Austin isn’t just about live music and barbecue — it’s also a fantastic spot for wine lovers. The Texas Hill Country, just outside the city, hosts some of the state’s best wineries, and Austin-based tours make exploring them easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re after a laid-back private tasting, a lively group limo ride, or a day combining wine with local barbecue, this city offers options that suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of five top-rated wine experiences. From a half-day shuttle that combines barbecue and wine tasting to a private sommelier-led session, each tour offers something unique. We’ll highlight what makes each stand out, including guest reviews, price points, and what to expect. Whether you’re traveling solo, celebrating a special occasion, or just want a relaxed day of sipping wine, these options will help you choose the right fit.
Quick Overview
This list features a mix of group tours, private tastings, and chauffeured experiences. You’ll find luxury limousine tours with multiple winery stops, small-group shuttles that include local barbecue, and private at-home tastings led by a sommelier. Prices range from $69 to $300 per person, with durations from 1.5 hours to a full day, making it easy to pick an experience that fits your schedule and budget.
1. From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle
The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle offers a half-day escape from Austin’s hustle, combining Texas-style barbecue with visits to two popular wineries and Salt Lick BBQ outpost. Priced at $69 per person, this 4.5-hour tour can be booked for small groups or private parties of up to 10 people, making it intimate and flexible.
What makes this tour special is its relaxed, all-inclusive vibe. The air-conditioned shuttle takes you on a scenic drive through the Hill Country, with a driver who knows the best routes. The visit to Salt Lick BBQ is a highlight, offering authentic Texas BBQ, while the winery stops allow you to sample locally produced wines, including Italian varietals.
Guests rave about the friendly guides and the comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van, noting that the small group size keeps things cozy. The tour doesn’t include alcohol or food in the price, so budgeting around $35 for BBQ and $17-20 for wine tastings makes sense. The overall value is excellent, considering the included transportation and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Perfect for lovers of good food and wine who want a relaxed, small-group experience with local flavor.
2. From Austin: Half-Day Hill Country Wine Shuttle
This Half-Day Hill Country Wine Shuttle takes you on a 4.5-hour adventure through some of the region’s top wineries, with $69 per person. The tour is ideal for those who want to see the rolling hills and taste award-winning wines without a full-day commitment.
The highlight is the chance to visit three different wineries with a friendly guide in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van. Guests mention that their guide Kelty was “absolutely fabulous,” with a genuine love for the area that made the experience memorable. The wineries are praised for their beauty and quality wines, with some guests favoring the Dutchman Vineyard.
This tour is best suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who appreciate a mix of scenery, wine, and casual conversation. It’s a straightforward, well-organized trip that emphasizes comfort and variety. Since the tour includes tastings at three wineries, it’s a good value for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Hill Country wines in a brief, enjoyable outing.
Bottom Line: A reliable choice for wine enthusiasts who want a guided, small-group experience with excellent reviews and a friendly vibe.
3. At-Home Private Wine or NA Wine Tasting Experience in Austin
For those who prefer a wine tasting in the comfort of their own space, the Private At-Home Wine or NA Tasting offers a personalized session led by a certified sommelier. Costing $75 per person, this 1.5-hour experience is perfect for small private parties of up to 15 people.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on education and customization. You’ll walk through three tastings, learning what makes each wine special and how to evaluate different qualities. It’s also a good choice for those who want to include non-alcoholic options, making it accessible for all guests. The session supports a women-owned business, adding a feel-good element.
Guests enjoy the intimate setting and expert guidance, often remarking that they learned something new about wine. The private nature means you can tailor the experience to your group’s interests, whether you’re interested in French, Italian, or local Texas wines. It’s a flexible, educational, and fun option that works well for small groups or special occasions like birthdays or wine clubs.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups wanting a private, educational session — perfect for wine buffs or those seeking a memorable, personal experience.
4. Texas Hill Country Group Wine Tour by Limousine
At $185 per person, the Texas Hill Country Group Wine Tour by Limousine offers a luxurious 5-hour day exploring three wineries just outside Austin. This tour is ideal if you want to indulge in wine tastings without the stress of planning, all while riding in style.
The experience begins with a luxury limousine pickup, making the journey feel special from the start. The tour includes visits to Fall Creek Vineyards and other top wineries, with admission tickets included. Guests rave about the driver Greg, who shared local history and made the day engaging. The tour also features a lunch stop at Salt Lick (own expense), providing a taste of authentic Texas barbecue.
Guests mention the tour’s value in terms of comfort, ease, and premium service. With a small group limited to 10, it maintains an intimate feel despite its luxurious vibe. It’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who appreciates a more upscale wine day with no worries about driving.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for couples or small groups who want luxury, convenience, and a touch of elegance on their wine adventure.
5. Half Day Wine Tour with Luxury Limousine in Austin
For a private, expertly guided experience, the Half Day Wine Tour with Luxury Limousine provides a 5-hour exploration of three Texas Hill Country wineries. At $300 per person, this tour is on the higher end but offers personalized attention and premium comfort.
Your chauffeur takes you to Duchman Family Winery, renowned for its Italian-style wines, Wimberley Valley Winery, and Bell Springs Winery. Each stop includes wine tastings, and bottled water and alcoholic beverages are provided. The tour’s focus on comfort extends to its luxury vehicle, equipped with music and plush seating, making the day relaxed and fun.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and personalized service, with one reviewer noting Travis as a “chill driver” who made the trip memorable. This tour is best for groups of up to 10 celebrating a special event or for wine aficionados wanting a private, curated experience.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those who want a private, all-inclusive day with high-end comfort and personalized attention.
How to Choose
When picking your wine tour in Austin, consider your budget, the group size, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a luxurious private day, the limousine options at $185 or $300 are perfect. For a small, intimate tasting with education, the private sommelier experience fits well. Budget travelers seeking a mix of barbecue and wine will love the $69 shuttle with Salt Lick BBQ. Those wanting a quick but rundown of Hill Country wines should opt for the half-day shuttle.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak weekends or holidays, as these tours tend to fill up. Think about your fitness level too—most tours involve some walking and standing at wineries, but private options can be customized.
Final Thoughts
Austin offers a rich variety of wine experiences, from relaxed small-group shuttles to luxurious limousine tours. For those keen on combining good food with wine, the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle is a standout. If privacy and education appeal more, the private tastings with a sommelier are top-notch. And for special celebrations, the limousine tours add that extra touch of class and comfort.
No matter your style or budget, booking early will ensure you secure a spot on one of these memorable adventures. It’s worth it — each tour provides a taste of Texas’s best wines and the warm hospitality that makes this region so special.