The crown jewel of the Texas Hill Country may just be an annual festival in Fredericksburg.
One of the Lone Star State’s best-kept secrets, this region holds something special. Each year, crowds gather to imbibe in all things edible and drinkable.
But the fun doesn’t stop there because this central Texas city is excellent for all kinds of adventures. Are you ready to learn more?
Let’s dig in!
About the Fredericksburg, Texas, Food and Wine Festival
You may not consider the Texas Hill Country a culinary destination. But you’ll find some of the state’s best drinks and dishes at the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest every October.
While most of the event occurs on the fourth Saturday of the month, there are plenty of festivities in the preceding days.
At this Texas food festival, you’ll enjoy specially curated dinners cooked by the state’s best gourmet chefs. Some of the meals include complimentary pairings of locally-made Hill Country wines. You’ll get swag and free drink tickets if you’re lucky enough to gain access to the Saturday gourmet brunch.
However, gluttony isn’t the only thing on the menu. Brush up on your cooking skills at the Grape Expectations Cooking School, led by professional chefs. There’s also the Great Gargantuan Grape Toss, live music and dancing, and a silent auction.
While there, you’ll also want to check out the vendor booths and local shops. Locally-made food, jewelry, and art are just a few of the items on offer each year.
Where Is the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival?
Founded in 1846, Fredericksburg is in the heart of Hill Country. With just over 11,000 residents, it’s got a small-town feel and lots of personality. German settlers were instrumental in the city’s development and culture.
Even today, you can taste their influence in the delicious food, beer, and wine made there.
While much of the Lone Star State is flat, the Hill Country is a bit different. This part of central Texas boasts beautiful rolling hills, plateaus, and canyons. Some areas are grassy, while others are dotted with streams and trees.
An underground aquifer feeds dozens of natural springs across the region. When you’re driving through, you can stop at the storied swimming holes.
Visit the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival, and you’ll find plenty of adventure outside the event. Explore historic Main Street, which retains many of its original buildings. Bakeries, art galleries, and museums are plentiful here too.
There are also dozens of opportunities for outdoor adventure just outside city limits. Central Texas is known for its unique experiences in the many state parks and recreation areas.
Check out the fall foliage while you’re there! Can You Go Fall Leaf Peeping in the South?
What Is the Grape Expectations Cooking School?
One of the can’t-miss attractions at this Fredericksburg festival is the Grape Expectations Cooking School. Each year, four Texas chefs are selected to share their skills with interested attendees. Additionally, the honorees come from diverse culinary backgrounds, including everything from barbecue to American and German cuisine.
The chefs prepare a signature dish during the event in a live demonstration. Visitors can watch their meals being made. They also get a copy of the recipe to recreate it at home.
To make things even more exciting, the dishes are complimented by four Texas wines. All the libations are included with the demonstration, meal, and recipe. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to learn new skills while chowing down on delicious vittles.
Fun Things To Do Near the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival
It’s easy to overdo it at Fredericksburg’s tastiest festival. However, there’s plenty to do around town if you need to walk it off. Whether hiking, shopping, or exploring, this charming Hill Country town will keep you busy.
Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a must-do item for your Fredericksburg bucket list. The park is only 20 minutes from the city and offers rock climbing, camping, bird-watching, stargazing, and more.
Its biggest attraction is the giant pink granite dome it’s named for, Enchanted Rock.
The site has 11 miles of trails, several picnic areas, and interpretive exhibits to explore. Your pets are allowed in certain parts, so bring them with you. It stays busy, especially in the warmer months, so plan your visit accordingly.
Explore Wildseed Farms
Boasting 200 acres of land, including a vineyard and beer garden, Wildseed Farms is a terrific place to spend a lazy afternoon. This working farm is the largest of its kind in the US.
Enjoy nearly a mile of walking trails among the Texas wildflowers. Then, tour the land and learn how Wildseed’s operation works. You can also partake in a walk-in wine tasting or cool off with ice cream or locally brewed beer.
Lastly, the plant nursery and Market Center are the perfect places to buy plants, pottery, and other unique items.
Is your wedding anniversary coming up? Try one of these 7 Romantic Getaways in Texas.
Check Out Historic Main Street
Speaking of shopping, you can’t beat the town’s Historic Main Street. Over 150 locally-owned art galleries, boutiques, and eateries line this old-timey avenue. You’ll even see some original and restored architecture from the turn of the century.
The boulevard has everything from pet supplies to Amish furniture to artisan jewelry. There are also two museums, the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Pioneer Museum, if you feel like digging into some history.
Plan your visit carefully, as most businesses close around 5:00 PM.
Best Places To Stay Near the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival
After a long day at this Texas food festival, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that Fredericksburg is chock full of campgrounds, B&Bs, and boutique hotels.
Vineyards at Fredericksburg RV Park
The Vineyards is a welcoming RV campsite just five minutes from downtown Fredericksburg. The park offers full hookups. Reservations include free WiFi and cable access, showers, laundry, and restrooms.
Take advantage of the amenities, including a gym, swimming pool, and general store. There’s even a dog run for your four-legged friends.
Rates vary but start around $60 per night.
Hoffman Haus Bed and Breakfast
For a luxurious B&B stay, the Hoffman Haus is the way to go. This boutique inn has 20 rooms, each with its own theme and decor. It’s just one block from Main Street, but it feels private enough that you’d never know you were downtown.
Every room has a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, lavender bath products, and luxurious linens. You’ll also enjoy breakfast with your reservation, and there’s a small room service menu offering charcuterie and tea service.
Rates vary depending on which room you choose.
Peach Tree Inn and Suites
Located just three blocks from Main Street, Peach Tree Inn and Suites is a locally-owned hotel near downtown. The Inn boasts 43 rooms, 12 suites, and even a few private guesthouses.
All include a coffee maker, microwave, and mini fridge. You’ll enjoy the onsite swimming pool, hot tub, and continental breakfast. Pets can stay, too, for a small fee.
Rates vary but start around $99 per night.
Plan your whole trip with Fodor’s San Antonio, Austin & the Texas Hill Country.
Is a Road Trip to the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest Worth It?
The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival is a great way to celebrate the start of the fall season. It’s also a rare chance to enjoy upscale fare in a small-town setting where you can relax. As a result of the nearby shopping, museums, and outdoor activities, you’ll never be searching for something to do.
Add this Fredericksburg festival to your getaway bucket list!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: