Winery guide / Hye
William Chris Vineyards
Acclaimed Texas-grown producer in Hye, ranked among the World's 50 Best Vineyards, with a laid-back attitude and serious wines.
About the winery
Founded in 2008 by grower Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett at the Hye Estate; tasting room opened in 2010. Ranked No. 31 on the World's 50 Best Vineyards 2025, the first Texas winery on the list. Winemaker Tony Offill.
Hye Estate farmhouse grounds with Hill Country vineyard views, seated Oak Room, standing tasting room and The Porch; plus a downtown Fredericksburg tasting room at 101 E Main in the 1874 Maier Building.
Best for: wine lovers seeking Texas's most acclaimed winery
Known for
100% Texas-grown, low-intervention wines: Enchanté, Mary Ruth, Hunter, Artist Blend, Winegrower's Wife, and Rebecca Caroline sparkling.
Experiences
Chef's Table ($95, 90 min), Elevated Wine Tasting ($40, 75 min), Winemaker's Tasting ($30, standing), member tastings, live music, events and private events.
Plan your visit
Visiting info
- Hours
- Sun–Wed 11 am–5 pm; Thu–Sat 10 am–6 pm.
- Address
- 10352 US Hwy 290, Hye, TX 78635; downtown: 101 E Main St (Maier Building), Fredericksburg
- Tastings
- Hye: Winemaker's $30, Elevated $40, Chef's Table $95; downtown: 3 wines $20
- Reservations
- Hye: recommended, especially Fri-Sun; walk-ins Mon-Thu for bar tasting; Chef's Table book a day ahead. Downtown: walk-in only
- Groups
- Tastings for 1–6; Winemaker's Large Group Tasting for 7–12 ($30/guest); groups over 20 must call the concierge.
- Kids
- Well-behaved, supervised children welcome; Chef's Table is 21+.
- Dogs
- Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome outdoors only; only service animals in the tasting room.
- Food
- Farmhouse Bistro (Wed–Sun, walk-up, seasonal menu); Chef's Table pairing with housemade bites; charcuterie and focaccia with Elevated Tasting. No outside food except children's snacks.
- Accessibility
- 10352 US Hwy 290, Hye, TX; ADA accessibility statement published on the website
- Phone
- 830.998.7654
Fast facts
Good to know
- Founded
- 2008
- People
- Founded by William "Bill" Blackmon and Chris Brundrett
- Vineyard
- 55-acre Uplift Vineyard (largest estate vineyard in its portfolio)
- Grapes & wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Mourvèdre, Tannat, Muscat Blanc, Blanc du Bois, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia Bianca
- Awards
- No. 31 on the World's 50 Best Vineyards (2025) — first Texas winery on the list; World's Best Vineyards Top 100 in 2022, 2023 and 2024
- Events
- Chef's Table, Elevated and Winemaker's Tastings, Hye Society member events; downtown Fredericksburg tasting room at 101 E. Main (1874 Maier Building)
Wine club
William Chris Vineyards wine club
- Club
- Hye Society (4, 6, 12 Bottle); Executive Table corporate club
- Shipments
- 6 releases/year (Feb, Apr, Jun, Sep, Nov, Dec)
- Bottles
- 4, 6 or 12
- Perks
- 10/15/20% off; one complimentary glass/tasting per visit in Hye Society Lounge; release parties (up to 4 guests); wine dinners, barrel and library tastings; free tastings at 7 Wine Atlas Collective wineries; 12-bottle: library access, free shipping, VIP area
- Cost
- Not listed; cancel 30 days before release
Visit with Absolute Charm
Skip the driving and the reservations
Private tour guests can add this winery to their day. Pickup from your lodging, every stop reserved, and a local guide. Add the Tasting Pass, order a glass, or use your member perks here.
William Chris Vineyards FAQ
Are kids allowed at William Chris Vineyards?
Well-behaved, supervised children welcome; Chef's Table is 21+.
Is William Chris Vineyards dog friendly?
Leashed, well-behaved dogs welcome outdoors only; only service animals in the tasting room.
What are William Chris Vineyards's hours?
Sun–Wed 11 am–5 pm; Thu–Sat 10 am–6 pm.
Do I need a reservation?
Hye: recommended, especially Fri-Sun; walk-ins Mon-Thu for bar tasting; Chef's Table book a day ahead. Downtown: walk-in only
How much is a tasting?
Hye: Winemaker's $30, Elevated $40, Chef's Table $95; downtown: 3 wines $20
Can Absolute Charm take me to William Chris Vineyards?
Yes. Private tour guests choose their wineries from our list, and we reserve each stop and drive you there. Our Classic tour visits a rotating set of favorites.
Information checked October 2026 from William Chris Vineyards's own website. Hours, prices and policies change, so please confirm directly with the winery.
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