Wine plays an integral role in Texas Hill Country’s continuously growing appeal. Whether you’re a well-versed oenophile or self-proclaimed dabbler, the New Braunfels winery scene is bound to claim your attention this summer. Many of the finest vineyards and wineries near San Antonio can be found in this quiet, historic community along I-35. When folks aren’t fly fishing, devouring BBQ, or swaying to live country, it’s impossible not to feel the allure of a medal-winning New Braunfels winery.
The New Braunfels Winery Trail: 4 Essential Stops
New Braunfels Escapes, home to the area’s largest selection of Comal and Guadalupe River vacation rentals, knows a thing or two about fine wine. We have strong relationships with several of the most beloved wineries near New Braunfels, including the four establishments listed below. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re searching for a sprawling vineyard or a sophisticated tasting room in the heart of the city.
Water 2 Wine
For true oenophiles, Water 2 Wine is a heavenly experience. With a wide selection of Texas-made, award-winning varietals, you’ll instantly fall in love with this opulent yet charming downtown staple. Sample house-made Chilean Merlot, French Cabernet, and Australian Malbec alongside fellow connoisseurs. All wines are blended, oaked, and fermented on-site.
Winery on the Gruene
Historic Gruene provides the perfect setting for an afternoon of sampling. Winery on the Gruene not only owns a particularly peaceful slice of land near historic Gruene Hall, but patrons can taste-test as many as 30 different house-made varietals, all of which are blended, fermented, aged, and bottled on the premises. Among their current collection, visitors can sniff, swirl, and sip anything from blackberry Merlot to Gewürztraminer and peach Chardonnay. As the only winery in Gruene, this sizable property welcomes quite a bit of foot traffic during all four seasons.
Dry Comal Creek
Let’s branch out a bit by focusing our attention on the rolling hills northwest of New Braunfels, home to Dry Comal Creek, a breathtaking vineyard with several acres of grapevines. Because of the picturesque acreage and spacious covered terrace, Dry Comal Creek is a common gathering place for weddings and other mid-sized events. Their inventory isn’t as extensive as your typical New Braunfels winery. However, this team of world-class vintners creates over 100 cases of each varietal, spanning from 2016 to 2019.
La Cruz de Comal Wines
We saved the best New Braunfels winery for last. La Cruz de Comal Wines is the complete package. Guests can stroll through the lush vineyard, sample wine inside the heartwarmingly rustic tasting room, and learn more about their 100 percent estate-grown process by chatting with one of the passionate co-owners. We couldn’t think of a better place to spend an afternoon with friends and family, other than, perhaps, in a tube on the Comal River itself.
Affordable Comal River House Rentals
Texans from San Antonio and Austin cannot resist the urge to escape to New Braunfels, Hill Country’s crown jewel. The Comal River’s teal, patient current is calling! Thankfully, New Braunfels Escapes manages a bevy of riverfront cabins, most of which feature complimentary watercrafts, a shoreline firepit, a chef’s kitchen, and a sizable covered deck. Most of our charming yet luxurious New Braunfels rentals lie beside a water source, whether that’s the Comal, the Guadalupe, or nearby Canyon Lake. Please browse through our inventory to find a unit that suits your group’s size, style, and budget.