Despite the fact that Fredericksburg and “Hill Nation wine journey” are virtually synonymous, there’s a city much less traveled that’s a straightforward 46-mile drive from San Antonio. Meet Consolation, Fredericksburg’s a lot smaller neighbor. Situated 22 miles south of Fredericksburg on U.S. 87, this unincorporated neighborhood in Kendall County is the right weekend-size journey for wine lovers. Right here’s the place to remain, what to eat, and all the things it’s essential find out about Consolation’s wine scene.
Consolation’s Wineries
Consolation has two wineries with tasting rooms and two standalone tasting rooms. It’s doable to go to all of them in a single day devoted to Consolation’s wine scene, however if you wish to loosen up and actually absorb the vibe of every spot, break them up over a two-day go to.
Newsom Vineyards and Ursa Vineyards at Department on Excessive are walkable from three downtown boutique lodges, whereas Bending Department Vineyard and Singing Water Vineyards are a brief jaunt from city.
Bending Department Vineyard
142 Lindner Department Highway, bendingbranchwinery.com
Bending Department has an indoor tasting room and outside seating, with stay music on Sundays. The temper is simply the fitting mix of elevated and approachable, and there’s a wine to please each palate, from crisp blanc de blancs to a heartier malbec. And, as a result of everyone knows Texas fall and winter usually means heat, sunny days, meet Frizzante Rosé of Tannat, your new favourite patio wine. This tart, barely floral wine is flippantly effervescent for anybody on staff “rosé all day.”
For those who’re extra of a whiskey particular person than a wine particular person, Bending Department has two bourbon manufacturers: Bending Department 1840 is a Texas-aged Kentucky bourbon, and Chickenduck is a line of two sustainably crafted bourbons with amusing label artwork and playful cocktails, just like the “Quackhatten” and the “Clucky Mary.”
Newsom Vineyards
717 Entrance St. newsomvineyards.com
Whereas the grapes are grown in Texas’ Excessive Plains area, the tasting room — tucked away in a 100+-year-old farmhouse in downtown Consolation — presents a laid-back sipping expertise with indoor and patio seating. The emphasis is on dry reds — Newsom is thought for Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon — with a handful of whites obtainable, too.
Singing Water Vineyards
316 Mill Dam Highway, singingwater.com
This sprawling property has large open areas, magnificent mature Reside Oak bushes, and tons of selections for hangout spots, from a creekside shaded patio to a tasting room that’s a mini navy historical past museum. The most effective-selling Freedom Purple, a medium-bodied crimson mix, helps assist veterans organizations by donations from its gross sales. Singing Water has a variety of wines, from sweeter whites like Muscat all the way in which to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.
Keep watch over the occasions calendar — there’s stay music on the weekends and blowout celebrations on the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. Seating on the expansive garden is first-come, first-served.
Ursa Vineyards at Department on Excessive
704 Excessive St., bendingbranchwinery.com/ursa
This tasting room serves wines from Bending Department’s Ursa Vineyards model within the Sierra Foothills of California, in addition to a choice of Bending Department’s wines. Each Thursday, the tasting room has a themed potluck from 6 to eight p.m., a pleasant technique to join with the neighborhood. Verify Fb for the weekly potluck theme.
Wine Shuttles to Consolation from San Antonio
In search of a daylong escape versus a complete weekend? Seize a shuttle from San Antonio. Each Cottonwood Wine Excursions and Speedy Bea’z supply rides to Consolation.
The place to Keep
Camp Consolation
601 Water St., camp-comfort.com
Camp Consolation’s exterior offers off some rustic power, however the rooms are plush and trendy. The cabins sleep two to 4 individuals. A bigger house, Camp Consolation Home, accommodates bigger teams. Two cozy airstreams are additionally obtainable to hire. The smaller cabins usually are not freestanding buildings, so normally, company will share a wall with at the very least one different unit.
Camp Consolation and Meyer Lodge are co-owned and company at each properties could use the pool at Meyer.
Lodge Giles
717 Excessive St., hotelgiles.com
Named for the architect, Alfred Giles, of Consolation’s first lodge, initially named Lodge Ingenhuett, this downtown landmark retains the historic limestone construction and outbuildings within the rear courtyard whereas offering trendy, luxe facilities inside. Lodge Giles is right for {couples} and has a multi-bedroom upstairs residence to accommodate bigger teams.
The perks of staying at Lodge Giles embody a sizzling breakfast (included) and hands-on Consolation-based possession. The lodge additionally companions with native wineries and presents complimentary tasting vouchers.
The Meyer Lodge
845 Excessive St., themeyerhotel.com
This stagecoach stop-turned-boutique lodge is a group of buildings related by widespread gathering areas, together with a pool space. Situated on the very finish of Consolation’s major avenue, The Meyer Lodge is a steadiness of seclusion and comfort — it’s straightforward to stroll to all the things in downtown Consolation.
The Meyer Lodge’s Pecan Lodge is a freestanding tiny home excellent for {couples} wanting a little bit of privateness. It has a king-sized mattress, a big toilet and a porch overlooking Cypress Creek.
The place to Eat
The Board Couple
804 Excessive St., theboardcouple.com
The Board Couple’s second location — the flagship retailer is on North Zarzamora — is a hip spot to loosen up and nosh on handcrafted charcuterie boards and artisanal sandwiches. The Board Couple showcases wines from throughout the USA and Europe, so guests get a unique choice than they’ll discover on the Consolation space wineries. That’s by design.
Anybody who has visited the Zarzamora location and oohed and ahhed over the bespoke marbled toilet flooring ought to deal with themselves to a cease on the Consolation location. The inexperienced and purple marbled design is replicated in the primary seating space, and the look is pulled along with wisteria hanging from the ceiling. It’s enjoyable, trendy and stylish.
Consolation Pizza
802 Excessive St., fb.com/comfortpizza
Wooden-fired pizza, house-made dough, tomato sauce, creative topping, oh my! This can be a do-not-miss pizza-feasting expertise. Professional tip: Order your dough ball a day upfront to make sure you get pizza while you need it. They’ll attempt to accommodate walk-ins, however because the dough is made contemporary every day based mostly on anticipated demand, those that name forward get precedence.
Consolation Pizza additionally presents bike leases for anybody who needs to discover on two wheels.
Excessive’s Cafe and Retailer
726 Excessive St., highscafeandstore.com
Excessive’s is heavy on the cafe and light-weight on the shop, serving salads, quite a lot of pastries, and distinctive sandwiches — hi there lump crabcake sammie and “Arty Havarti” grilled cheese. The shop presents some branded merchandise and a choice of to-go drinks, together with native wine.
Different Issues to Do In and Close to Consolation
Searching for espresso or a light-weight breakfast chunk? Strive the Foyer, Wander N’ Calf or Consolation Espresso Firm.
Downtown Consolation is stuffed with boutiques to wander by and get misplaced in. You could find all the things from attire, residence decor, antiques and knitting provides. If retail remedy tops your record of favourite pastimes, you possibly can simply spend a contented day searching. Most notable are eighth Avenue Market, with a seemingly countless choice of antiques, and Freethinkers Basic Retailer, which sells distinctive items, paper merchandise and ladies’s clothes.
Artwork lovers ought to take a look at Mixhaus Gallery throughout from Lodge Giles for mixed-media and up to date Texas Artwork.
If you wish to discover the outside, take a look at James Kiehl Riverbend Park, Previous Tunnel State Park or Enchanted Rock State Pure Space.
