Discovering Salt Lick Cellars: Your Hill Country Wine Escape Near Austin
Imagine a place where the rich flavors of Texas wine meet the legendary tastes of barbecue, all under the shade of ancient, sprawling oak trees. That, you know, is pretty much the heart of Salt Lick Cellars. Just a short drive, maybe 15 minutes or so, from the bustling center of downtown Austin, this spot in Driftwood, Texas, offers a truly unique experience. It’s a wonderful escape, a place where you can really slow down and savor the moments, blending the natural beauty of the Hill Country with some delightful sips.
This isn't just any winery; it’s, in a way, a natural extension of a beloved Texas tradition. The Salt Lick Cellars sits right next to the world-famous Salt Lick BBQ restaurant, which is pretty convenient, if you ask me. Here, you can find a great selection of local wines and beers, ready for you to enjoy. They even offer wine tastings, which is nice, available every day of the week, so you can always find a time to pop in.
The whole place, you see, has this amazing natural, rustic beauty. It’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the whole setting. Picture yourself sitting outdoors on a grassy lawn, with those big, old heritage oak trees providing plenty of shade. It’s a very relaxed, authentically Texan sort of vibe, a perfect spot to just chill out and enjoy the simple pleasures. So, if you're ever in the Central Texas or Austin area, this place is, arguably, a must-stop destination.
Table of Contents
- A Picturesque Hill Country Retreat
- The Roots of Salt Lick Cellars: A Family Tradition
- Savoring the Sips: Wines and Tastings
- More Than Wine: The Salt Lick Experience
- Planning Your Visit to Salt Lick Cellars
- Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lick Cellars
- Your Next Texas Hill Country Adventure
A Picturesque Hill Country Retreat
Salt Lick Cellars, honestly, feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s located right in the beautiful Hill Country of Driftwood, Texas, and it is truly a picturesque spot. The natural surroundings are just lovely, with lush landscaping and pretty gardens that really add to the charm. You know, it’s a place that just feels right, combining the splendor of nature with a relaxed, genuinely Texan atmosphere.
The tasting room itself, for instance, is situated perfectly under those magnificent heritage oak trees. There’s plenty of outdoor seating on a soft, grassy lawn, which is pretty ideal for a laid-back afternoon. You can just kick back, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the serene views. It’s very much about that outdoor, easygoing vibe, which is what so many folks look for in a Texas experience.
The whole setting, with its natural rustic beauty, is just something else. It’s hard to describe it better than that, actually. The cellars truly combine the grandness of nature with a really comfortable, authentic Texan feel. It’s a place where you can just unwind, maybe with a glass of something nice, and let the peaceful surroundings wash over you. It's, like, truly extraordinary.
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The Roots of Salt Lick Cellars: A Family Tradition
The story of Salt Lick Cellars is, in some respects, deeply rooted in family and tradition. Back in 2006, Scott Roberts and the Roberts family had this idea, this plan, to, you know, dig their roots a little deeper into the family land. It was a kind of continuation, a natural progression, of the Salt Lick family tradition, which is pretty cool when you think about it.
That year, Scott Roberts started planting the first vines. They put in a total of 35 acres, featuring a whole bunch of different grape varieties. This included grapes like Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache, and also Sangiovese. It was a pretty big undertaking, setting the stage for what would become this lovely winery.
The first bottle of Tempranillo, for example, was finally ready and available to wine lovers in late 2008. That must have been a really exciting moment for them. Today, while they originally planted 35 acres, about five acres are currently present at the winery itself, with the rest of the vineyards contributing to their delightful wines. Jay Knepp, by the way, is the winemaker and vineyard manager, overseeing all that goodness.
Savoring the Sips: Wines and Tastings
When you visit Salt Lick Cellars, you’re in for a real treat when it comes to the drinks. They offer local wine and beer for purchase, which is great, supporting Texas makers. But the real highlight, for many, is the wine tasting experience. They offer a five-wine tasting for about $12, which is a pretty good deal, and you get to pick from a variety of whites and reds.
The wines they produce are, honestly, absolutely amazing. You can enjoy a glass (or two, if you’re not driving back to Austin right away!) of their Tempranillo or Mourvèdre. What’s really special about this, you know, is that you can often do this while sitting right there, surrounded by the very same vines that produced the wine. It’s a pretty immersive experience, connecting you directly to the source.
Their Mourvèdre, for instance, is produced from grapes grown right there at the Salt Lick vineyards. This commitment to local grapes really shines through in the taste. It’s a wonderful way to experience the flavors of the Texas Hill Country, all in one delightful glass. You can, like, really taste the local terroir.
More Than Wine: The Salt Lick Experience
Salt Lick Cellars isn't just about the wine; it’s part of a much larger, iconic Texas experience. It’s located right next door to the renowned Salt Lick BBQ restaurant, which is a pretty big deal. This means you can easily combine your wine tasting with some of the best barbecue around. It’s a very popular combo, for good reason.
A key thing to remember, actually, is that the Salt Lick BBQ restaurant itself doesn't sell alcohol. But don't worry! Salt Lick Cellars, which is just a short walk, maybe 20 feet away through the courtyard, does. So, you can grab your favorite beverages there and then head over for your barbecue feast. It’s a pretty seamless arrangement, allowing you to enjoy both.
Before your barbecue feast begins, you can even bring your own favorite beverages to the patio and enjoy some great live music. This is a pretty unique perk, allowing for a really fun and relaxed atmosphere. It’s all part of that authentic Texan environment that the Cellars and the restaurant together create. You can, like, really make a day of it.
If you can’t make it to Driftwood, you can still get a taste of The Salt Lick. You can buy their barbecue online and have it shipped right to your door anywhere in the lower 48 states. So, even if you’re far away, you can still enjoy a piece of this Texas tradition. It's, you know, pretty convenient.
Planning Your Visit to Salt Lick Cellars
Visiting Salt Lick Cellars is, honestly, well worth the trip, even if it’s a little outside of Austin – maybe a 30-minute drive or so. It’s open daily for outdoor patio seating and for take-out, making it pretty accessible. The staff, too, tends to be really wonderful. Reviews often mention people like Jennifer, who was described as "attentive, helpful and funny," making visits perfect.
For those thinking about bigger events, Salt Lick Cellars also offers options for weddings. You can contact them in Driftwood to customize your own price, browse photos, and check out special offers. Weddings, for example, can start around $2,691 for 50 guests, which gives you a rough idea. It's a pretty beautiful setting for a special day.
Remember, if you’re planning to enjoy some wine, it’s always a good idea to think about how much you’ll be able to finish and still drive safely back to Austin. Some folks, for instance, knew they wouldn't be able to finish a full bottle, so the wine stayed stoppered. It’s all about planning ahead and enjoying responsibly. Learn more about Texas wines on our site, and link to this page for more Hill Country adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Lick Cellars
Does Salt Lick BBQ sell alcohol?
No, actually, the Salt Lick BBQ restaurant itself does not sell alcohol. However, Salt Lick Cellars, which is located just a very short walk, about 20 feet away through the courtyard, does offer a great selection of local wine and beer for purchase. So, you can easily grab your drinks there and then head over to the restaurant for your barbecue feast. It's pretty handy, really.
What wines are available at Salt Lick Cellars?
Salt Lick Cellars produces and offers a variety of wines, primarily from grapes grown right there at their vineyards. You can find different grape varieties, including Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache, and Sangiovese. They offer a range of both white and red options, and you can typically enjoy a tasting of five different wines to get a good feel for their selection. Their Tempranillo and Mourvèdre are, for example, particularly popular choices.
How far is Salt Lick Cellars from Austin?
Salt Lick Cellars is located in Driftwood, Texas, which is just about 15 minutes from downtown Austin. Depending on traffic and where exactly you're coming from in Austin, the trip might be closer to 30 minutes. It's a relatively quick and easy drive, making it a convenient day trip destination for those looking to experience the Texas Hill Country and enjoy some local wine and barbecue. It’s, you know, not a long haul at all.
Your Next Texas Hill Country Adventure
Salt Lick Cellars truly offers a charming slice of Texas life, blending delightful wines with a relaxed, natural setting. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy good company, and savor the flavors of the region. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a barbecue lover, or just looking for a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon, this place has something special. It's, like, a really inviting spot, and as of today, it continues to be a favorite for many. For more ideas on what to explore in the area, you might want to check out a reputable Texas tourism site for additional attractions.
Saltlick view | Salt Lick Safari Lodge
Salt Lick Cellars | Wine Garden in Driftwood Texas next to Salt Lick BBQ
Saltlick views | Salt Lick Safari Lodge
