Planning a tasting loop through Driftwood, Johnson City, and Fredericksburg? A car keeps your schedule flexible while you avoid crowded tour buses. Before you go, compare AUS Airport car rental options, pick a vehicle with good hill traction, and build a route that keeps speeds moderate on farm roads.
Choose a safe, scenic route
From Austin, head west on RR‑12 and US‑290, mixing winery stops to limit backtracking. If you prefer a UK‑style browse, view central pick‑ups on our Austin car hire page, then lock the exact pick‑up time. Use a navigation app for live closures; Hill Country shoulders can be narrow after storms.
Start early to avoid dusk wildlife crossings. Post a designated driver and rotate tastings; most wineries offer tasting‑flight pours and complimentary water stations. Keep plenty of snacks and plan a lunch stop so tastings don’t stack up.
Parking at tasting rooms
Expect free gravel lots with attendants during weekends. Park nose‑out, avoid blocking ranch gates, and leave room for shuttle vans. Never stop on a blind curve to take photos; pull fully off the pavement at signed viewpoints. Bring a soft cooler for purchases and keep bottles secured in the trunk away from cabin heat.
Vehicle picks for wine country
Compact crossovers make it easy to navigate narrow drives, while midsize SUVs handle uneven surfaces better. Check cargo and seat specs on our SUV rentals in Austin page. Groups love the space in passenger vans from Austin—book early for weekend availability. If you prefer a known counter, compare fleets on our Enterprise at AUS listing.
Costs, coverage, and comfort
Select All‑Inclusive+ for maximum coverage and transparent pricing. Share the booking with your group so the second driver has the paperwork. Keep phone chargers and a paper map as a backup; signals can dip between towns. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water—outdoor tastings can be bright and warm.
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- No additional fees — save up to 60% on comparable desks.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000.
- Cashback on tolls if you return via SH‑130.
Etiquette and safety notes
Finish pours you enjoy—don’t rush. If anyone in your party drinks beyond tasting‑flight amounts, switch to non‑alcoholic options and extend your lunch stop. Carry a breathalyzer only as a guide; it is not a legal clearance. When in doubt, designate the most rested driver and slow the pace.
With Hola Car Rentals, you’ll have the flexibility to sip, shop, and drive safely. Reserve your Austin vehicle now and toast to a smooth road day.
Sample day itinerary
08:00 pick up keys; 09:15 first tasting in Driftwood; 11:30 Johnson City lunch; 13:30 boutique stop near Hye; 15:00 Fredericksburg stroll; 17:00 coffee and water; 18:30 return toward Austin. Build in 15‑minute breaks to reset and switch drivers when needed.
Designated driver & wellness
Rotate tastings and keep the designated driver on non‑alcoholic flights. Many wineries sell sparkling water and snacks—buy a few at the first stop. Carry sun protection and plan shade between pours. If temperatures rise, store wine flat in the trunk—not in the cabin—to keep bottles cool.
Ending the loop
Return via US‑281 and SH‑45/SH‑130 if you prefer a tolled bypass around Austin traffic. Hop out to stretch every 90 minutes, and refuel within 10 miles of your drop‑off. Need extra space for purchases at the end of the day? A same‑day upgrade to a crossover may be available on the Austin rentals page.
