First Timer’s Guide to the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival

I’ve spent the last several years visiting Fredericksburg, Texas. I have had the opportunity to experience Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival preview weeks in the past but this time I got to attend Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival—and it gave me a whole new reason to love Hill Country even more.

The festival brings together the people and flavors that make this area special: Texas wineries, local chefs, food producers, and the welcoming spirit of Fredericksburg. I went to Opening Night at Contigo Ranch, the Street Dinner downtown, and the Grand Tasting at Marktplatz. Each event had its own feel, so the weekend never felt like the same experience repeated three times.

Opening Night at Contigo Ranch

Opening Night at Contigo Ranch was a beautiful way to begin the weekend. Set on a bluff with Hill Country views, the evening included a welcome cocktail, food and wine pairing stations, a grazing table, live music, and other interactive experiences. I even got an embroidered bandana with my name on it and got to pet a beautiful highland cow. The whole event felt relaxed and festive. Beautiful way to ease into the weekend, sample local flavors, and take in the scenery.

If it’s your first time, plan for an outdoor evening. Contigo Ranch lists the dress code as Hill Country chic, and the event takes place on grass, so comfortable shoes are a smart choice. I’m always a fan of wearing a cowboy hat and bring a light sweater/jacket for after sunset.

The Street Dinner

The Street Dinner transformed downtown into an open-air dining room, with a long tables set along West Austin Street. The evening included a cocktail hour followed by a seated, four-course dinner paired with wines. It felt like a special occasion while still being connected to the town around us. There was something so magical about experiencing this for the first time. Maybe it’s because I am a lover of people coming together to enjoy a meal. Or maybe it was all the gorgeous details that went into the event. Overall this was a magnificent dining event.

This is the event to dress up a little for. The festival describes the attire as Hill Country chic, and since dinner is set on the street, heels are an option here. I’d still choose shoes you can comfortably wear through the evening. Check the menu and event details before booking, especially if you have dietary restrictions: the festival notes that the dinner has a fixed menu and can’t accommodate allergy or dietary requests.

The Grand Tasting

The Grand Tasting at Marktplatz was a chance to explore a wide range of Texas food and drink in one place. The festival listed more than 75 wine, culinary, brewery, and distillery tastings, along with live music and other festival offerings.

My biggest tip? Pace yourself. Grab a map of the layout. Take a look around before deciding where to start, sip water as you go, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet and moving between tasting stations. Also try to bring a purse/bag that will easily keep you, hands free. So that you can hold food samplings and drinks easily.

I did have VIP access which was great for this particular event. I was allowed access an hour before media and general admission were let through the gates. Lines for samples can get long at times so be sure to bring your patience and make friends with others in line. That’s the whole fun of the event!

Where to Stay in Fredericksburg

For a festival weekend, I’d book your stay as early as possible. If you want to walk to downtown restaurants, shops, and events, look for lodging near Main Street. If you’d rather wake up to a quieter Hill Country setting, consider a cabin, cottage, or ranch stay outside the center of town. I stayed at Cross Mountain Vineyards Venue in one of their gorgeous cottages. I loved that I could party it up at the events but then come back to relax and recharge on a beautiful country property. Here is also an Instagram reel of my stay at Cross Mountain Vineyards.

Think about transportation when choosing where to stay, too. Contigo Ranch is outside downtown, and the festival’s main events are spread across different locations. Make a plan for getting to and from each event, particularly if you’ll be enjoying wine.

What to Wear

“Texas Hill Country chic” is a helpful guide: polished, comfortable, and suited to the setting. For Opening Night, choose shoes that work on grass and bring a layer for the evening. For the Street Dinner, you can dress up more. For the Grand Tasting, prioritize comfortable shoes and an outfit you can enjoy in for several hours.

What to Expect

Expect a multi-event weekend with different settings and rhythms: a scenic ranch gathering, a seated dinner downtown, and a lively tasting event at Marktplatz. Check the official schedule and ticket details before you go, since times, locations, and event features can vary by year.

Attending for the first time made me appreciate Fredericksburg in a new way. The festival was a celebration of the people behind the food and wine—and a lovely excuse to spend a few days in the Texas Hill Country. If you’re planning a fall visit, add Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival to your list and leave yourself time to explore beyond the events, too.

Be sure to also check out the Visit Fredericksburg website for helpful travel info including things to do, where to stay, eats and upcoming events.