Local Brews and Cheers: A Guide to Craft Breweries and Wineries in and around San Marcos
Welcome to the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where the landscape is as beautiful as the beverages it produces. San Marcos, nestled on the edge of the Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area, beckons you to explore its flourishing craft brewery and winery scene. In this guide, we'll review just a few of the many unique offerings of this region, showcasing not just the libations but the experiences that make each venue special.
Cheers to unforgettable moments and gorgeous Texas landscapes!
The Texas Hill Country Wine Region
The Texas Hill Country American Viticultural Area (AVA) stands as the third-largest certified Viticultural Area in America. Encompassing over 9 million acres, it includes the distinctive sub-region of Fredericksburg. The terroir yields a spectrum of wines, from Bordeaux blends to Italian varietals, all basking in the warm Texan sun. With its cool-climate grapes and diverse offerings, this area has become a beacon for quality wine production, garnering acclaim both domestically and internationally.
The Texas Craft Brewers Guild
With a mission to promote, propel, and protect the vibrant craft scene, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, is a member-driven organization passionately advocating for independent beer brewed in the Lone Star state.
Craft Breweries
Roughhouse Brewing
Established in 2019 on a 50-acre ranch on the outskirts of San Marcos, Roughhouse Brewing reflects familial warmth and a connection to the land. Offering a variety of ales, lagers, and cave-aged beers, it is a dog-friendly, kid-friendly space hosting a variety of fun events like comedy showcases and Sunday Funday runs. Address: 680 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, TX 78666
Middleton Brewing
Founded in 2011, Middleton Brewing offers a diverse selection of Belgian-style, American-style, and British beers in a tranquil hill country setting. Address: 101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos, TX 78666.
Real Ale Brewery
Founded in 1996, Real Ale Brewery has grown from a basement operation to a craft beer icon. Nestled near Blanco, TX, it boasts nine signature year-round beers, five seasonals, and three year-round "Bombers." The brewery welcomes enthusiasts with brewery tours, live music, and a commitment to traditional-style ales. Address: 231 San Saba Ct, Blanco, TX 78606.
Wineries
French Connection Wines
Situated in the Hye area, French Connection Wines crafts Rhône-style wines sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA. They offer guided tastings on their scenic patio. Address: 1197 Hye-Albert Rd Hye TX 78635
William Chris Vineyards
Growing Texas wine since 2008, William Chris Vineyards ages wines in tanks imported from Bordeaux, France. The concrete tanks introduce controlled oxygen throughout fermentation and aging, marking a pioneering move in the Texas wine landscape. They are committed to using only Texas-grown grapes from the state's American Viticultural Areas to produce wines that capture the essence of Texas. The vineyard hosts live music and tasting events. Address: 10352 U.S. Highway 290 Hye, Texas 78635
Come to the scenic Texas Hill Country, where craft breweries and wineries offer not just beverages but a taste of the region's terroir. Whether you're sipping a meticulously crafted ale or indulging in the notes of a Texas-grown wine, each venue promises an experience as vibrant as the landscape that surrounds it. So, gather your friends, set out on a scenic drive, and let the local brews and cheers of San Marcos and the Texas Hill Country become a memorable part of your journey. Cheers!
