This weekend we made a trip to Fredericksburg with our friends.
In light of the current situation, we stayed in an Airbnb, played golf, and went to wineries with outdoor venues to keep our social distance.
Although we had driven through the area before, this was the first time we specifically stayed in Fredericksburg. Here's what we found:
ACCOMMODATION
Airbnb: Hicksie IG: @hicksieinfred
Sitting room and living room at the Airbnb rental, Hicksie
The Airbnb we booked is called Hicksie: a cute cottage style home, created by the owners of Carol Hicks Bolton, a world renowned home furnishings and antique store. It was perfect for our two families to stay in - one side of the house has a room with two queen beds and a full bathroom (standup shower) just outside the door. On the other side of the home was the master suite, a full bathroom (with tub) and another double bed.
The decor reflected the owners' experience in the home furnishing + antique businesses - filled with vintage touches and fresh flowers. The highlight of the home was the backyard. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes found me, so I was unable to enjoy it as much as I hoped in the evenings. The location was perfect - just a few blocks away from Main Street.
The gorgeous backyard space at our Airbnb, Hicksie, in Fredericksburg, TX
WINERIES
9996 US Hwy 290 East Fredericksburg, Texas
We had the unique opportunity to visit the Messina Hof Hill Country location (they also have locations in Bryan, Grapevine, and coming soon to Richmond!) for their 2020 Port Harvest. The event started with a half hour rain delay, but shortly after, the sun rolled out for a beautiful sunset.
The winery started with an introduction and then a short orientation on how to use the hook knife to cut grapes off the vines. They set up sections for each family/couple to harvest so that we maintained our distance from each other. After about 30 minutes of harvesting, we brought our grapes in for stomping! This was by far the best part. After the stomping, we were able to sample what the final product would eventually be. I would highly recommend a harvest event! I also love that they have a series of wines that benefit The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University. We bought the Gig 'Em Red.
140 Augusta Vin Ln
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
This winery definitely has a wow factor. They have lots of vines on site leading up to the estate and a beautiful facility, including: a 2 story tasting area inside, outdoor balcony, members only patio, a courtyard with more seating and a gorgeous pavilion overlooking the vineyard.
Before our visit, I made a reservation for the pavilion, as we were traveling in a group of 7. My only complaint about our visit is that they didn't hold said reservation. We showed up and someone else had sat there...
I presented my reservation confirmation email and was pretty much told 'too bad'.
Snuck a photo in the pavilion before we left Augusta Vin
Despite the disappointing start, the wine we had was great. We tried the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2019 Estate Rosé, which was really dark red. I found the Cab to have a unique (pleasant) tart taste to it, and the Rosé was really smooth.
2019 Estate Rosé and the upstairs of the Augusta Vin tasting room/facility
1406 S US Highway 87, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
This place is one of a kind. Originally a peach stand, Das Peach Haus now sells jams, jellies, preserves and sauces from the Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods line. The building is also home to the Culinary Adventure Cooking School where you can actually take classes.
On our way in to Das Peach Haus in Fredericksburg, TX
Being in Hill Country, Das Peach Haus also offers wine tastings featuring the Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure Wine Collection, along with wines from other Texas wineries. The property has a gorgeous sitting area out back where you can enjoy a bottle.
The pond at Das Peach Haus in Fredericksburg, TX
COFFEE
338 W Main St
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
As described on their website: "Caliche Coffee Bar serves small batch coffee roasted in house by Hill Country coffee pioneers Ranch Road Roasters. Our coffee is fair trade and fair wage."
This is a cute little coffee shop. In addition to the coffee, they also sell bagels/a variety of toast combinations, parfaits, quiche, pastries and salad bowls. We had their Guatemala Antigua blend as black hot drip coffees, and a yogurt parfait with the best granola.
Wearing our mask and eating socially distant outside the Caliche Coffee Bar + Roastery
GOLF
341 Golfers Loop
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
We had another weather incident the morning we went to golf - an hour and a half of storms rolling by. Although a struggle with 3 toddlers, we managed to wait it out and make it through all 18 holes.
I loved this course. The terrain was rolling as you'd expect in Hill Country, but it was an achievable course for all levels, including myself. It was also highly affordable at $48 a round. We'll definitely be back.
Can you spot the rainbow? The calm after the storm...(left) + the signature hole #6, Par 3 at Lady Bird Golf Course (right)
