TEXAS WINE COUNTRY

DAY ONE
From German beer to French wine, Fredericksburg did not disappoint. After staying in Corpus Christi for these past few weeks, Mike and I were ready for an escape (even though I just came back from Houston the weekend prior). After talking around to a few people we stumbled upon Fredericksburg, which happens to be Texas wine country. Being 2 wine lovers ourselves it only seemed reasonable to spend a few nights. I ended up finding an adorable bed and breakfast simply a walk away from the main drag, and Mike found an all-day wine tour officially booking our trip.

The drive was about 3.5 hours from Corpus Christi and we truly discovered “hill country.” Once we broke off of the main highway all we could see were beautifully grassy hills along the drive. Quite scenic if you ask me. The hours flew by and before we knew it we were entering the most German looking town I have seen in a while. Diners, bed and breakfasts, motels, and breweries speckled the road with waving German flags alongside each of them. All of the shops we passed looked inviting and colorful. Many people were walking around with beverages, hopping from one bar to the next or simply enjoying the sunshine. Arriving too early to check in, we thought it only best to see what the main drag had to offer. We parked the car next to the B&B and began an afternoon stroll.

While walking through the town we came across a patio with live music playing and a relaxed atmosphere that deemed necessary after a long drive. We ordered some drinks and people watched while a guitarist played in the background. Lets just say it set the bar high for the rest of the trip. Some German bratwursts and a drink or two later we headed back to the B&B to check in. The place we stayed at was called the Inn Above Town Creek. The house is not even a block away from Main street. It has about 5 rooms to choose from, all of which looked very cozy and sweet. Our room was amazing. It was comfortable, elegant, and exactly what I would want from a bed and breakfast. However, you don’t go to a new town just to stay in the room! Mike and I checked in, freshened up, and headed out to do some exploring and maybe find some food - I'm always looking for the food.

Wandering around, we stumbled upon what seemed like a nice-looking bar. Walking in, you immediately got a speakeasy vibe, which was not what we were prepared for. You were met with red drapes immediately entering the door, which opened to a large room. The space was speckled with couches and low tables inviting for groups or even two people. Two bars were designated and individualized for the drinker’s choice. One was for all wine selections, while the other was for liquor. Low lighting and calm music, along with old-time movies playing on the TV, gave off a unique and relaxing atmosphere. Having a cocktail or two, we finally decided to look for some grub.

With food on the mind, Mike and I found a pizza parlor named Sozial Haus. Instead of being seated inside, we agreed to grab  beer and wait for a patio spot. One beer later we were ordering another while glancing at the extensive menu. Finally deciding on our pizza we toasted to another blissful night and a wonderful weekend to come. On our way home, still not quite ready to go to bed, we walked past live music. Intrigued, we walked along an ally that led us to an open patio where many people were drinking, eating, and listening to the live band. We grabbed a drink and found a spot enjoying the cool night air. Once the show was over, we were more than ready to call it a night, excited for our adventures tomorrow. 

A view looking out from one of the wineries. These beautiful hills, though, are what our drive consisted of.

​DAY TWO
The next morning we awoke early enough to find breakfast before our wine tour picked us up at 11. We found a spot not too far away that quenched Mike’s craving for biscuits and gravy. Once completely stuffed with a hardy meal, we were ready to start drinking. The bus picked us up from our B&B for our “Crown Royal” wine tour. There ended up being about 10 people, us included. One group consisted of four very big personalities and two other couples just as eager to try some wine joined us for our adventure. Let me tell you, this group was fantastic. Everyone was excited to try wines and simply have a good time. I could go on and on about the wineries we visited but, instead, will limit it to the one everyone needs to stop at. Named after the owner’s daughter made fun of him for knowing nothing about wine, Slate Theory Winery is new to the Texas Wine area. The owner himself gave us our tour and enticed us with stories of his life and how he started in the wine business. In fact, he started as a chemical engineer working and owning his family oil company. Not wanting his 7 kids following in his footsteps and having his business given to them, he sold his company and bought land for a winery. The winery itself launched at the beginning of this year, which was unfortunate timing due to the ongoing pandemic. After being shut down for a few months, we were one of the first few tours permitted. The wine was incredible. I loved every glass we tried, including the whites (which, most of you know, I’m a reds gal). They each had their own individuality and tickled your tastebuds. Definitely a winery I would be happy to visit again and one that everyone should stop by if visiting Fredericksburg.

​The wine tour finally dropped us off around 5ish. We made plans with some of the people we met on the tour and went back to the room to freshen up. Afterwards, we walked around and dashed into a few shops just to see what they had to offer. Finally, we met a couple for some drinks, only to be joined by those four outrageously amazing women later on. We ended the night across the street at a German bar and grill for a late night snack and some needed beer (Mike was all wined-out). It was a great end to an eventful day.

DAY THREE
Our last and final day began as a lazy one. We grudgingly got out of our room around 1045 and headed into town for a small bite and some coffee. We ended up at a placed called Vaudeville, as recommended by my cousin. This place is definitely on the fancier end. When you first walk in, you are greeted with a high-end store selling jewelry, cook books, glassware… really anything you can imagine. Sauntering downstairs is where you’ll find the dining area. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, this upscale eatery was grandeur. Mike and I found bar seats, which are arguably the best in the house. While there we were in awe watching the cooks and baristas at work. We ordered one order of their famous fried chicken and each got a glass of something bubbly and alcoholic. I would indulge you on the name of it, but quite frankly I don’t remember. There was bubbles and peach, and I also got an espresso and a water because I was about to topple over of exhaustion. The fried chicken was astonishing. I can only remember having fried chicken this delectable one other time and that was in Jackson Hole. The meat was so tender and the breading was filled with spices giving it an authentic taste. However, I am glad we split it because the plate was very large.

We walked around the store upstairs for a bit, itching to move after our large brunch, and then began strolling the street. I pulled Mike into a candle store, and after smelling every scent in there, I left triumphantly with a bag full. At this time, we thought it best to split up and reconvene for an early dinner. What can I say? Shopping isn’t really Mike’s cup of tea. After hitting a few stores and buying more than necessary, we went back to our room and got ready for dinner.

Otto’s is a German restaurant only available for reservations. I would describe it as a small space with large flavor. This restaurant, like Vaudeville, is upscale. However, it has a very relaxed aura about it. Mike and I sat at a hightop table indoors, in which I was able to people watch the entire restaurant. We were apart of the first few people there, so it was interesting to watch as the place filled up throughout our meal. We started with some wine and roast beef, ending with another glass of wine and a delicate chocolate dessert. Our meals were decadent and full of flavor. I got pasta while Mike indulged in schnitzel. Both were amazing, and both are recommended. Afterwards, we changed and walked around again, drinks in hand. What? We were on vacation! Finally, we enjoyed a beer at Fredericksburg Brewery in order to watch football. Sunday night football is nothing to mess around with! Ending the night at this outdoor German sports bar was definitely the way to do it. After the game ended we hung around a little longer, making friends with another couple at the bar. Exhausted and ready to sleep, we found our way back to our B&B. Overall, our experience in Fredericksburg was different every day. We indulged in the finer things, but stayed true to our laid back and casual style. I loved how easy and accessible everything was for us to walk to and how inviting everyone was. For any and all types of people, Fredericksburg offers a lot to the table. Just be ready to drink like the Germans do ;)

​As always, stay in touch, stay in mind, and stay safe out there!