From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

The "From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle" offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic Texas Hill Country. Departing from the Austin Visitor Center, this 4.5-hour adventure takes guests on a delightful journey filled with delicious barbecue and award-winning wines. With a knowledgeable guide providing insights, guests can enjoy a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned sprinter van and indulge in the flavors that make this region renowned. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this limited-group tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you craving more of the Hill Country’s culinary and vinous delights.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Wine Tours In Austin.

Key Points

• 4.5-hour guided shuttle tour from Austin to explore the Hill Country’s renowned BBQ and award-winning wineries.
• Includes tastings at the iconic Salt Lick BBQ and two acclaimed Texas wineries.
• Tour is limited to 10 participants and led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
• Scenic views of the Texas Hill Country landscape are part of the experience.
• Flexible reservation options and comprehensive customer reviews indicate a high-quality tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle offers a 4.5-hour tour that departs from the Austin Visitor Center at 10:30 AM and returns by 3:00 PM.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and includes a live English-speaking guide. Guests will first visit the famous Salt Lick BBQ for a tasting, followed by stops at two award-winning Texas wineries for wine sampling.

The tour provides at least 45 minutes at each location and showcases the scenic views of the Texas Hill Country.

Pricing starts at $1,468 per person, with a recommended budget of $35 for the BBQ meal and $80 for food and tastings. Shuttle transportation and an air-conditioned sprinter van are included.

Highlights of the Itinerary

At the tour’s first stop, guests will indulge in the renowned flavors of Salt Lick BBQ, one of Austin’s most celebrated barbeque joints.

After the BBQ tasting, the shuttle will transport visitors to two award-winning Texas wineries, where they’ll have the opportunity to sample the region’s finest vintages.

Each winery stop will allow at least 45 minutes for guests to explore the scenic Texas Hill Country surroundings.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Pricing and Reservations

Reserving the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle is easy, with a "reserve now & pay later" option available. Guests can also take advantage of a full refund for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance. To budget for the experience, the cost of the BBQ meal is recommended at $35 per person, while the cost of wine tastings is approximately $80 per person. The breakdown of pricing and inclusions is as follows:

	Price
Tour Cost	From $1,468 per person
BBQ Meal	$35 per person
Wine Tastings	$80 per person
Tips	Not included

Transportation and Inclusions

The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle includes shuttle service from Austin to the Salt Lick BBQ and the two award-winning Texas wineries.

The transportation is provided in an air-conditioned sprinter van, ensuring a comfortable journey. Plus, the tour includes a professional guide who accompanies the group throughout the excursion.

The guide’s expertise enhances the overall experience, providing insightful information about the local cuisine and wines. While the cost of the shuttle service and guide is included in the tour price, tips for the guide are not.

Participants should budget accordingly for the optional gratuity to show their appreciation for the guide’s excellent service.

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Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly, customers have provided very positive feedback on the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 overall rating based on 109 reviews.

The guide and transportation aspects received perfect 5/5 ratings, while the value for money was also highly praised at 4.7/5.

Customers emphasized the fun and informative nature of the tour, highlighting:

• Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides
• Comfortable and reliable shuttle service
• Delicious BBQ and excellent wine tastings
• Scenic views of the Texas Hill Country
• Overall exceptional experience and great value.

Meeting Point and Duration

The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle departs from the Austin Visitor Center (602 E 4th Street) at 10:30 AM, giving participants ample time to explore the tour’s highlights over the course of 4.5 hours.

The shuttle returns to the starting point by 3:00 PM, allowing guests to make the most of their day.

With a group size limited to 10 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

The live tour guide included ensures that guests receive informative commentary throughout the journey, enriching their understanding of the Texas Hill Country’s culinary and oenological treasures.

BBQ and Wine Experiences

First stop on the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle is Salt Lick BBQ, Austin’s acclaimed barbecue joint, where participants enjoy a tasting session.

After, the tour visits two award-winning Texas wineries for wine sampling, allowing at least 45 minutes at each stop.

The experience showcases the scenic views of the Texas Hill Country.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Tasting Texas-style BBQ at Salt Lick BBQ
• Sampling wines at two acclaimed Texas wineries
• Enjoying scenic Hill Country vistas
• Experiencing the rich local food and beverage culture
• Riding in an air-conditioned sprinter van with a professional guide.

Group Size and Language

The Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle limits its group size to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

This small group size allows the tour guide to provide more personalized attention and engage participants in a deeper level of interaction.

The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible to visitors from various backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted on this tour. The package includes a BBQ tasting at Salt Lick BBQ and wine sampling at two wineries. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Is the Shuttle Wheelchair Accessible?

The shuttle is wheelchair accessible. The tour operator provides a spacious air-conditioned van to accommodate guests with mobility needs, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience throughout the Hill Country BBQ and wine tasting excursion.

Do I Need to Bring Cash for Gratuities?

Tips are not included in the tour price, so guests should plan to bring cash to tip the guide at their discretion. The shuttle service and tour guide are covered by the tour fee.

Can I Leave the Tour Early if I Wish?

Yes, participants can leave the tour early if they wish. The tour’s itinerary allows for at least 45 minutes at each stop, so guests have the flexibility to depart at their convenience before the scheduled return time.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for very young children. Participants under 21 will not be able to sample the wines.

Recap

The "From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle" provides a remarkable opportunity to explore the picturesque Texas Hill Country. With a delightful BBQ tasting, wine sampling at award-winning wineries, and a comfortable, air-conditioned ride, this tour offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re a foodie, wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable day trip, this shuttle is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check if your dates are available here: