Popular Wineries in Dripping Springs You’ll Want to Visit
The Texas Hill Country is best known for the many wineries stretching for miles along Highway 290 in Fredericksburg, but did you know there are amazing wineries in the town of Dripping Springs? Closer to Austin for easier access, this is a great location to consider for your hill country wine experience. Dripping Springs wineries offer more of a laid back, “hang out for a while” vibe which I really love.
If you are planning a trip to Dripping and love wine, or are traveling with someone who does, read on for the rundown on five of my favorite locations. Make sure you stick around for my winery pro tips at the bottom!
Where is Dripping Springs?
Dripping Springs is located in the Texas Hill Country, about 30 minutes outside of Austin. Wineries start in Dripping and continue all the way into Fredericksburg (about 45 minutes away). Also about one hour north of San Antonio, and 4 hours south of Dallas for some perspective.
Three of the Dripping Springs wineries mentioned below are located off Bell Springs Road, one off of Fitzhugh, and another off the beaten path on McGregor.
When to visit Dripping Springs
Dripping is really a great place to visit for most months of the year. If you want ideal weather for Dripping Springs wineries, I would visit in the Spring or the Fall. Summer temps really start to rise in late June – August. Most wineries offer tastings indoors, but I think part of the fun is enjoying a glass outdoors with views of the rolling hills.
Where to Stay in Dripping Springs
Did you know that Dripping is also a top wedding location in Texas? The good news – that means lots of fun local accommodations in the area. I love finding unique stays, even in my own backyard. Below are a few other awesome options for you to check out and book!
Hill Country Casitas – A little bit off the beaten path, but offering a private retreat-like feel, these casitas are a fun option. Each casita offers an outdoor patio and hill country views. At least click to take a look at these little cottages! Quintessential Hill Country!
Lucky Arrow Retreat – This is such a unique place to stay in Dripping! Perched on a hilltop next to Bell Springs Winery/Brewery, the location is great. They offer upscale cabins and yurts, and amenities include a pool and an event space.
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Dripping Springs Wineries
Hawk Shadow Estate Winery
About: Hawk Shadow has the best Dripping Springs wines hands down (according to my taste). I booked a cellar tour there and tasted both whites and reds, and all grapes are grown here in Central Texas or in the Texas High Plains. There was not a single wine that I was disappointed with. Oh and let me tell you about that cellar tour! Climb down a spiral staircase into a European style cool wine cellar with barrels lining both sides. I felt like I was transported back to Europe.
Tip: They are only “open” on Saturdays, but you can call and request a tasting other days of the week.
Food: They have a cheese plate available.
Location: 7500 McGregor Ln, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Graveyard Vineyards
About: All the way from Paso Robles in California, this winery doesn’t grow their grapes on-site, but they do offer some really delicious wine choices that are different from Texas. I have been impressed with their wines the two times I have visited. The tasting room offers one long bar and a few lounging spots by the windows. They will serve you a tasting at either. Graveyard is working on creating an outdoor space and has a few picnic tables, as well as rocking chairs on the covered porch.
TIP: Even though they are not “Texas wines” I really think this is a great addition to your tour. It’s nice to switch up the grape varietals and taste something different! All of the staff are super friendly and love to answer your wine questions.
Food: No food on regular offer. Sometimes there are events with food, so check out their calendar ahead of time.
Location: 5258 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Bell Springs Winery & Brewery
About: Wait a minute – a two for one location?? That’s right, Bell Springs has long been a winery in Dripping, but added brewing beer in 2019. They now offer a full wine tasting room, as well as a beer taproom in two separate buildings on site. With two covered porches and a good amount of outdoor seating, this is an ideal location to lounge outside.
TIP: This is one of the most laid back wineries in the Hill Country. So if you like wine (and beer) in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place for you. Sunday is a perfect day here, Friday and Saturday can get busy with winery bus tours.
Food: They offer a cheese plate for purchase daily inside, and there is a food truck on-site outside. This would be an ideal location to schedule a tasting around lunchtime so you can also grab food.
Location: 3700 Bell Springs Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Parmeson Wines
About: This is a tasting room for wines that are grown and produced in Sonoma, California. Delicious quality wines and Pinot Noir, but a little on the expensive side compared to other Dripping Springs wineries. I like this as a quick stop for a tasting, especially if you’re working your way down Bell Springs Road.
Tip: This winery is located on Bell Springs but can be a little hard to find. It’s located down the same drive as the business Carved Stone, and just one driveway over from Graveyard.
Location: 5300 Bell Springs Rd Unit B, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Solaro Winery
About: Solaro has been a mainstay in Dripping Springs wineries for years. Focusing on Italian varietals (which grow well in Texas), you’ll be transported to Italy with their tasting. A patio with a pergola and view of the vines greets you as you walk up and into their beautiful but small tasting room.
Tip: Solaro is close to a lot of the breweries and distilleries along Fitzhugh Road so this could be part of a winery tour or even a Dripping Springs drink tour. (If you can handle it, haha). Making a tasting reservation is recommended.
Location: 13111 Silver Creek Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Dripping Springs Wineries - Pro Tips
- Don’t forget to bring some winery essentials with you! I always make sure to keep a wine chiller in a cooler, a wine opener for those to-go bottles, water, and snacks for between stops. You’ll be the hero of the group – for real!
- Consider hiring a driver or asking a friend (or boyfriend/husband) to be a designated driver. I have not personally used them but Slowpokes Wine Tours has pretty good reviews and are local.
- We are outside the city in the Hill Country, and there can be bugs. I suggest closed-toe shoes especially if red ants tend to like you. Also, bug spray your ankles to be safe especially in late spring and summer. In summer sunscreen is essential.
Have you been to any of these Dripping Springs wineries, or are they on your list? Let me know your favorite in the comments!
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