then all you need to do is hit the road (with a designated driver of course!) and travel up and down the Hill Country stretch of TX-290 between Austin and Fredericksburg and you'll be able to hit up such acclaimed Texas Hill Country wineries as Messina Hof Hill Country Winery and Texas Hills Vineyards. But if going it on your own sounds a bit stressful, we've got a few suggestions to make it much easier:

Where to Stay

Because the wineries can feel so spread out, finding a place to stay might seem a little daunting. But we've got you covered there—and we can help you spend a little less on your B&B so you have a little more for your favorite bottles. Check out a few of our top recs below:

River Inn Resort and Conference Center: Stay on the banks of the Guadalupe River in a comfortable condo with communal outdoor fireplaces to take in the wide expanse of night sky (starting at $66/night).

Fredericksburg Inn and Suites: Hang out in the outdoor hot tub or grab coffee on the patio at this chic hotel in the heart of Fredericksburg, a great homebase for winery exploring (starting at $94/night).

Serenity Farmhouse Inn and Resort: This collection of adorable and colorful little cottages is the perfect place to unwind after a day on wht wine trail (starting at $199/two-night stay).

Tipis on the Guadalupe: Why settle for ordinary accommodations when you can stay in a glammed up tipi? These rustic-looking dwellings are outfitted with all the modern amenities including WiFi along the riverbank (starting at $139/two-night stay).

Shop all Texas Hill Country hotels.

Texas Hill Country Wine Tours & Tastings

Once you've got a place to stay, it's time to get to why you're really here: the wineries. Whether you want to book a single tasting or an all-day tour with transportation included, we've got your back. Browse a few of our fave Texas wine country tours below:

Texas Winos: Enjoy a full-day tour including transportation, lunch or dinner, plus souvenirs and the chance to meet at least one of the winemakers in person ($52 for admission).

Fredericksburg Hull Country Wine Tour: Another all-day tour, your group will pick you up at a designated point before driving you to three or more wineries ($135.50 for admission).

Pilot Knob Vineyards: Dig into a picnic lunch full of breads, meats, and cheeses while sipping a glass of wine at this picnic affair ($49 for a picnic for two).

Shop all Texas Hill Country wine tours.