With its cobblestone walls and lush green vines growing along the side of the exterior, Duchman Family Winery looks like it was transported from Italy and plopped right in the middle of Texas Hill Country. The winery is known for its Italian grape varietals like Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto. Take your bottle to one of the shaded outdoor picnic tables or stay inside the tasting room and gaze at the view through the large picture windows.

Travelers looking for a laid-back spot in Texas Hill Country will want to venture to Ron Yates Wines. Tastings will set you back $15 per person, though you can also enjoy a bottle or glass on the covered patio (which offers picturesque vineyard views) without a reservation. If you’re lucky, you may run into Ron Yates himself, whose passion for Texas wine is palpable. 

Sandy Road Vineyards may be located down a dirt road, right across from a herd of oryx, but it certainly offers a high-end wine tasting experience. At the edge of the vineyard is a treehouse that can be rented out for tastings. Alternatively, check out the small pavilion in the center of the lawn, which is filled with outdoor furniture and a large banquet table. No visit is complete without a sip of the award-winning 2020 Estate GSM Rosé. 

Pedernales Cellars offers some of the best Texas Hill Country and Pedernales River Valley vistas. Its spacious outdoor patio is shaded by large trees that filter out just the right amount of sunlight. The signature pours here include a fan-favorite Tempranillo and Viognier. Since all tastings require reservations, you’ll need to plan your visit here in advance. 

White wine lovers will especially love Valley Mills Vineyard. Be sure to try the Viognier and Vermentino varietals, which are generally fermented and aged in stainless steel (so there are no oak notes like the ones you’d find in California whites). Although the tasting room is always open for bottles and glasses, reservations are recommended, especially for tours. 

For fantastic wine paired with incredible views, look no further than William Chris Vineyards. While all the experiences here are by reservation only, you’ll be glad you made the time to make one. On one side of the property is a historic farmhouse. On the other, you’ll find a more modern lounge for wine club members (aptly named Hye Society), which boasts high ceilings, wooden interiors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The sprawling, family-owned Becker Vineyards features more than 55 acres of planted vines. The tasting room is reminiscent of a German stone barn with large windows, while its interiors are made up almost entirely of dark wood, making for a moody escape from the Texas sun. Many of the wines poured here are aged in French and American white oak barrels, which add more depth to the wines. Don't miss the charming 1890s-era log cabin located just outside the main tasting room. Tastings start at $25 per person, which include up to six different wines. 

Kuhlman Cellars is unique in that it's one of few wineries in Texas Hill Country that specializes in food and wine pairings. What's more, the winery is famous for its 45-minute seated tastings, in which guests can sample five wines along with five chef-prepared and seasonally driven small bites. Wines can be sampled inside the tasting room or on a second-floor rooftop terrace overlooking part of the vineyard. Kuhlman Cellars is also known for its herbed almonds tossed in Herbs de Provence, which pair well with all of the wines. 

Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa is your one-stop-shop for all things wellness, wine, and upscale accommodations. The tasting room has a distinct Texan feel with wood paneling and overhead lanterns. There's also plenty of space outside to enjoy your vino, including the covered patio and ample green space, where you'll also find lawn games and loungers. We especially recommend trying the Cater Creek Brut. 

Slate Theory Winery offers a contemporary and edgy vibe. All around the tasting room, you'll find plush seating in vibrant gem tones that pop against the slate-colored walls and floors. The true star of the show here is the underground barrel cellar. As you walk down the stairs, you'll be greeted by a glass box that houses a skull and a crown, the inspiration for the company logo. Additionally, around the cellar, there are small nooks with tables and cozy chairs to enjoy a private get-together with friends and family.