After spending three nights and two fabulously full days in Fredericksburg, I have fallen in love with the hill country all over again. West Texas is my home, but the hills will always have my heart. I guess it’s a Camp Waldemar thing…

Go ahead and put Fredericksburg on your travel list, friends. If not for the wine, go for the food! And the unique little boutique shops aren’t too shabby either. It’s an ideal destination for a girlfriend getaway; and perfect for a few days away with your honey.

My girlfriends and I stayed in the sweetest, most perfect little cottage. If you’re going with a group, THIS is where you need to stay! It’s right off of Main St. (where most restaurants and shops are), and it’s in a beautiful neighborhood. Absolute Charm has countless options, but the Calico Cottage was perfect for us.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of being besties with a viticulturist, you are missing out. I have to admit I didn’t fully understand the extent of her knowledge on grape growing and wine production, but DAMN. She blew my mind this weekend. So. much. to know.

I got to experience things only behind-the-sceners get to do. Like, taste grapes off the vine, for example… And for the record, they don’t taste like regular grapes. They’re super bitter with hard seeds in the middle. But aren’t they beautiful? They almost don’t look real.

I even got to taste wine straight out of the barrel. What? I didn’t even know you could do that. So fun.

We just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and were able to attend the grand opening of Lewis Wines’ new tasting room. It’s amazing; so put it on your to-do list next time you’re in town. And, I suggest a bottle of Swim Spot.

Lucky for me, my friends knew exactly which wineries to go to; and their choices couldn’t have been better!

Here’s a complete list of everywhere we went, and a little tidbit of what they had to offer us:

1. Lewis Wines – A little ways out of town, but it’s worth the drive. The new tasting room is great, and the patio has super comfy couches! Make this your first stop since they don’t have anything to munch on.

2. William Chris Vineyards – Beautiful! They had live music, snacks, and reeeeally comfy t-shirts. If you like a crisp, refreshing white wine, try Mary Ruth!

3. Hilmy Cellars – The patio is great, and so is the tasting room. If you go, say hi to Bella for me!

4. Grape Creek Vineyards – LOVED this one. Their patio is huge, and it’s beautiful. And, they have a full menu.

5. Four Point Cellars – This one might have been my favorite because of the cheese bar. And the salami. And the olives. They also have three different tasting menus to choose from so you don’t waste your time (or taste) on wine you don’t care for. The live music on the patio was great too!

6. Pedernales Cellars – If you want a free wine glass with your tasting, this is the place. I loved the atmosphere of this tasting room. Lots of energy and natural light; I dig that.

*As you can see, my reviews have almost nothing to do with wine. So, excuse my ignorance wine-os. These are just my opinions. 

Even after four years of being out of college, nights out with my girlfriends haven’t changed much. Boyfriends and full-time jobs aside, we’re the same girls. The girls who raised hell on Broadway, and found heaven on Greek Circle.

Our nights still end in carb-loaded food comas and hours-long dance parties; and our differences are still settled with a good night’s sleep.

Thank God for girlfriends, good wine, and even better memories. Love y’all! #Jesus