Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time visiting the Hill Country Wineries, you may have questions! Find your answers below.
What Wineries Do We Visit?
We primarily visit wineries along the 290 wine trail between Fredericksburg and Johnson City. Winery visits vary depending on the day and availability of the wineries, however common wineries we visit are, Texas Wine Collective, Messina Hoff, Wildseed Farm, Fat ass Winery, Becker Vineyards, Portree Cellars, Hilmy Cellars, Bingham Vineyards, Saint Tryphon Vineyards, Narrow Path Vineyards, Adega Vinho, Signor Vineyards, and Kalasi Cellars to name a few. Don’t See your favorite winery on this list? Don’t worry, we probably love visiting them too! There are just too many to list in this short paragraph.
How many wineries are in the Texas Hill Country?
With over 100 wineries in the Texas Hill Country Region, there are around 70 wineries within an hour drive of San Antonio with most dotting the region between San Antonio, Comfort, Kerrivlle, Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and Blanco. The majority of the wineries are located along the 30 mile stretch of HWY 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, known as the 290 wine trail, or Wine Road 290.
Do I get to choose which wineries we visit?
If you choose the Private Hourly rate reservation, then yes, you can choose the places you’d like to visit. However, the Hill Country Express tour is open to the public and which means there may be others on the tour with you, therefore your wine host and driver will predetermine the wineries that are visited for the day.
Is my tour reservation a private tour?
If you book your reservation by the Private hourly rate, then yes, your tour will be a private tour. However, our Hill Country Express tour is open to the public so there may be additional guests on the tour
What’s the minimum and maximum capacity?
We have no minimum to join on the tour, but the capacity is 10 guests
Can you accommodate groups over 10 people?
Yes, we can accommodate larger groups. Please give us a call at 210-722-2299 or email us at ALAMOWINETOURS@GMAIL.COM for more information and booking
Are there group discounts available?
Yes! The more people in your group, the more you save! For our Hill Country Express Tour, 1-3 people pay $99+tax, 4-7 People pay $89+tax, and 8-10 people pay $79+tax
How much time do we spend at each winery?
It usually takes about 45min-1 hour to thoroughly enjoy a wine tasting flight at each winery. A wine tasting flight usually consist of 5-6 wine samples, therefore we spend about 1 hour- 1 hour & 15min at each winery. This is usually just enough time to enjoy a wine tasting, make any additional purchases and/or enjoy a quick cheese or charcuterie board. We limit our winery visits to this allotted time so that we can have enough time to visit all scheduled wineries in a timely manner throughout the day
What type of vehicle do we travel in?
All tours are conducted in 12-15 passenger Ford Transit tour vans.
Is lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided; however, you are welcome to bring light snacks along with you in our tour van to enjoy along on the ride. Please be respectful of your fellow guests on the tour with you when deciding on snacks to bring. We do not allow any large, hard sided coolers to bring along, and please avoid snacks that are messy, liquid, melt in heat, or have strong aromas (a $100 cleaning fee will be charged to your card on file if necessary). Wineries do not allow outside food, however most of the wineries we visit will have cheese or charcuterie boards to order. Some wineries have greater food capabilities than others; some may offer sandwiches and food truck options onsite, while others may simply offer light snacks. These would be your possible lunch options for the day.
Can we drink alcohol along the way?
We encourage everyone on our tours to have fun responsibly, therefore we do not allow any alcohol consumption while en route to the wineries, since plenty of wine will be available once we arrive at our designated stops. As per TABC (Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission) law, all wineries and winery staff reserve the right to refuse service.
Are the wine tasting fees included?
No, the wine tasting fees are not included in your tour price. This allows you to spend your time at the wineries and vineyards however you choose. You can choose to sample a traditional wine tasting flight, enjoy a wine by the glass, or split a bottle of wine between friends
How much do wine tasting fees typically cost?
Wine tasting fees vary from winery to winery, but on average, a typical wine tasting flight is $20-$30 per person at each winery.
What’s included with our tour price?
Your tour price includes roundtrip transportation from San Antonio, bottled water, and an educated wine host-driver for the day that takes all the guess work out of planning a wonderful day within the Hill Country wine region.
Is it customary to tip my driver/wine host?
If you feel that you had a fabulous day with Alamo Wine Tours, know that tips are greatly appreciated. We strive to show all of our guests a wonderful experience while touring with us and 10-15% gratuity is customary.
How far in advance should I reserve my spot?
Space is limited, so we encourage all groups of all sizes to book their tours as soon as they know their desired tour date. The sooner you book, the sooner you can ensure your requested tour date, and typically booking your reservation at least one week in advance is sufficient time.
Where do the tours meet for pick up and drop off?
The Hill Country Express tour meets at the Crossroads Via Park and Ride, located at 151 N. Crossroads Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78201. This location may be subject to change if the Crossroads Park and Ride is unavailable for use.
Can I select a custom pick up and drop off for my tour?
Our Private Hourly rate reservation allows for your group to customize your pick up and drop off location from any location within the san Antonio area, while the Hill country express tour option designates the Crossroads Via Park and Ride as a central location for pick up and drop off since it is a public tour.
Are the wine tours all ages?
No. All guests must be over 21 to ride along and visit the wineries.