Austin Hill Country: Salt Lick BBQ & Winery Shuttle Day Trip

Summary

Texas BBQ, Hill Country vineyards and laughter on the road

You’ll taste legendary Texas BBQ at Salt Lick, sip local wines among rolling Hill Country vineyards, and share stories with fellow travelers on an easy shuttle day trip from Austin. Includes comfortable transport with a local guide—just bring your appetite (and maybe stretchy pants).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed when we pulled up to Salt Lick BBQ was the smell — smoky, sweet, almost sticky in the morning air. Our guide, Marcus, had been telling us stories about Driftwood’s quirks on the drive out from Austin (he swears he once saw a goat ride in the passenger seat of a pickup), and by the time we stepped off the Sprinter van, everyone was hungry and half-laughing. The place was already buzzing — families, couples, people with big trays of brisket. I tried to order like a local but fumbled my way through “burnt ends” (Marcus grinned and helped me out). Eating outside under those oak trees with sauce dripping down my wrist felt… well, honestly Texan. I didn’t expect to feel so at home.

After lunch, we loaded back into the van — windows down, sun warming my arm — and headed toward the first winery. The Hill Country looked washed in gold; it’s hard to describe unless you’ve seen it yourself. At the winery, our server poured something floral that tasted like summer grass and apples. We wandered past rows of vines while someone played guitar near the patio. I kept thinking how different this felt from city wine bars: more relaxed, less fussed-over. The second stop was quieter; we sat on a porch swing sipping reds while a breeze carried hints of cedar and barbecue smoke from somewhere down the road. I’m still not sure if it was actually barbecue or just my brain playing tricks because I wanted more ribs.

I liked that everything was easy — no worrying about driving or directions (I get lost even with Google Maps). You pay for your tastings and food as you go, which somehow made it feel more casual than other tours I’ve done. There were solo travelers chatting with couples; nobody seemed rushed or out of place. By late afternoon, we were all swapping photos and tips for Austin taco joints before Marcus dropped us back at the Visitor Center. Funny how quickly strangers can feel like friends after a few glasses of wine and shared plates of brisket.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hill Country BBQ and Wine Tasting

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

Top questions

How long is the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle from Austin?

The tour departs at 10:30AM from downtown Austin and includes three stops over several hours, returning in the afternoon.

Is food or wine included in the price?

No, you pay for your BBQ lunch and each wine tasting directly at each stop.

Where does the shuttle depart from?

The shuttle leaves from the Austin Visitor Center at 103 East 5th Street.

Are there vegetarian options at Salt Lick BBQ?

Salt Lick mainly serves meat dishes; vegetarian options are limited.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome—many join this group shuttle experience.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, due to winery regulations all guests must be 21 or older.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

The van can accommodate foldable wheelchairs but does not have a ramp or lift; guests must step up into the vehicle.

Do I need to book wine tastings in advance?

No advance booking needed; pay for tastings directly at each winery during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van departing from central Austin, plus a friendly local driver-guide who keeps things light along the way. All food and drink purchases are made directly at Salt Lick BBQ and both wineries—so you can choose what you like without any set menu or hidden costs.