Planning a trip to Fredericksburg? It is truly the ultimate birthday celebration destination. How about a road trip with your best friends from Houston to Fredericksburg, Texas, for a wine-filled weekend? Here’s an itinerary that guarantees fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
*** Tips for your own Fredericksburg getaway***
Plan Ahead: Fredericksburg is a popular destination, so book your accommodations and winery tours in advance.
Dress Comfortably: While Fredericksburg has a laid-back vibe, you’ll still want to dress comfortably for walking and exploring.
Hydrate and Snack: Wine tasting can be more intense than you might think. Stay hydrated and have some snacks on hand to keep your energy up. Texas summers are extremely hot and you will be drinking alcohol, drink plenty of water. Make sure to eat breakfast, you will be drinking ALL day.
Make sure to protect yourself from the sun with headwear and/or sunscreen.
Explore Main Street: Don’t miss the charming shops and boutiques on Main Street. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Relax and Enjoy: The best part of a trip to Fredericksburg is the chance to relax and unwind. Take your time, savor the moments, and enjoy the beauty of Texas wine country.
Departure Time: Leave Houston by 2:00 PM to avoid the worst of the traffic and to arrive in time for dinner.
The roadtrip to Fredericksburg
Day 1: Friday Evening Arrival in Fredericksburg
Our journey to Fredericksburg, we left Houston around 10:00 AM. Our road-trip route was I-10 West from Houston, to 71 to 183 then US-290 West towards Fredericksburg. The drive is approximately 4 hours, covering about 240 miles. Enjoy the scenic Texas countryside as you drive through charming small towns. Our halfway point was Bastrop, Texas and of course we stopped at Buc-ees.
Our Fredericksburg Accommodations
We stayed at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Fredericksburg. We found it to be the perfect location as it was off Main Street which offered many tasting rooms, resturants, and shops. There are many Air-BnBs and boutique style hotels, make sure to book early. For us location was the most important factor, but if you have a larger group renting a house may be a great option for you.
Arriving around 3:30 PM and checked into our rooms. We reserved two connecting rooms, we essentially created a bigger suite. The pool was a very nice place to recap our days and enjoy a glass of wine under the stars. We relaxed for a little while and explored Downtown Main Street. The took a leisurely stroll around downtown Main Street. Enjoy the quaint shops, galleries, and the historic charm of Fredericksburg.
One of the Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
Friday night dinner was at Granite House Lounge. Granite House Lounge is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious menu. They offer a variety of dishes from Texas comfort food to gourmet options, ensuring everyone in your group finds something to love. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine or a craft cocktail to kick off the celebration. They do not accept reservations so get there early or send someone early to reserve for your party.
Fredericksburg Wine Tasting Day (Wine Tasting Extravaganza)
290 Wine Shuttle Bus
Departure Time: Catch the 290 Wine Shuttle Bus at 10:30 AM. This shuttle service is a convenient and safe way to explore the numerous wineries along the 290 Wine Route without worrying about driving.
Grape Creek Vineyards
Experience: First stop was Grape Creek Vineyards. Moreover, these are still wines, with a variety of red, white, and rose. Enjoy a guided tour of the winery followed by a tasting session of their award-winning wines. Grape Creek Vineyards offers a beautiful Tuscan-inspired setting with picturesque views of the vineyard. Grape Creek does have a restaurant on site, however to sit on the patio you do need to become a member. You can find out more about becoming a member at your tasting.
Heath Sparkling Wines
Experience: Second stop was Heath Sparkling Wines. Heath is right next door to Grape Creek and is owned by the same company. Heath specializes in sparkling wines, Heath offers a unique tasting experience. Sample their premium sparkling wines and learn about the meticulous process behind each bottle. The tasting comes with a food pairing.
Private Chef Dinner at Willowgrove Estate
Evening Experience: End the day with a luxurious private chef dinner at Willowgrove Estate. Enjoy a multi-course meal prepared by a local chef, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and paired with exquisite wines. In addition, Willow Grove is also an AirBnB and event space, the AirBnB would be wonderful for a larger group.
Day 3: More Wine Adventures
Departure Time: Start the day again with the 290 Wine Shuttle Bus.
Fat Ass Ranch & Winery
Experience: Known for its fun and relaxed atmosphere, Fat Ass Ranch offers a variety of fruit-infused wines. Enjoy the laid-back vibe and unique flavors that make this winery a favorite among visitors. Notably Fat Ass Ranch & Winery is definitely a party vibe. There is a brewery next door for those who want beer. The weekends have a variety of food trucks and vendors as well.
Experience: Finally we visited the Edge Tasting Room and Restaurant (English Newsom Cellars). In fact, The Edge tasting room is known. for its Cabernet Sauvignon. This venue has vendors, a. restaurant with a patio, and a resort. The resort consisted of tiny houses that look super cute.
Return Home
Finally it is time to return back to Houston. Departure Time: After your last tasting, head back to the hotel to pack up and check out. Aim to leave Fredericksburg by mid-afternoon to return to Houston by evening. If I could re-do our itinerary I would arrive on Thursday afternoon and leave on Sunday morning. Most of the wineries are very active on Saturdays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fredericksburg, TX, has something for everyone, and it’s the perfect spot for a girls’ getaway. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just the joy of friendship, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So gather your girls, pack your bags, and get ready for a trip you’ll never forget!
Despite missing out on Friday activities we enjoyed all of the winery stops. This itinerary ensures a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and indulgence, making my birthday celebration one to remember. Fredericksburg’s charming wineries, delicious food, and scenic beauty offer the ideal backdrop for a girls’ weekend getaway. So, gather your friends, hit the road, and get ready to celebrate in style!
