Say Hi in Hye: Things to Do in Hye Texas

Things to Do in Hye Texas: Visit the Wineries

William Chris Vineyards

Growing grapes in Texas is not an easy task. Our climate is harsh, hot, and has a mind of its own! And yet the people at William Chris are industry leaders when it comes to creating great Texas wine! And their property is gorgeous. As soon as you walk in, you are met with flowers all around that cause butterflies to flutter about. I almost didn’t want to leave the entrance because I was so enchanted with all the butterflies! Their property is also covered with vines and has fun photo opps as well as a historic cemetery a short walk away for those who are interested.

Ron Yates Wines

I’ve been to Fredericksburg and down the 290 Wine Trail multiple times, and there were two names that consistently came up. Ron Yates was one of them. Ron Yates actually has two wineries with one being Spicewood Vineyards (read all about the things to do in the magical town of Spicewood!) Ron Yates does an incredible job of representing Texas wines and consistently goes out to California and takes the golds in wine competitions, so you know the wine is good.

CALAIS Winery

When I said there were two wine makers that were constantly brought up, the second one also happens to be in Hye! Ben Calais is from France and has been raised by generations of wine growers. The thing is, when you drive past Calais Winery, it’s easy to miss. There are no flashy signs or rows of gorgeous vines to invite you. However, they don’t need all of that to attract people! Using those French wine-making techniques, Ben Calais consistently produces some of the best wines in Texas, so much so that other winemakers will talk about what he is doing. From the outside, the tasting room is unassuming and looks more like a bunker. However, inside Calais Winery is pretty unique. And just wait until you try the wine.

French Connection Winery

The French Connection is Ben Calais’s second winery in the Fredericksburg/Hye area with a completely different style of wine that is still uniquely French. You have to drive off the normal trail, but as you drive, you get higher into the Hill Country, and as soon as you arrive, you are met with some scenic views! On top of some refreshing wines in line with the high standards of wine making that Ben Calias holds onto, they have French inspired charcuterie boards, snacks, and pastries like eclairs.

Horn Winery

If you’re a music lover, the wines are an easy appeal with names like crescendo, melody, and rhapsody. All of the wines are inspired by music. This location also does something exciting with the extra grapes that don’t go into the wine, which we will share a little further below.

Hye Meadow Winery

Hye Meadow Winery is located on a gorgeous property that allows for plenty of space to wander around. They even have donkeys on site, and if you’re lucky, they may have some apples so you can feed them! Hye Meadow Winery also offers several great wine experiences including their tour where you get to learn about the art and science of wine making and then enjoy a premium tasting. They have food onsite including paninis and charcuterie boards (important to note as when you’re doing wine tastings it’s important to stay hydrated and well fed.)

Things to Do in Hye Texas: Visit the Distilleries

The Texas Hill Country isn’t just for wine! In fact, there are plenty of distilleries around the Texas Hill Country to enjoy.

Garrison Brothers Distillery

Garrison Brothers Distillery is the first legal whiskey distillery in Texas history. In addition to the tastings that they offer onsite, you can go in and for a distillery tour! On top of great bottles of whiskey and bourbon, you can also snag fun bourbon-themed and flavored goods.

Hye Rum

If you’re looking for small artisinal rum, then this is your place! They use baker’s grade molasses in their dark rum which is aged with Cabernet French oak. Or get tropical with their coconut rum. Don’t leave without some rum soaked pecans! They even offer distillery tours for people who want to learn about the process.

Azeo Distillery

Horn Winery also has another section that focuses on vodka made from grapes and apples, brandy made from apples, moonshine, black label brandy distilled from grapes, rum, and spirit of agave (essentially tequila made in the US). Azeo has a unique concept that’s one of a kind in the Texas Hill Country.

Things to Do in Hye Texas: More Drinking

Hye Cider

Everything about Hye Cider is eclectic and fun! From the double-decker bus that sits outside, the fun decor all around, and the chickens that roam the property, you know you’re in for a good time as soon as you enter! And this woman-owned business does an incredible job of creating savory ciders, something I had never experienced before, but thoroughly enjoyed. They also have a Thai food truck onsite, Hye Thai, that pairs well with their cider!

Texas Mead Works/Blue Lotus Winery

Mead is the oldest known alcoholic beverage and involves fermented honey. Texas Mead Works prides itself on being the best in Texas and has fun flavors that include all types of fruits (from blackberry, peach, raspberry, and more) as well as a snickerdoodle mead and other dessert flavored meads. We had the pleasure of visiting their original location in Seguin. However, their new location in Hye is just as fun and includes a wine barrel shaped building. While their mead stands out for being unique, they serve up just as exceptional wine in the same location under the label Blue Lotus Winery.

Go Dancing

Pay a visit to Hye’s historic dance hall. Be sure to check out their calendar for special events and concerts!

Where to Eat in Hye

While we mentioned them above, I thought it would be great to list out the food spots below! If you are consuming alcohol make sure to carry plenty of water with you, have a designated driver, and plan for some food stops!

Hye Thai – this food truck serves up some classic Thai favorites.
French Connection – They offer French-inspired charcuterie boards, pastries, and other snacks.
Hye Meadow – This spot serves paninis and charcuterie boards.

Things to Do in Hye Texas: Final Thoughts

Hye truly stands out as a unique destination along the 290 Wine Trail! It’s a little eclectic, a little historic, and a whole lot of fun! While you’ll likely have to come back once or twice more, it’s worth it for the unique experience it provides.

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Last Updated 2 weeks ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: September 1, 2020