Fredericksburg: Giraffe Safari & Wine Tasting at Grapetown

Feed giraffes ride a safari tram and sip Texas wine in the Hill Country

You’ll meet rescued giraffes face-to-face at Grapetown Vineyard near Fredericksburg, then hop on a safari tram for hands-on animal encounters, from kangaroos to alpacas and even a zebra or two. Finish your day sipping local Texas wine on a sunny patio while swapping stories with fellow travelers. It’s relaxed, unpredictable, and full of small surprises you’ll remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Giraffe and Safari Wine Tour

• Arrive early at Grapetown Vineyard
• Sign farm liability waivers
• Meet and feed giraffe
• Ride safari-style tram tour
• See and feed kangaroos, alpacas, goats, deer
• Possibly pet a camel and see zebra
• Return to vineyard for wine tasting
• Enjoy beer and cocktails at full bar
• Soak in scenic Hill Country views

The experience

Li handed me a handful of pellets and grinned, “Just hold your palm flat.” I tried not to laugh as the giraffe’s tongue (honestly, it’s way longer than you’d expect) wrapped around my hand. The whole thing felt surreal. The sun was already warming up the fields outside Fredericksburg when we rolled into Grapetown Vineyard for this giraffe experience and safari wine tour. There were goats wandering near the fence (one of them eyed my shoelaces like it had plans). Our guide, Thomas, waved us over and started telling stories about how most of these animals ended up here: rescued or retired from somewhere else. It didn’t feel like a zoo. More like you were visiting someone’s slightly eccentric family farm.

The safari tram rattled a bit over the gravel. Nothing fancy, but that’s half the charm. We stopped by a group of kangaroos lounging under an oak tree (they looked so unimpressed by us). Someone asked if we could pet the camel and Thomas just shrugged, “If she’s in the mood.” She wasn’t, but we did get to feed alpacas and deer. The smells out here are a mix of hay, dust, and something sweet from the vineyard itself. I didn’t expect to see a zebra just casually chewing grass next to some goats. It made me laugh out loud. There were kids on our tram too: one tried to say ‘hello’ to an alpaca in Spanish. Not sure it worked but everyone giggled anyway.

After all that animal chaos, sitting down with a glass of Texas wine felt good. The bar is simple, nothing pretentious, and you can see rolling hills from the patio. I went for a white blend (cold glass sweating in my hand), just listening to other folks swap stories about their favorite animal encounter. Some people grabbed beer instead. Nobody seemed in any hurry to leave. I still think about that giraffe’s gentle eyes, and how feeding her was weirdly calming. If you’re looking for something polished or perfectly organized…well, this isn’t that. But honestly? That’s what made it stick with me.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Grapetown Vineyard with access to their animal rescue sanctuary, guided safari tram ride across the property with hands-on feeding experiences (giraffes, kangaroos, alpacas, goats), plus included alcoholic beverages like Texas wines or beer at their full bar after your animal encounters.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to Sunday9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Fredericksburg Game Farm

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Top questions

Where does the Giraffe Experience & Safari Wine Tour start?

The tour starts at Grapetown Vineyard near Fredericksburg, Texas.

Is transportation included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is included. Guests need to arrive at Grapetown Vineyard themselves.

How long does the safari tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 60–90 minutes depending on group size and questions.

Can I bring my pet on this tour?

No pets are allowed on the tour for safety reasons.

Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes, children who can walk or are in strollers require tickets. Newborns being carried are free.

Does the tour include wine tasting?

Some ticket types include wine tasting for guests 21 years or older.

Are there wheelchair accommodations available?

The terrain is mostly gravel and grass. Email ahead for possible accommodations or private tours.

What should I wear for this safari wine tour?

Closed-toe shoes are required since it’s a working ranch. Dress appropriately for outdoor weather.