Frequently Asked Questions

General

Who is THCW and what do you offer?

Texas Hill Country Wineries (THCW) is a non-profit marketing and promotions association for 60+ Texas Hill Country member wineries.  We offer self-guided, ticketed wine events as well as other THCW-sponsored events throughout the year.

Can we buy wine from THCW?

No, THCW is not a winery and we do not produce nor sell wine. Each member winery sells their own wines.

How do I become a vendor at your wine trails or other THCW sponsored events?

Currently our wine trails or events do not host vendors. Member wineries may host vendors for winery-sponsored events and will need to be contacted directly.

My band would like to play at your winery. how do I go about booking?

Since THCW is not a winery, we do not host events. Each member winery hosts their own events and will need to be contacted directly.

Can you come pour wine at our event?

Since THCW is not a winery, we do not pour at events. Member wineries will pour their own wines at wine trail events.

I want to work at a winery/vineyard. do you have any openings?

Since THCW is not a winery or vineyard, we do not have these types of positions available. Please contact member wineries individually for any openings that they may have.

I would like to advertise my business on your website. Since I have your link on my site, can you reciprocate and put my link on your site?

THCW does not trade links. If you would like to advertise on our site or in our brochure, please send an email through our Contact page.

Can you mail me a brochure?

If you would like one or two brochures mailed, please email kate@thcw.com and provide a mailing address. If you would like a box of brochures shipped for a business, please fill out our contact form with your request.

Visiting the Wineries

How much are tasting fees when visiting wineries?

Tasting fees range from approximately $15-$25 per person. 

What does a tasting include at the wineries?

This varies from winery to winery but typically includes a tasting of 4-6 wines at about 2 oz of each wine. Some wineries include the glass to take home, some do food and wine pairings at an additional cost and some waive the tasting fee with the purchase of wine.

Do I need to make reservations to visit THCW wineries?

Most THCW member wineries recommend reservations on the weekends and some are required. We recommend checking each winery's website to confirm and make your reservations ahead of time.

How much time should I allow between reservations when planning my trip?

Tastings can take up to 1 hour and you’ll want to allow time for purchasing, a glass of wine on the patio, travel and other quick stops. 1.5 to 2 hours between reservations should allow you enough time.

Do the wineries host winery or vineyard tours?

Wineries may offer tours of their winery/vineyard on select days, times and for a nominal fee. We suggest that you contact each specific member winery, or review the member winery’s website, as to winery tour offerings.

If I am traveling with a large group, how do I make reservations?

Some wineries will accept reservations for large groups through their online reservation systems, but for groups of 6 or more we suggest giving the winery a call.

Can I visit wineries during a non-Passport event weekend?

Yes. Wineries are open year round and open to the public. Before you embark on a self-guided tour, you are encouraged to verify the days/times that the member wineries are open.

Do I need tickets?

Tickets are only necessary if you wish to participate in a scheduled Passport event. Otherwise, member wineries are open to the public so you do not need a ticket to visit.

I will be in town this weekend and am looking for winery events.

For winery-sponsored events, please check the Events page on our website. Currently, THCW has 4 Passport events each year: February, April, October and December. Tickets for Passport events are typically posted for sale six weeks prior to the beginning of the event. All Passport tickets must be pre-purchased at THCW. You are encouraged to purchase Passport tickets as early as possible because the events sell out quickly.

We are looking to visit in November through February (winter). will the wineries be open?

Yes, THCW wineries are open year round. We recommend checking out the individual winery websites for their hours.

What is the best time of year to visit the wineries?

It depends on what you are looking for: Winter is a little slower and less busy in the tasting rooms. In the spring, the vines are starting to bloom while in the summer, the vines are green and harvest is beginning. Fall is cooler and there are many winery events happening.

I have a group of people for a special party/event (ie: rehearsal dinner, wedding, family reunion, corporate party), what do you offer?

THCW does not offer or plan parties. We suggest contacting the member wineries who host weddings and more to inquire as to their availability and venue options or contact the wineries you plan to visit about their smaller group policies.

What are your rates and availability for weddings, rehearsal dinners, etc?

THCW does not host weddings, rehearsal dinners, etc.  Please check out our Wineries page with the “Weddings” or “Private Events” filter applied for a list of member wineries who do host weddings and other private events.

I want to go to a Grape Stomp, when is yours?

THCW does not host a grape stomp, but a number of our member wineries do. We suggest you check out the Winery Events page and sort by the “Harvest” option.

Passport Events

What do the Passport events consist of?

The Passport events are self-guided, ticketed events among our 60+ member wineries. Wineries offer complimentary tastes and discounts to customers who purchase tickets to a THCW-sponsored Passport event.

What time do the Passport events begin/end?

Each Passport has designated start and end dates. Please refer to the Passport details on the ticket page. In regards to the member winery’s hours of operation during a Passport event, each individual winery will open/close according to their own prescribed business hours. Please see the Wineries page for each winery’s regular business hours.

Where do the Passport events go?

The Texas Hill Country Wineries area covers Austin to Fredericksburg and Lampasas to New Braunfels. Approximately 45 member wineries participate in Passport events and you can visit as many as you like throughout the event but limited to 4 per day, in any order you like. Want to plan your own winery tour? You can by using THCW’s interactive map.

Are my Passport event tickets good for multiple days and multiple wineries, or just one day and one winery?

Yes, wine Passport tickets are good for all published days of the event and for all participating wineries. Tickets are limited to 4 wineries per day and visiting each participating winery only once. 

I’m unable to use my Passport ticket(s), can I get a refund? Can you sell them for me?

THCW pre-purchased tickets are non-refundable and we are unable to sell them on your behalf. We recommend that you find a family member, friend, or neighbor that may be able to enjoy the wine event. Tickets are transferable.

I didn’t get to use my Passport ticket during the scheduled event time frame, can I redeem outside of the Passport event or obtain a refund?

Unfortunately, pre-purchased Passport tickets can only be used during the prescribed timeframes and are non-refundable.

How do I get my tickets?

A confirmation email with a link to and PDF of your ticket with your custom barcode will be sent to you upon completion of your purchase. Please check your junk mail folder as our emails may end up there.

Can I buy tickets at your office, over the phone or at a winery?

No, all ticket sales are on the THCW website only.

Do I have to show my ticket at each member winery in order to take advantage of the Passport event specials?

Having your digital ticket with your custom barcode on hand when you visit the participating wineries will help expedite service. If you do not have a convenient way to print the digital ticket, use your smartphone to be able to show the winery your custom barcode to be scanned. Each member winery you visit will scan your custom barcode to confirm you have visited and tasted at their Winery.

When will tickets for the Passports be available?

About 6 weeks prior to each Passport event. Wine Lovers Trail will be mid-December, Wine & Wildflower Trail will be mid-February, Texas Wine Month Trail will be mid-August, and Holiday Wine Trail will be mid-October.

For general tips and notes regarding etiquette when visiting a winery, please take a look at our Tips & Etiquette page.

Travel & Accommodations

Can I walk from winery to winery?

No. While some of our wineries may be close enough to walk, they are located on busy highways. Winery distances range from 1 mile apart to 130 miles apart. Driving is typically done by the wine trail participant.

Are rideshare services available in the Hill Country?

There are rideshare services available but with very limited drivers which can cause long wait times or unreliable pickups. We suggest contacting a local driving service to arrange rides ahead of time.

How can I set up a tour of multiple wineries?

THCW is not a tour company and does not provide transportation. If you wish to tour multiple THCW wineries, we suggest contacting one of the limo and tour companies listed on our Attractions & Accommodations page. Want to plan your own winery tour? You can by using THCW’s interactive map. Be sure to check for locations that require reservations.

Are my Passport event tickets good for multiple days and multiple wineries, or just one day and one winery?

Yes, wine Passport tickets are good for all published days of the event and for all participating wineries. Tickets are limited to 4 wineries per day and visiting each participating winery only once. 

I’m unable to use my Passport ticket(s), can I get a refund? Can you sell them for me?

THCW pre-purchased tickets are non-refundable and we are unable to sell them on your behalf. We recommend that you find a family member, friend, or neighbor that may be able to enjoy the wine event. Tickets are transferable.

Are there hotels in the Hill Country?

There are hotels and resorts scattered throughout the Hill Country. AirBnB and more non-traditional types of accommodations are also very popular such as glamping, yurts, campsites etc.

Committed to Quality

Each of our association wineries has its own personality, terroir and style of winemaking, yet they all share a commitment to quality, hospitality and a fervent passion for their craft. With over 60 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country, there’s someplace new to explore around every bend and an exquisite glass of wine waiting for you through each door. 

Explore the Wineries

Upcoming Events

With a calendar brimming with engaging activities including THCW’s four signature Passport events, roadshow events and winemaker dinners, as well as weekly member winery events, there is always something going on in the Hill Country. Come enjoy food, wine, weekly live music, grape stomps, holiday events and so much more.