From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

Austin , United States of America

From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

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(935 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Searching for an affordable and fun way to get out to the famous Salt Lick BBQ and two (2) beautiful Texas Hill Country wineries? Look no further! This Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle is great for solo travelers, couples, and small groups. The shuttle departs from the Austin Visitor Center at 10:30AM and heads out to the Driftwood area of the Texas Hill Country approx. 35-45 minutes southwest of Austin. Enjoy comfortable transportation in a Mercedes Sprinter van with a friendly local guide. Spend 45-50 minutes at each stop. Food/drinks not included in the shuttle price; guests pay directly at the restaurant and wineries.

Available options

From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

What's included

Driver/guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Visit the world famous Salt Lick to fill up on delicious Texas BBQ! Please note that the tour price does not include any alcohol, tastings, or food. We recommend budgeting $35/person for the BBQ lunch and each wine tasting costs $17-20 + tax/tip.

Taste delicious local wines at this premier Hill Country winery! Tastings cost $20 + tax/tip payable directly to the winery. Location subject to change based on availability.

Sip award-winning wines while soaking in those gorgeous Hill Country views! Tastings cost $17 + tax/tip (payable directly to the winery). Location subject to change based on availability.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks

Gratuities

It is recommended you bring $35 for BBQ at Salt Lick. Wine Tastings cost about $17-20 each.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

448 reviews

5★

417

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

487 reviews

5★

466

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tour departs from the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER located at 103 East 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Due to winery requirements, this tour is for 21+

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time for check in. We are unable to delay the tour for guests who arrive late.

Parking is available in the Austin Convention Center Garage which is connected to the Austin Visitor Center. Enter the garage on E 5th St between Red River and Sabine.

The tour runs rain or shine, however we reserve the right to cancel the tour in the event of extreme weather and/or hazardous road conditions that would potentially affect the safety of our guides and guests.

Guests with limited mobility are welcome to bring a wheelchair or portable scooter on board to be folded and placed in the rear of the van. The vans are not equipped with a ramp or wheelchair lift however, so all guests must be able to step up into the vehicle (about 12 inches).

Due to vendor regulations, pets and emotional support animals are generally NOT permitted. Guests with a service dog MUST contact the local tour operator in advance to request approval.

If you have cold or flu-like symptoms or if you are feeling ill in any way, please do not join the tour.

Meeting point

Inside the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER

Important notes

Meet at the AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER located at 103 E. 5th Street no later than 10:15 AM. We are unable to delay the departure or provide refunds for guests who arrive late.

• Food and drinks are NOT included in the shuttle price. Guests pay for lunch and wine tastings directly at the restaurant and wineries.
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years old.
• Guests are welcome to BYOB on the vehicle, but please avoid bringing glass.
• Due to limitations with our partners, firearms are prohibited on this tour.
• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.

There is no customer parking directly in front of the new Visitor Center. However, metered street parking is available on 5th Street, alongside the Mexic-Arte Museum and across the street (north side of 5th Street). Additional street parking can be found along other nearby blocks, including Congress Avenue, at a rate of $2.40 per hour.

To better accommodate our guests, we have partnered with Frost Bank to offer parking in the Frost Bank Parking Garage at:
401 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78701 (Garage entrance at 406 Brazos & 112 E. 4th St.)

Visitors to the Austin Visitor Center can receive 1 hour and 10 minutes of free parking by scanning a QR code inside the Visitor Center. After the free period, the following rates apply:

Monday–Friday: $3 per additional 20 minutes.
Saturday & Sunday: $9.00 for up to 12 hours.

About Austin

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its live music scene, vibrant arts community, and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a unique blend of Southern charm and progressive culture, Austin offers a dynamic urban experience with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol is a historic building and the seat of the Texas government. It features beautiful architecture, a museum, and guided tours.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a large urban park offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and picnicking. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Nature Half-day to full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

South by Southwest (SXSW)

SXSW is an annual festival and conference that celebrates the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. It features live music, film screenings, and industry panels.

Entertainment 10 days (typically in March) Varies by event and pass type

Must-Try Local Dishes

Brisket

Slow-smoked, tender beef brisket, a staple of Texas BBQ, often served with sides like coleslaw, beans, and pickles.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without bun

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.

Main course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without tortilla

Pecan Pie

A sweet pie made with pecans, corn syrup, and spices, often served with whipped cream or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten, nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Water sports Spa treatments Picnicking Strolling Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

The best times to visit Austin are during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. These periods offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and festivals.

18-32°C 64-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Austin is generally a safe city, but like any major urban area, it has its share of crime. Visitors should take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use reputable transportation services

Getting there

By air

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Austin Amtrak Station

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

Capital Metro operates an extensive bus network that serves most of Austin. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, but schedules can be limited in some areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown South Congress (SoCo) The Domain

Day trips

San Antonio

130 km (80 miles) • Full day

San Antonio is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, the Alamo, and the River Walk. It offers a mix of history, shopping, and dining.

Fredericksburg

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

Fredericksburg is a charming small town with a rich German heritage, known for its wineries, historic sites, and shopping.

Lake Travis

30 km (20 miles) • Half day to full day

Lake Travis is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and hiking. It offers beautiful scenery and a variety of water-based recreation.

Festivals

South by Southwest (SXSW) • March (dates vary) Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival • October (two weekends) Formula 1 United States Grand Prix • October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Texas State Capitol and other historic sites for a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts and music scene, with numerous live music venues, art galleries, and cultural events.
Take advantage of the city's outdoor recreational opportunities, with numerous parks, trails, and water-based activities.
Try local cuisine, including Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food, as well as a diverse range of international options.
Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be limited in popular areas.