One of the best things about living in SA is that you’re always a hop, skip and jump from an escape in the good ol’ Texas Wine Country. So we did just that. Packed up the Jeep and drove about an hour or so Stonewall, Texas and between you and me all I wanted to do was take the Wrangler off-road but there are rules but one day there will be a blog where I take the Jeep and go ham. 

I decided to take my mom on this trip- she’s always loved wine country and really has an interest in learning more about the winemaking process. 

Stay

Stonewall Motor Lodge

Opened in the 1960s during the LBJ Administration, the Stonewall Motor Lodge was built to house all the press, celebrities, Secret Service and any dignitaries that came into town- so as you guessed it- it’s like up the road from the LBJ Ranch (which you should totally tour, too!) 

The rooms are super cozy and the bed is the perfect place to rest your head after a long day. The Motor Lodge also offers your choice between rooms with either two queens or a king-sized bed or cabins located in the back for more privacy. Personally, I love the little touches where they pack your breakfast in your room to eat whenever and lots of outside seating for your enjoyment. 

Eats

This being largely a food blog I was happy to try some of the local eats and then take notes between bites.

The Hye Market

Attention history buffs! Take the opportunity to grab a bite at the Hye Market! It’s a local spot serving plenty of yummy sandwiches, salads, and local Texas eats all housed inside an old (and still in operation) post office in the town of Hye.  

Altstadt Brewery

Don’t be mistaken by the brewery in the name, Altstadt Brewery’s beer is made the German way- something I never really thought about until I did. Only for this portion, we’re covering the German food they serve. In my opinion, it was really good and pairs great with their beer. So this is a must to your tour list. 

The Auslander

Located on the main street is the Auslander restaurant. So if you’ve been following me along for a while you know that I backpacked through Europe a couple of years ago and one of my favorite countries was Germany. The funny thing about Germany is they don’t really have a lot of German restaurants there. This is because most of them eat at home but the thing is as tourists we’re all about ‘eating local’- this is also where I learned that doner kebap’s are huge. All story aside- my endless search for German food in America is satisfied. 

Old German Bakery & Restaurant

Another German restaurant located in Fredericksburg again to cure my satisfaction for German food including schnitzel and this one had currywurst which is one of my favorite dishes of all time. 

Drink Drank Punk

Cottonwood Wine Tours

Tbh if you’re visiting SA or just want to not worry about driving, a designated driver and money- this is the best investment you can make. The van will pick you up, drive you around and keep you safe. Not to mention how nice they are and extremely knowledgeable. 

Kuhlman Cellars

Another truth: if the wine cellar has a dog- I’m happy. That’s it. I don’t need much but a dog and wine. Kuhlman Cellars was the first winery we visited and it was so nice. We learned a lot about the grape growing process and that like red wine is just made red by leaving the skins in. Also, bring money to buy their almonds- so so good!  

Pedernales Cellars

The award to best patio goes to these cellars. Pedernales started out when the Kulken parents planted some grapes in the early 90s and became a family affair when their kids joined in 2005. Now they work together to handle the whole process of winemaking. So they specialize in Spanish and Rhone-style wine- so if you’re trying to learn more about the winemaking process this is a great start for you!  

Garrison Brothers Distillery

Marked as the oldest legal bourbon distillery in Texas, Garrison Brothers is a mood. Maybe it’s because whiskey is a great liquor- or maybe it’s because I enjoyed the vibe. Apart from enjoying the whole patio, they have Dr. Pepper and whiskey slushes (Arnold Palmer ones too) and tours.

4.0 Cellars

Get this- we had an actual wine and cheese pairing. Like, get got to learn how wine and cheese create magic. Maybe this is just cool for me but it’s a great experience to check out. Also, vibe check they have a huge patio so after you get your education on- you can chill outside. 

Pontotoc Vineyard

While the other wine stops were on the famous Wine Road 290- Pontotoc is actually located on Main St in Fredericksburg proper. I’ll tell you this much- best sangria I’ve had this side of the Atlantic. *insert I backpacked through Spain snobbery here.” 

Altstadt Brewery

see above. But if wine isn’t your main squeeze and beer is then stopping at Altstadt is a  must. They make their beer the German way and it’s cool to learn about their process. Not to mention you can grab a bite to eat there too! 

This vacation was sponsored by the Stonewall Motor Lodge but all the opinions and thoughts are my own. As always be sure to follow my san antonio food instagram @sanantoniolovelist to keep up with the latest.