Discover Fitzhugh Road

LIBATIONS, FIZZY CONCOCTIONS, AND FERMENTABLES ON FITZHUGH ROAD!

In the 1800s, Fitzhugh Road was used as a cattle drive trail, now it’s one of the booziest roads in the Austin area. If you still haven't visited the wineries, breweries, and distilleries along this winding road that begins in Southwest Austin and ends west of Dripping Springs, then put this easy day trip on your weekend to-do list. Fitzhugh Road is a fantastic destination for wine, beer, and spirits enthusiasts!

First stop: Jester King Brewery

Jester King Brewery is set on a 165-acre ranch about 18 miles west of downtown Austin and just 9 miles from downtown Dripping Springs. The world-renowned maker specializes in farmhouse ales and barrel-aged wild ales fermented with wild yeast. Jester King has preserved the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country while at the same time providing unique experiences on their property. While the beers at Jester King are the biggest draw, you can also find walking trails throughout the ranch, a herd of darling goats, and a kitchen that serves up scratch-made items, and when possible uses farm, fermented, or foraged ingredients. There’s even a gorgeous event venue, the Hall at Jester King, tucked in the natural wooded landscape on the grounds.

In the neighborhood of Big Country is Goodnight Loving Vodka

Goodnight Loving Vodka*

If the TV set of Mad Men made your heart happy, you’ll love the interior design of Goodnight Loving Vodka where the distillers have taken the culture and spirit of the 1960s and put it in a bottle. The vodka is hailed as some of the smoothest around and has garnered fans from all across the country. The distilling process begins with pure Texas artesian spring water and then the vodka is perfectly filtered and bottled at a distillery in Austin, TX. While the tasting room is currently closed, the mid-century modern throw-back destination is worth a stop on a Saturday once the tasting room has re-opened. *temporarily closed.

Fitzhugh Brewing

Fitzhugh Brewing, opening fall 2020, is a new brewpub that will feature Kolsch style beers, Belgian table beers, Stouts and Porters along with seasonal favorites and even some Sparkling Australian Ambers. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the opening of this gorgeous farmhouse style brewery who is partnering with Pok-E-Jo's for in-house and take-home food.

Solaro Estate Winery

Known for its laid-back atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Solaro Estate has been a working agricultural farm in the Solaro family since 1909. An afternoon at the Estate is best spent sipping some of their wines out on the patio that overlooks the expansive vineyard. Head out to the tasting pavilion where you can sample the wines that have been hand-selected by Solaro Estate winemakers. They also offer a walking educational tour of the estate and the gorgeous vineyards, as well as a personalized tour where you will learn about the winemaking process in the production setting.

Hill Country Olive Company

One of the most unique stops on Fitzhugh Road is the Texas Hill Country Olive Company – the most awarded olive oil company in Texas. Inside the Texas Hill Country Olive Company’s Tuscan-style tasting room, sample the wide variety of delicious homegrown olive oils and balsamic vinegars at their tasting bars.

Order from the bistro’s selection of “lite bites” like cheese, hummus, and crackers; lunch options including soups, salads, and sandwiches; refreshing drinks; and desserts. The bistro also serves locally made wines priced by tasting, glass, or flight. Peruse their gift shop where you will find fine accouterments for the kitchen, natural beauty products, and just about any item made with high-quality olive oil. On Fridays and Saturdays, the company offers guided tours of its facility and orchard that gives you an up-close look at the inner workings of the business.