A Day of Wine Tasting and German Flair in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is one of those places that effortlessly blends rustic Texas charm with European heritage—and it makes for the perfect weekend escape. Our latest visit was a day filled with wine tasting, vineyard views, a dash of German culture, and a few unexpected twists that added to the adventure.
Starting the Day: Coffee at The Pharmacy
Before the wine came the caffeine. Our first stop was The Pharmacy—a charming coffee shop that used to be Keidel’s Pharmacy, owned by Albert Keidel. His great-grandfather was a German immigrant and the town doctor back in the mid-1800s. The building still stands in its original form, repurposed as a coffee and pastry shop operated by the Albert Hotel.
Wine Tasting at William Chris Vineyards
With drinks in hand, we hit the road and decided to begin with the farthest winery and work our way back into town. First up was William Chris Vineyards in Hye, TX.
After parking in the gravel lot, we checked in at their stylish, open-concept tasting building and were greeted with a refreshing glass of rosé while waiting for our wine tasting experience to begin.
The tasting itself included six wines—some red, some white. Our host was pleasant but more focused on getting our reactions than providing much information about the wines themselves. While the wines were good, we didn’t purchase any bottles to bring home.
Trip Tip:
Be sure to make a reservation in advance. If you’re a wine enthusiast, request a guide who enjoys diving into the winemaking process—it can make the tasting experience more enriching.
Wine Flight and a Bite: Heath Sparkling Wines
Next up: Heath Sparkling Wines, located just minutes away. This modern winery specializing in sparkling wines—and as returning members, our tasting flight was complimentary (a nice perk!).
We shared a spinach and artichoke dip and sipped sparkling wine under their industrial-modern patio pavilion, enjoying a perfect view of the vineyards. This made for an ideal setting to continue our wine-tasting day.
A Mediterranean Escape: Barons Creek Vineyards
A short drive later brought us to the Mediterranean-inspired beauty of Barons Creek Vineyards. Even without a reservation, the staff seated us quickly and paired us with a fantastic host—a local Texan who made the wine tasting relaxed, fun, and educational.
After sampling a well-curated wine selection, we walked through the manicured garden behind the tasting room. A decorative pool anchors the space, surrounded by rentable Mediterranean-style villas. The sun finally made a full appearance, and the setting added a picturesque end to our wine-tasting adventure for the day.
Travel Tip: Walk through the back gardens and check out the villas—you don’t need to be a guest to admire the architecture. The views are some of the best around.
Lunch Plans Gone Sideways: Altstadt Brewery
Hungry from all the tasting, we stopped at Altstadt Brewery for a late lunch. With the sun shining, we chose to sit outside in the biergarten—a casual space with picnic tables, umbrellas, and plenty of room to relax.
We placed our order using the QR code system but were quickly reminded why patience is required here. Despite the signage saying food and drinks would be brought out, the service was painfully slow. Kevin got a notification that our drinks were ready, but no one brought them. After conflicting answers and a surprisingly rude interaction with the bartender and manager, we asked for a refund and left disappointed.
Trip Tip:
If you’re planning to sit in the biergarten, clarify with staff how service works. While the food and beer are typically great, the outdoor service can be frustratingly inconsistent.
A Solid Save: Dinner at The Ausländer
Determined to end our day on a high note (and still craving German food), we headed to The Ausländer in downtown Fredericksburg. It didn’t disappoint. Kevin finally got his beer, and we both enjoyed a satisfying German meal in a cozy, Bavarian-style dining room after our day of wine tasting.
Trip Tip:
This is a great place for hearty comfort food and a beer selection that fits the German-Texan theme of the town. It’s right downtown, so it’s ideal for dinner after a bit of browsing the shops.
Ending on a Sparkling Note
After dinner, we strolled through downtown, picking up a few souvenirs and enjoying the relaxed evening vibe. Back at our rental, we popped open a bottle of Heath Sparkling Wine and toasted to a day full of beautiful views, wine tasting, and unforgettable moments (even the not-so-great ones).
Final Thoughts
Fredericksburg has a way of charming its way into your memory—whether through wine tastings, unexpected history, or hearty German meals. While every day trip has its highs and lows, this one gave us a little bit of everything. The rolling vineyards, European-inspired architecture, and small-town warmth made for a day that we’ll gladly relive again.
More Tips:
* Book winery reservations early—especially on weekends.
* Wear comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards and town.
* Keep a cooler in the car if you plan on bringing home wine.
* Don’t forget sunscreen and water (wine sneaks up on you!).
If you haven’t had a chance to check other installments of my Fredericksburg adventure,
be sure to explore the full series below:
Fredericksburg Getaway – Travel Adventures (1)
Running, Wine & Serendipity in Fredericksburg (2)
and Enchanted Rock: Views, Vibes & New Friends (4).
