Running, Wine & Serendipity in Fredericksburg:

Another day in the charming town of Fredericksburg, Texas, offered the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, exquisite wine tasting, delightful dining experiences, and spontaneous moments that made it all unforgettable.

Running Fredericksburg

The morning started a bit rough. The live music from the restaurant next door had kept us up longer than planned, but we still rallied for our morning run. Just a few blocks into our jog down Main Street, we stumbled upon the town square, alive with the energy of the Scallywompus Wanderlust Half Marathon, 5K & 10K. Of course, we had to stop and see if we could jump in. Sadly, it clashed with our wine tasting reservations, so we kept on running. I finished a short 5K loop, while Kevin kept going—tacking on another five miles and even following part of the race route through scenic backroads.

While he finished his extended run, I headed back to our rental to get ready. When Kevin returned, he was bubbling with excitement about the route he’d taken—saying it was so beautiful, he’d have to show me later in the weekend.

A Tasting Experience at Becker

Once we were ready to go, we drove out to Becker Vineyards, one of our longtime Fredericksburg favorites. We had booked a Seated Tasting Experience that came with individual charcuterie, cheese, and fruit platters. Instead of the public tasting room, we were seated in their cozy, rustic club member lounge. There, we slowly savored six carefully selected wines—both reds and whites—while relaxing in a warm, wood-accented space that felt tucked away from the world.

After the tasting, we stopped by the main room to make a couple of purchases, then wandered out through the covered patio to take in the views. Lavender fields swayed in the breeze, and nearby rows of grapevines created the perfect setting for a few photos before heading to our next stop.

Invention Vineyards for Good Wine and New Friends

That afternoon, we visited Invention Vineyards, one of the newer names in the area but backed by a legacy—the Heath family, owners of Grape Creek Vineyards- well known in Fredericksburg. Though it’s a recent addition to the local wine scene, the vines have matured over the past five years, and they’re now producing some beautiful wines. As with many Texas Wine Country vineyards, the wines are crafted from a mix of estate-grown grapes and those sourced from the Texas High Plains.

We had a simple reservation in the tasting room, but the experience was anything but ordinary. Our host was knowledgeable and welcoming, walking us through six wines with enthusiasm. She was also serving a lively group of women nearby, and before long, we all started chatting and sharing tasting notes. One of the girls was celebrating her birthday, and as the tasting wrapped up, we found ourselves in their photos, new friends made over glasses of red wine.

A Hidden Retreat at Cabernet Grill

Feeling happily buzzed and a little hungry, we leaned into our usual spontaneity and decided to look for dinner on the drive back into downtown Fredericksburg. Cabernet Grill was at the top of our list, so I called to try and snag a reservation. I was put on hold for about ten minutes while Kevin drove. When we arrived, no one had picked up the call—but luck was on our side. We were able to get a reservation for their new outdoor patio.

While we waited for our table, we grabbed cocktails from a nearby lodge-style building nestled among cozy rental cabins. The patio was idyllic: a large pergola provided shade, while a gentle waterfall trickled into a koi pond near us. Surrounded by rustic cabins and the soft sounds of the evening, it felt like a hidden retreat.

As we sipped our drinks, our server came by with samples of their new signature soup—Kevin loved it so much he ordered a full bowl. Dinner followed shortly after, and every bite was worth the wait. The food, atmosphere, and relaxed vibe were the perfect way to close out the day.

Fredericksburg delivered once again—from scenic runs and unexpected race day energy to luxurious wine tastings and spontaneous new friendships. It’s a place that continues to surprise and delight us, and this day was yet another reminder of why we keep coming back.