From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of downtown Austin and soak in some of Texas’s best flavors and scenery, the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle offers a balanced mix of mouthwatering BBQ, stunning vineyard views, and engaging guides. This 4.5-hour excursion is perfect for those wanting a taste of Texas’s culinary and viticultural delights without breaking the bank or going it alone.

What really makes this tour shine is the friendly, knowledgeable guides who keep things fun and informative, along with the chance to sample award-winning wines amid scenic hills. On the flip side, the tour’s focus on tastings means you’ll want to be prepared for some additional costs if you want to indulge fully. It’s ideal for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and small group lovers seeking an authentic taste of Texas outside Austin.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-organized way to visit Salt Lick BBQ and Hill Country wineries
• Small group setting (limited to 11 participants) for a more personalized experience
• At least 45 minutes at each stop, providing enough time for tastings and photos
• Flexible options for bringing your own alcohol and purchasing tastings
• Expert guides who share local tips, stories, and insights
• Beautiful scenery and scenic drives through rolling Texas hills

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to give you a quick but rich taste of Austin’s famous BBQ scene and the scenic wine country just outside the city. Starting from the Austin Visitor Center, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned sprinter van with up to 11 guests, making it a cozy, intimate experience.

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully planned. It begins with a visit to the Salt Lick BBQ, which is, by most accounts, the crown jewel of Texas barbecue. Then, you’ll wind through the Texas Hill Country, stopping at two different wineries—each offering at least 45 minutes for tastings, exploring the vineyards, and soaking up the views.

This setup means you’ll be able to enjoy delicious food and drinks without feeling rushed, while also savoring the natural beauty of the landscape. The tour is priced at $69 per person, but keep in mind that the cost of the BBQ tasting (around $35) and wine tastings aren’t included, so it’s worth budgeting extra.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the tour are the shuttle service from Austin to Salt Lick, the visits to two wineries, the air-conditioned van, and the guidance of a professional guide.

Excluded are the costs of lunch and wine tastings. Guests generally spend about $35 each at Salt Lick for a full BBQ meal, but you can bring your own alcohol to enjoy with your food, which many reviewers appreciated. The wine tastings at the wineries are typically around $25 or less, and the reviews mention you’re free to purchase wine by the glass if you prefer not to do the tasting flights.

Meeting point is conveniently located inside the Austin Visitor Center on Fifth Street. Parking nearby involves metered street parking or the Frost Bank parking garage, with the added perk of a QR code inside the Visitor Center for a free parking window.

The Itinerary in Detail

Salt Lick BBQ — The First Stop

This is undoubtedly a highlight for many. Salt Lick is renowned for its succulent brisket, flavorful sausage, and generous side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the meat, with some noting the vinegar kick in the sides and perfectly cooked brisket.

While the tour doesn’t include the meal itself, most guests budget around $35 for a hearty plate. You can also bring your own alcohol to enjoy with your meal, which adds flexibility and value, especially for those who want to avoid extra costs.

A few reviewers preferred to spread out their tastings—perhaps doing the barbecue first, then visiting the wineries afterwards—to better appreciate each stop. One reviewer suggested that doing the wineries first might allow for a more relaxed tasting experience without being too full from BBQ.

Scenic Drive Through Hill Country

Post-meal, the van takes you on a beautiful drive through Texas Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. This part of the tour is praised for offering a relaxing, scenic experience and great photo opportunities.

Winery Visits — Tasting and Views

The tour includes stops at two award-winning wineries, each offering at least 45 minutes to sample their wines and explore the lovely grounds. Several reviews highlight the quality of the wines, with some guests describing the wines as “quite good,” even coming from skeptics of Texas wine.

Many guests appreciated the friendly guides who offered tips on the wines, the best spots for photos, and insights into the wineries’ history. One review mentioned that both wineries had under $25 tasting flights, and some guests chose to buy a glass to enjoy on-site instead of the tasting flights.

The views at each winery are a big draw—gorgeous vineyard scenery and well-maintained grounds—which makes the experience more than just a wine tasting, but a scenic outing as well.

The Guides and Small Group Atmosphere

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the guides’ friendliness, knowledge, and personality. Reviews repeatedly mention guide Ike, Luke, Jax, and Avery as being engaging, funny, and informative. They’re good at creating a relaxed and welcoming environment, making even first-time wine tasters or BBQ novices feel comfortable.

The small group size (limited to 11) means you get plenty of personalized attention, and it’s easier to chat, ask questions, and take photos without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Guests also emphasized how guides like Trace and Kelty go above and beyond, sharing stories about Salt Lick’s history or pointing out the best photo spots. One reviewer even noted that their guide, Cliff, knew exactly when to arrive to avoid crowds at Salt Lick, making the visit more enjoyable.

Value for Money

Considering the $69 price tag, the tour offers excellent value. The transportation, guides, and access to two wineries—plus the iconic Salt Lick BBQ—make for a hassle-free day out. The actual meal and tastings cost extra, but since those are optional and the guide tips help you plan accordingly, most guests find the overall cost reasonable.

Many reviews mention that the experience exceeded expectations—not just for the scenic drives and tasty food, but also for the knowledgeable guides who added local color and fun stories. The small group setting enhances the experience, making it more personal and engaging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is especially well suited for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those wanting a relaxed, scenic day outside Austin. If you’re traveling with friends or family who appreciate a good meal and a good glass of wine, you’ll find this tour hits the mark.

It’s also perfect for first-timers in Austin, as it offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s best offerings without the hassle of planning multiple stops. The small group size lends itself to a more intimate, friendly atmosphere—ideal if you want to meet fellow travelers.

However, keep in mind that the cost of meals and tastings is extra, so budget accordingly. Those wanting a more focused wine or BBQ experience might prefer to visit specific locations on their own, but for a balanced, guided day trip, this tour hits all the right notes.

Final Thoughts

The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle from Austin is a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Texas flavors and stunning scenery in a relaxed setting. The combination of Salt Lick’s legendary BBQ, beautiful vineyard views, and friendly guides makes for a memorable outing.

The tour’s value for money is evident, especially given the small group size and personalized attention. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local wanting to rediscover the region, this experience offers a nice blend of food, wine, and scenery that captures the best of Texas Hill Country.

If you’re after a fun, laid-back day with good food and drinks, combined with informative guides and gorgeous views, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to budget for the extra tastings, and come hungry and ready for a good time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with flexibility depending on group size and traffic conditions.

• Where do I meet the tour?
  You meet inside the Austin Visitor Center at 103 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX. Parking options include metered street parking or the Frost Bank Garage.

• Are meals and tastings included in the price?
  No, the tour price covers transportation and guides. The BBQ meal at Salt Lick costs around $35, and wine tastings at the wineries are typically around $25 or less, both paid separately.

• Can I bring my own alcohol?
  Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol to enjoy with the BBQ, which many reviews appreciate for added flexibility.

• Is this tour suitable for wine novices?
  Absolutely. Guides are friendly and offer tips, and the stops are paced for at least 45 minutes each, so there’s plenty of time to learn and taste.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen for the outdoors, and consider layers if you’re visiting in cooler months.

• Can I customize the experience?
  Since the guide offers tips and the tour is small, you can ask for recommendations on additional stops or wineries during your trip, but the itinerary is fixed.

This tour offers a fantastic way to experience the best of Texas—good food, good wine, and some of the most scenic views just a short drive from Austin. If you’re after a relaxed, friendly, and flavorful day out, it’s definitely worth considering.