From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

Exploring the best of Texas Hill Country has never been easier. The Half-Day BBQ and Wine Shuttle from Austin takes travelers on a delightful journey to discover the region’s renowned flavors. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, guests can savor the oak-smoked meats of Salt Lick BBQ, indulge in complimentary tastings at Fall Creek Vineyards, and enjoy the award-winning wines of Duchman Family Winery. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this shuttle offers an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave you craving more.

Key Points

• A half-day tour from Austin to the Texas Hill Country, visiting three venues: Salt Lick BBQ, Fall Creek Vineyards, and Duchman Family Winery.
• Includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable driver.
• Offers free admission to the venues and the opportunity to experience local barbecue and wine culture.
• Provides a relaxing and intimate experience with a maximum of 10 travelers.
• Features exceptional food quality, wine selection, and overall guest satisfaction based on previous reviews.

Tour Overview and Details

This half-day Texas Hill Country Barbecue and Wine Shuttle from Austin provides an immersive experience for small or private groups of up to 10 people.

The tour departs from the Austin Visitor Center at 10:30 am and ends back at the same location in the mid-afternoon. Guests will visit three renowned venues: Salt Lick BBQ, Fall Creek Vineyards, and Duchman Family Winery, with free admission at each stop.

The air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride, and the knowledgeable driver navigates the scenic routes. Parking is available at the Austin Convention Center Garage.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour provides round-trip transfers from Austin to the Texas Hill Country in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing ride.

The driver is knowledgeable about the routes, guiding guests through the scenic countryside. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the experience maintains an intimate atmosphere.

The shuttle is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome, allowing for an inclusive experience.

Guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the Hill Country’s beauty on the journey to the barbecue and wine destinations.

Itinerary and Stops

The tour visits three distinct venues in the Texas Hill Country, allowing guests to enjoy the local barbecue and wine culture.

First, guests will spend 50 minutes at the renowned Salt Lick BBQ, which gained national fame after a Travel Channel feature in 2008.

Next, they’ll visit Fall Creek Vineyards for 45 minutes of free admission.

Finally, the tour stops at Duchman Family Winery for another 45 minutes, with wine tastings costing between $10 to $25.

Guests are recommended to bring around $35 for barbecue expenses.

Salt Lick BBQ

Founded in 1967, Salt Lick BBQ has gained national fame for its mouthwatering barbecue.

The tour stops at this legendary Texas Hill Country institution for 50 minutes, allowing guests to savor their renowned smoked meats.

The family-owned restaurant is known for its oak-smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs – all slow-cooked to perfection.

The family-owned restaurant is renowned for its oak-smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs, all slow-cooked to perfection.

Visitors can enjoy the laid-back ambiance and take in the rustic, ranch-style setting.

With free admission, the Salt Lick BBQ stop offers an authentic taste of Texas barbecue culture that’s not to be missed on this tour.

Fall Creek Vineyards

Next on the tour, guests visit Fall Creek Vineyards, a renowned winery in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Nestled in the rolling hills, the winery offers a 45-minute stop for guests to explore its picturesque grounds and sample its award-winning wines.

Visitors can enjoy complimentary tastings, learning about the winery’s history and winemaking process from knowledgeable staff.

With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Fall Creek Vineyards is a highlight of the shuttle tour, providing a chance to savor the flavors of the region’s vibrant wine culture.

Duchman Family Winery

After visiting Fall Creek Vineyards, the shuttle tour continues on to Duchman Family Winery, another renowned fixture in the Texas Hill Country wine scene.

At Duchman, guests enjoy 45 minutes of free admission to explore the winery’s facilities and sample their award-winning Italian-style wines. The tasting costs between $10 to $25, so guests should plan to spend around $35 here.

With its picturesque setting and friendly staff, Duchman offers a delightful wine tasting experience that complements the tour’s barbecue and vineyard stops, providing a well-rounded taste of Texas’s vibrant culinary and oenological culture.

Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour includes a driver/guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, and access to the food and wine establishments, though guests are responsible for the costs of any purchases.

Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Parking is available at the Austin Convention Center Garage.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Visitors should bring approximately $35 for the BBQ meal.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 based on 808 reviews.

Highlights noted by guests include:

• Knowledgeable, passionate guides who enhance the experience
• Exceptional food quality and wine selection
• Opportunity to socialize and meet others in a fun, casual atmosphere
• Comfortable, well-organized transportation
• Overall satisfaction with the tour’s value and memorable experience

Many recommend the shuttle for its perfect blend of Texas barbecue, local wine, and scenic Hill Country exploration – all from the convenience of Austin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Allocated for Wine Tastings?

The tour allocates 45 minutes at each of the two wineries visited, Fall Creek Vineyards and Duchman Family Winery, for wine tastings. The cost of the tastings ranges from $10 to $25 per person.

Are Food Options Available at the Wineries?

Yes, the tour includes food options at the wineries. While wine tastings cost between $10-$25, the itinerary recommends bringing around $35 for barbecue at Salt Lick BBQ, one of the key stops on the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, though the wineries may have policies about tasting alcohol. Children are welcome to attend, but they’ll need to purchase non-alcoholic beverages or foods at their own expense.

Can We Bring Our Own Beverages on the Shuttle?

The tour doesn’t allow guests to bring their own beverages. The shuttle provides an air-conditioned vehicle and the itinerary includes tasting experiences at the winery and barbecue restaurant, where guests can purchase food and drinks as needed.

Is There a Dress Code or Dress Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Guests should dress for the weather and be prepared to walk around the venues comfortably.

The Sum Up

This half-day shuttle tour provides a hassle-free way to experience the best of Texas Hill Country’s BBQ and wine. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and tastings at renowned venues, visitors can enjoy the local flavors and culture. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a convenient and memorable introduction to the region’s culinary delights.