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Posted 6/29/2020
Last Updated: 7/13/2020 12:07 AM
Experience Fredericksburg During Covid-19 Closures
We know it’s hard not to be apprehensive scheduling your Fredericksburg get-a-way during a pandemic. One week, everything is shut-down. The next, everything is wide-open. Then – before we know it – only bars and wineries have to close. It’s incredibly frustrating to you, to us, and to the devastated owners of these establishments that help make up back-bone of our tourist industry. The good news: there’s still plenty of ways for you to enjoy the wineries when you come to Fredericksburg. Read ahead to learn how you can help support our local vineyards while having a GREAT time all-the-while abiding by social distance guidelines to keep you and everyone around you safe.
Keep in mind restaurants, shops, and museums are still open so this article is focused mainly on how to get creative and experience wineries in Fredericksburg during the recent closures by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Picnic At Signor Vineyards
Signor Vineyards | 830.304.7446
Hailed by many as one of the most beautiful vineyards in Texas, Signor Vineyards boasts lavish landscaping throughout their vast grounds as well as Joanna’s Market and Deli; a farmhouse inspired market located on site that features hand-curated gifts and gourmet bites. Signor vineyards is currently offering guests the option of purchasing wine and picnic lunches. We highly recommend this as one of your stops!
Wine & Dine at Grape Creek Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards + Stouts Trattoria | 830.644.2710
While the tasting rooms at Grape Creek Vineyards and Heath Sparkling Wines are, indeed, closed…. The on-site restaurant, Stouts Trattoria, is available to dine at and have a glass of wine on the patio. The stunning atmosphere at GCV makes for a very popular destination so we highly recommend making a reservation or calling ahead.
Kuhlman Cellars
Kuhlman Cellars | 512.920.2675
Kuhlman Cellars is currently offering picnic baskets and wine to be enjoyed on-site throughout their vineyards. Call to inquire and book!
Pontotoc Picnic Baskets + Sangria To-Go
Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten Picnic Basket and Sangria | 512.658.0023
The darling Weingarten at the hidden locals favorite spot, Pontotoc, is open for to-go wine and the most delicious picnic baskets. We recommend this stop, then walking the block over to Marketplatz for a romantic picnic date among the beautiful gardens. Don’t forget the plastic cups and picnic blanket!
Cross Mountain Vineyards
Cross Mountain Vineyards | 830.992.3273
Delicious food (amazing pizza!) and Italian wine (including lots of sparkling, sweet, and dry options) available to-go at the locally owned and operated Cross Mountain Vineyards tasting room on Main Street. Get some wine and food to go and have a picnic at Marktplatz (pictured). Salute!
FOOD ON 290:
Fresh Pickens Market + Deli
Fresh Pickens Market + Deli | 830.765.0468
This sweet road-side farmers market has fresh, local peaches and a TON of freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hot paninis available to-go. They also have all the things to build the perfect charcuterie board.
Insider Tip: This is a must stop for our photographer when she’s out taking photos on 290!
Wine / Liquor To-Go at any Vineyard or Distillery
Hye Rum | 830.265.5644
Did you have your eye on trying a certain wine or winery but are bummed now because they are closed? DON’T BE! These wineries (and don’t forget about the distilleries + bars like Lincoln St. Wine Market (wine t0-go!), Hye Rum, Garrison Bros., and Elk Store) are STILL open for wine pick-up. So stop by, briefly check out the grounds (and take your photos!) pick up a bottle or two, and take it back to your BNB or favorite picnic spot and have your own little tasting. Don’t let tastings rooms stop you from checking out a winery or distillery you’ve had your eye on. We can’t stress this enough because this is the time of year the vines are the most beautiful so make a killer playlist and hop around from vineyard to vineyard collecting bottles as you go. You can view our extensive list of ALL wineries, bars, and distilleries in the Fredericksburg area HERE.
Tip: Always call ahead and verify exactly what is allowed when visiting!
RECOMMENDED PICNIC SPOTS:
Marktplatz
Marktplatz
Located centrally in town, this stunning little marketsquare park is scattered with picnic tables and clean, grassy spots perfect for a picnic any time of day!
Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park
Coastal grass swaying in the breeze, live oak trees so old they might as well be historical landmarks themselves and trails taking you to one spot more historical than the next… check out Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site.
Lady Bird Johnson Park
Home to Lady Bird Golf Course and the spot where 4th of July City Fireworks are displayed, this beautiful park is not only close to town but boasts a large RV park and plenty of walking trails offering secluded and private spots. Tip: our favorite picnic spot is along the river… bring bird seed to feed the ducks!
Cross Mountain Park
There’s no better place to soak up the beauty of Fredericksburg from a birds eye view than Cross Mountain. This 10 minute hike 5 minutes from Main St is secluded, tough enough to get your heart rate going, and -if you come at sunset- THE perfect spot to watch the sunset with your hunny.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area | Photo by Jake S. Fagan
For the adventurous couples or groups Enchanted Rock is a must. It’s beautiful and complex terrain, and the best workout you’ll get on your trip. The summit trail is not for the faint of heart in the summer time… be sure to bring plenty of water and flashlights if you want to watch the sunset. TIP: Dogs are allowed on some trails (not allowed on the actual rock) but we really recommend you leave them at home during hotter months. Reward yourself with a picnic lunch at the top of the summit trail… just remember to take your trash with you when you go.
With a little thinking outside the box there’s still so many ways to enjoy and support our Fredericksburg vineyards and wineries. We hope you’ll still come, adhere to local social distancing regulations (bring a mask!) and most of all; we hope you enjoy your stay! Note: Masks / face coverings are now REQUIRED in all public places in FBG.
Have questions of comments? Would you like to add something to this list? Text or call us at 830.998.8766
