From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle

If you’re thinking about escaping the buzz of Austin for a taste of Texas’s scenic countryside, the Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle might catch your eye. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but based on plenty of reviews and details, it looks like a solid choice for anyone wanting a fun, relaxed day out that combines the city’s famed BBQ with some quality wine tasting in stunning surroundings.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it offers great value at $69 per person for a 4.5-hour journey that covers both savory bites and beautiful views. Plus, the small group size (limited to only 11 participants) means it’s intimate enough to feel personal without being overwhelming. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that lunch and wine tastings are extra, so your actual spend might be higher — around $30 to $80 depending on what you order.

This tour is best suited for those who want to enjoy a combination of food, wine, and scenery without the hassle of driving. It’s perfect if you’re after a laid-back day with knowledgeable guides, delicious Texas flavors, and picturesque hill country vistas. Families, couples, or groups of friends who enjoy good company and a little adventure will find it hits the spot.

Key Points

• Affordable & convenient way to explore hill country from Austin
• Includes visits to Salt Lick BBQ and two wineries with at least 45 minutes at each stop
• Small group size ensures a relaxed, personalized experience
• Extra costs for meals and tastings mean you should budget accordingly
• Beautiful scenery and friendly guides make for a memorable day
• Ideal for foodies and wine lovers wanting to enjoy local flavors in a scenic setting

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This experience kicks off with a meet-up at the Austin Visitor Center, where you’ll hop into an air-conditioned sprinter van. From there, your guide will take you out into the sprawling Texas Hill Country — an area celebrated for its rolling hills, charming vineyards, and, of course, legendary BBQ.

The First Stop: Salt Lick BBQ

This is the highlight for many. Salt Lick BBQ is Austin’s most famous barbecue joint, and for good reason. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, casual atmosphere that’s very Texan. While the tour price doesn’t include your meal, it’s recommended to set aside about $35 for your lunch, which you can pay on-site or bring your own alcohol to enjoy alongside your food.

Expect to indulge in some of Texas’s best meats — brisket, ribs, sausage, and more. Many reviews mention the divine tenderness and flavorful seasoning of the food. The setting is rustic but charming, with outdoor picnic tables and old-time Texas decor that makes the whole experience feel authentic.

A common theme in reviews is how much everyone enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the delicious food. One review highlights that Salt Lick lived up to the hype, calling the brisket “cooked perfectly.” Another reviewer pointed out that the tasting was standard, since food costs aren’t included, so plan ahead.

Scenic Drive & Winery Visits

After lunch, your group will cruise through the hills, soaking in the gorgeous views of the Texas countryside. The drive itself is a highlight, with many travelers praising the comfort of the van and the engaging commentary from guides like Ike, Joey, or Jax, who all receive high marks for their knowledge and friendliness.

You’ll make stops at two award-winning wineries, each offering at least 45 minutes to sample local wines and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The wineries vary in style and offerings, but reviews consistently mention the quality of the wines and the beautiful settings. One guest raved about the great wine selection at both wineries and appreciated the chance to try different varieties, with some opting for tastings under $25.

While the tour doesn’t include the cost of tastings (usually around $20-25), many guests found the experience well worth it, citing excellent wines and stunning vineyard landscapes. Some reviewers noted the opportunity to buy wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy on-site, making for a relaxing experience.

The Guide & Group Experience

A recurring theme across reviews is how much guests appreciated the guides. Whether it’s Ike, Jax, Joey, or Cliffy, everyone seems to agree that knowledgeable, friendly guides made the day special. They not only provided interesting tidbits about the areas visited but also kept the group engaged and entertained.

One guest summed it up, saying, “Our guide, Joey, was fantastic and went above and beyond to make this tour fun and interesting!” Others appreciated the personal attention, especially since the group size is limited, making it feel more like a friendly outing than a large tour.

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Additional Details & Practical Tips

• Duration: 4.5 hours, usually scheduled as a morning activity
• Cost: $69 per person, plus additional for meals and tastings
• Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned sprinter van
• Group Size: Limited to 11, making for a more personal experience
• Meeting Point: Inside Austin Visitor Center — parking is available nearby, with options like metered parking and Frost Bank Garage
• Cancellation & Flexibility: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance

Several reviews praise the overall value, especially considering how much ground is covered and the quality of the stops. One guest pointed out that the cost of meals and tastings might push total expenses to around $80, so budgeting accordingly is smart.

What Do People Love Most?

Based on reviews, folks really appreciate the knowledgeable guides who make the trip engaging. Many describe guides like Ike or Jax as personable, funny, and full of local insights that add flavor to the experience. The scenic views in Hill Country get rave reviews, with guests saying the landscape alone makes the trip worthwhile.

The Salt Lick BBQ is consistently praised for its delicious, tender meats and relaxing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the winery stops are highlighted for their beautiful settings and quality wines — a bonus for wine enthusiasts.

Slight Downsides to Consider

Although the tour generally gets glowing reviews, a few comments mention that the tastings at the wineries are quick and somewhat commercial, with some guests wishing for a longer, more immersive experience. Also, since lunch and tastings aren’t included, the total cost may be higher than the base ticket price if you plan to indulge.

Some reviewers felt the timing was a bit rushed, especially at the BBQ and winery visits. If you love lingering over food or wine, you might find the 45-minute stops a little brief.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want a well-rounded taste of Texas — great food, good wine, and scenic views — without the hassle of planning. It’s perfect if you enjoy small group outings with friendly guides and are comfortable paying a little extra for meals and tastings.

It suits food lovers and wine enthusiasts who appreciate quality but don’t need long, formal winery tours. If you’re a first-time visitor to Austin or the Texas Hill Country, this tour offers a relaxed way to see and taste your way through some of the area’s best offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is mainly designed for adults, especially since it involves wine tastings and alcohol consumption. However, families with older kids who aren’t drinking might still enjoy the scenic drive and the casual atmosphere at Salt Lick.

How much should I budget for food and wine?
Expect to spend around $30 for your barbecue meal, plus about $20–$25 for the wine tastings at each winery. So, plan for roughly $50–$80 additional on top of the tour price depending on your choices.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, the tour recommends bringing your own alcohol to enjoy with your meal, as this is allowed at Salt Lick BBQ.

What is the group size?
The group is capped at 11 people, which helps maintain a friendly, intimate vibe and ensures personalized attention from guides.

What time does the tour usually run?
It’s typically available in the morning, making it a perfect way to start your day and free up your afternoon.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the shuttle is an air-conditioned sprinter van, designed for comfort during the scenic drive.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is inside the Austin Visitor Center, with nearby parking options, including metered street parking and Frost Bank Garage (you can scan a QR code for free parking for over an hour).

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a laid-back yet flavorful way to experience Texas’s Hill Country. You’ll enjoy delicious BBQ, stunning vistas, and quality wines all in a small-group setting that encourages conversation and comfort. Guides like Ike or Jax consistently earn praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day all the more enjoyable.

While it’s not a deep dive into winery tours — since tastings are brief and optional — the combination of scenic drive, authentic Texas BBQ, and wine tasting makes it a well-rounded outing. The extra costs for meals and tastings are worth considering in your budget but are generally seen as good value given the overall experience.

If you’re after a fun, relaxed day out that showcases the best of Austin’s countryside, this tour is worth considering. It suits travelers who want a taste of everything — good food, good wine, and Texas charm — without the fuss of planning every detail themselves.

Happy planning, and I hope your trip to Austin is full of memorable bites and beautiful sights!

You can check availability for your dates here: