Because of the pandemic, every trip and cruise I had scheduled got cancelled for the rest of 2020. It has been at least 6 months since I’ve travelled outside of the Houston area. So we felt like a long weekend in Fredericksburg would make up for some of the experiences we’ve missed out on this year. Here’s how we navigated restaurants, wineries, a state park, and public restrooms in the Fredericksburg/Texas Hill Country area during a pandemic.
[Related: A Weekend Getaway in Fredericksburg]
Restaurants
Visiting Fredericksburg without enjoying German food would be a travesty, so we dined at two restaurants in downtown. At the first one, Altdorf Biergarten, we sat out on the patio. During this time, tables were socially distant and at half capacity. Menus were both digital (QR Code sticker on the tables) and paper prints that were disposed of between guests. Our waiter wore a mask at all times, as did patrons when not at their tables. Although this was my first time to be in a public place in many months and overwhelmed by the noise, I felt safe. At the second restaurant, The Auslander, we sat inside. Tables were spaced far apart, wait staff wore masks at all times, and menus were beneath the glass tops on tables. Precautions were taken, and it was really nice to enjoy this old favorite again. Also worth mentioning is Caliche Coffee Bar & Roastery, which is where my husband picked up espresso and avocado toast every single morning we were in town. Delish!!
Usually on our trips to wine country, we rarely need to make appointments/reservations, but during this time it is highly recommended (even required at some wineries). We made a reservation at Ron Yates Wines for 11am on a Saturday, and were pleased to be the first and only patrons allowed in the tasting room. The tasting room hosts sanitized the counter when we arrived, wore thier masks at all times, and expertly guided us through our tastings. This was probably the first time on the trip I truly exhaled with relief and even said several times “this is so nice!” I can’t thank the staff enough for making us feel so welcome and safe.
What we tasted: Malvasia, Viognier, Albarino, Sangiovese Rose, Grenache Rose, Sangiovese, Garnacha, Tempranillo, GSM, and Cabernet Sauvignon
What we brought home: Malvasia, Albarino, Grenache Rose, and GSM
[Related: A Fredericksburg Wine Trail by Appointment]
Not needing a reservation for this new (to me) cidery, we were still able to get in early enough in the day to procure 2 outdoor tables away from other patrons. We tasted, and loved, all their cysers (cider fermented with honey), and enjoyed lunch from a Thai food truck on the property. What a great pairing! The atmosphere was very chill and casual, will definitely visit again. The staff were all wearing masks, and tables were spaced, but because the entire venue is outdoors, it felt very normal and comfortable.
What we tasted: The Heaven, Hye Hops, Hye Bay, Hye Note, and Hye Stylin’
What we brought home: Hye Note and Hye Stylin’
Visiting Kuhlman Cellars, we had a different kind of appointment than the tastings I’ve enjoyed there before. I reserved a patio table and charcuterie plate, and upon arrival and check-in, I purchased a bottle of Gypsum and a bottle of Alluve for our small group to enjoy. Normally tables would be packed and tightly spaced here, but we had at least 8′ between other tables, so we felt very at ease. My trip to the restroom had me laughing at the “please don’t steal our toilet paper” sign, as this is so very 2020. We really enjoyed our time here, we corked the wine we didn’t finish, and headed to our next appointment.
A new (to me) winery is Bingham Family Vineyards. I prepaid for our tastings (the dry tasting) online that same day so we would have reservations. A gorgeous property with a huge tasting room in one building and separate shopping at Yee Haw Ranch Outfitter in another, our small group was sat at two wine barrel tables far apart from other patrons. Staff was super friendly and wore masks at all times.
What we tasted: Trebbiano, Viognier, Roussanne, High Plains Sunset Rose, Dolcetto, and Tempranillo
What we brought home: Roussanne
Another new (to me) winery is Slate Mill Wine Collective near the airport. The property is HUGE and the tasting room offered both indoor and outdoor seating. We didn’t need a reservation, and were pleased to snag a table outside on the patio under multiple shades. I was happy to share the space with dogs, though their tables were far from ours. The staff was so friendly, wore masks at all times, and also kept us hydrated between tastings. This winery also used QR Code stickers on their tables, so menus were completely touchless. We felt very safe and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
What we tasted: Trebbiano, Viognier, Rose, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon
What we brought home: Trebbiano, Viognier, Rose, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon
I tried to fit in a tasting appointment at one of my long time favorites, William Chris, but it didn’t fit with our schedule (this time). So on our way back home to Houston, we enjoyed the convenience of curbside pick-up. We purchased a rose and Malbec rose to take home.
[Related: Considering Wine in a Can]
Enchanted Rock
Wanting to spend time outdoors during this trip, we also had reservations at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area north of Frederickburg. We were nearly the first ones in the gate and got in 2 short hikes before it got too hot and too busy. Masks were required to enter public restrooms, and an added courtesy I witnessed was other patrons waited patiently outside instead of crowding the doors. I’m so glad we were able to enjoy the park during this trip.
[Related: Enchanted Rock Geology: For the Casual Observer or Amateur Enthusiast and Enchanted Rock Trip Report: Camping, T. Rexing, & Wine Tasting]
Coopers BBQ in Llano
Throwing it back to our college days, we stopped at Coopers BBQ for lunch after our hikes. It was crowded as usual, but they definitely made changes to enforce social distancing. There were plexiglass panels installed between patrons and staff, as well as plexiglass panels subdividing the long picnic tables. BBQ sauce, pickles, onions, beans, and bread used to be out for patrons to help themselves pre-pandemic, but staff prepared these complimentary items behind the plexiglass. Nice!
I really needed this trip, and I’m so glad we went! It was a long and busy weekend, but we also spent a lot of time at our quiet B&B, especially in the evenings. Sure, traveling during this pandemic adds a little risk, but I think we took as many precautions as possible. Personal responsibilty and good hygiene seems to be the best defense anyway. We’re currently isolating for 2 weeks following this trip, and thus far have had no symptoms. Worth the risk? In my opinion, yes. My mental health definitely needed the escape.
[Related: A Fredericksburg Wine Trail via Shuttle]