A Perfect Day Trip to Fredericksburg & Becker Vineyards. Small town history, Texas character, and Hill Country wine done right.

Introduction

Just over an hour west of Austin, Fredericksburg feels like a place that exists slightly outside of time. Founded in 1846 by German settlers, this Hill Country town still wears its heritage proudly, from its limestone buildings and bier halls to the German street names and old world pace. It’s a town shaped by craftsmanship, tradition, and stories, which is exactly what makes it such a rewarding day trip.

What to do in Fredericksburg

Strolling Main Street

Fredericksburg’s Main Street is the heart of town and the best place to start your day. It’s walkable, charming, and filled with the kind of shops you want to wander into without an agenda. You’ll find locally owned boutiques, home décor stores, antique shops, and specialty food stores selling everything from small batch jams to Hill Country honey.

This isn’t a rushed kind of place. Take your time, pop into whatever catches your eye, and let the town set the pace.

The Japanese Garden of Peace

Tucked away and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, the Japanese Garden of Peace offers a moment of calm and reflection. Built as a symbol of reconciliation between Japan and the United States after World War II, it’s a quiet, beautifully maintained space with manicured paths, stone features, and peaceful views.

It’s a short stop, but one that adds depth and perspective to the day, especially when paired with the history you’ll encounter later.

Lunch at Fredericksburg Brewing Company

By midday, head to Fredericksburg Brewing Company, the oldest brewpub in Texas. The building itself dates back to the 1860s, and you can feel that history the moment you walk inside. Order the sausage sampler. It’s generous, ideal for sharing, and exactly what you want after a morning of exploring. Pair it with one of their house brewed beers and settle in. This is hearty, comforting food in a place that knows exactly who it is.

Allen’s Boots & Local Finds

No trip to Fredericksburg feels complete without a stop at Allen’s Boots. Even if you’re not in the market for cowboy boots, it’s worth stepping inside for the experience alone. Rows upon rows of handcrafted boots, the smell of leather, and staff who genuinely know their craft. It’s unapologetically Texan in the best way.

Afterward, wander through the town’s craft stores, vintage shops, and general store. This is where Fredericksburg really shines. Handmade goods, nostalgic finds, and pieces that feel personal rather than mass produced.

Lock, Stock & Barrel

For something a little different, stop by Lock, Stock and Barrel. Part museum, part shop, it offers a fascinating look at historical firearms and antiques, all displayed with care and context. Even if it’s not typically your thing, it’s an interesting window into another layer of Texas history.

National Museum of the Pacific War

One of Fredericksburg’s most significant landmarks, the National Museum of the Pacific War is both expansive and deeply moving. Dedicated to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the Pacific theater of World War II.

Give yourself time here. It’s thoughtfully curated, immersive, and adds a meaningful sense of place to the town’s story.

Becker Vineyards

After exploring Fredericksburg, head just outside town to Becker Vineyards, one of the most established and respected wineries in the Texas Hill Country.

Founded in the early 1990s, Becker played a major role in shaping Texas’s wine reputation. The estate is known for its lavender fields, stone winery, and commitment to producing European style wines that suit the Hill Country climate. Tastings here feel relaxed and unpretentious, with staff who genuinely want you to enjoy and understand what’s in your glass.

Our Tasting

We tasted Jolie, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Culinaria, Sangiovese, and Malbec, each offering something distinct, from crisp and floral to rich and structured. Then came a surprise, a pour of one of their wine club exclusives, Barbera.

Ask for it if you can.

It was an immediate favorite. Balanced, expressive, and memorable enough that we ended up buying a couple of bottles to bring home to the UK. The kind of wine that reminds you exactly where you were when you tasted it.

Fredericksburg is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. It’s not flashy or overdone. It’s grounded, character filled, and quietly confident in its history. Paired with an afternoon at Becker Vineyards, it makes for a day trip that feels complete, culture, food, local craftsmanship, and genuinely good wine.

This is Texas Hill Country at its most authentic, and exactly the kind of experience worth saving, sharing, and coming back to.