Austin & Hill Country: Wine Shuttle Tour with Tastings

Summary

Texas hill country wine tastings by shuttle from Austin

You’ll ride out of Austin with a small group and local guide, stopping at two Hill Country wineries for optional tastings before finishing at an urban spot in St. Elmo Arts District. Expect easy conversation, open landscapes, and plenty of time to savor Texas wine—plus comfy shuttle transport so you don’t have to worry about driving back.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Austin in this shiny Mercedes van just after noon, windows down a crack because it was that kind of warm — not sticky, but you could smell cedar and something sweet in the air. Our guide, Jamie, had this easy way about her, telling stories about the Hill Country as we passed those endless oaks and limestone fences. I kept trying to spot a longhorn (no luck), but the hills themselves were enough — all soft green and gold under the sun. Jamie pointed out a spot where wildflowers go nuts in April. Wish I’d seen that.

The first winery sat up on a little rise, nothing fancy outside but inside it smelled like oak barrels and fresh bread. We tried three reds — one tasted almost peppery, which surprised me — and I got talking to a couple from Dallas who swore by the rosé. The staff poured with this casual pride; you could tell they knew their stuff but didn’t make a big deal about it. Tastings weren’t included (about $20 each), so you just paid at the counter if you wanted to join in. I did, obviously.

Back in the van, someone shared homemade snacks (BYOB is allowed if you’re feeling bold), and we headed deeper into Hill Country for our second stop. The views out here are wide open — sky feels bigger somehow. At the next winery, there was a dog sleeping under a picnic table and live music drifting from somewhere behind the vines. I tried saying “cheers” in Spanish (salud!) and got a laugh from our group — pretty sure my accent’s hopeless.

The last stop was back in Austin proper at a place in St. Elmo Arts District where they use only Texas grapes — it felt more urban but still relaxed. The light coming through those big windows made everything look golden for a minute or two. I bought a bottle to take home, mostly because I didn’t want the day to end yet. Funny how quickly you can settle into new places when there’s good wine and people around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hill Country wine tasting tour

• Depart from Austin in luxury van
• Visit first Hill Country winery
• Enjoy wine tasting and views
• Visit second Hill Country winery
• Enjoy wine tasting and views
• Return to Austin St. Elmo Art District
• Visit Austin Winery for tasting

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Austin wine shuttle?

The tour stops at two Hill Country wineries plus one final winery back in Austin's St. Elmo Arts District.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

No, tastings cost around $20–$25 per person at each winery and are paid directly at each stop.

Is transportation included on this day trip?

Yes, air-conditioned shuttle transport from Austin is included throughout the tour.

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?

Yes, BYOB is allowed on the vehicle (just avoid glass bottles).

Is this wine tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the Hill Country wine shuttle last?

This is a half-day tour; exact timing depends on route and traffic.

Do I need to book winery reservations myself?

No, all winery reservations are handled by your guide as part of the tour.

Are children or service animals allowed?

Infants/children can come with prams or strollers; service animals are allowed with advance notice.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable roundtrip transport from Austin by air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van with a professional driver-guide who handles all winery reservations; you'll visit two Hill Country wineries plus one urban winery in St. Elmo Arts District before returning to Austin—wine tastings are optional and paid directly at each stop.