Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle from Austin: Salt Lick & tastings

Salt Lick BBQ, two wineries, and the Driftwood drive in one morning

This Hill Country BBQ and wine shuttle departs Austin at 10:30 AM and runs 4.5 hours, stopping at the world-famous Salt Lick in Driftwood for an early lunch, then two Texas Hill Country wineries for tastings. A local guide drives a Mercedes Sprinter van with air conditioning. Food, drinks and tastings are paid directly at each venue. The tour is 21+ due to winery requirements.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hill Country BBQ and Wine Tasting

• Depart Austin Visitor Center at 10:30AM
• Travel to Driftwood area
• Visit Salt Lick BBQ for lunch
• Taste wines at first Hill Country winery
• Taste wines at second Hill Country winery

The experience

The shuttle leaves the Austin Visitor Center at 10:30 AM and heads southwest into the Texas Hill Country, a 35–45 minute drive to Driftwood. You'll spend 45–50 minutes at each of the three stops, which gives you time to order and eat at Salt Lick without rushing, then move through wine tastings at two different wineries. The driver is a local guide who knows the area, and the Mercedes Sprinter van keeps everyone comfortable on the route. Come hungry. This is an early lunch stop, and Salt Lick is the kind of place where the portions are serious.

At Salt Lick, you order and pay for your BBQ directly at the restaurant. Budget around $35 per person for a meal. The two wineries that follow charge $17–20 per tasting, also paid on-site. Because winery regulations apply, this tour is for ages 21 and up. The van is not equipped with a wheelchair lift, but guests with limited mobility can bring a folding wheelchair or portable scooter to stow in the rear, as long as you're able to step up into the vehicle (about 12 inches). Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the visitor center. The tour departs on time regardless of late arrivals. The tour runs rain or shine, though extreme weather or hazardous road conditions may trigger a cancellation for safety reasons.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van.
• local guide in English.
• comfortable seating for the full route to Driftwood and back.

Information

Lasts 4h 30m, runs every day at 10:30, from US$ 74.69 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 11 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (1 to 17 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Austin Detours LLC

Is this one for you?Book this shuttle if you want to visit Salt Lick and taste Hill Country wines without driving yourself: the fixed 10:30 AM departure and three timed stops mean the day is built for you, and you only handle payment at each venue instead of arranging transport, timing and reservations separately.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much should I budget for food and wine on this Hill Country shuttle?

Plan roughly $35 per person for BBQ at Salt Lick, plus $17–20 per wine tasting at each of the two wineries: all paid directly at the venues, not included in the shuttle price.

What time does the shuttle leave Austin and when does it get back?

The shuttle departs the Austin Visitor Center at 10:30 AM and the total tour runs 4.5 hours, so you'll return by mid-afternoon.

What is Salt Lick and why is it famous?

Salt Lick is a world-famous Texas BBQ restaurant in the Driftwood area of the Hill Country, known for its wood-fired pit barbecue and scenic location.

Are alcoholic drinks included, or do I pay for wine tastings separately?

Wine tastings are not included in the shuttle price. You pay the winery directly at each stop, typically $17–20 per tasting plus tax and tip.

Where exactly does the shuttle pick up in Austin?

The shuttle departs from the Austin Visitor Center at 103 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.