Why you should visit Salado wineries
This is a list of the best Salado wineries and wine bars in Salado, Texas.
This small town lies about 50 miles north of Austin in Texas Hill Country. If you live in Austin then Salado is super accessible.
Not only is the town accessible but so are these wineries.
All of the Salado wineries and wine bars on this list are clustered along Main Street. You could easily walk from one wine bar to the next.
Which sounds like an excellent way to spend the afternoon, don’t you think?
When you need a break from wine tasting you can pop into one of the many boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries that fill Salado’s charming streets. There are glassblowers, jewelers, potters, and painters galore.
It’s a tiny town with a big heart and plenty of wine. What’s not to like?
How to access wineries in Salado, Texas
Salado, Texas is a small town in central Bell County within easy driving distance of several major cities.
If you’re from Austin, then great! Salado is really accessible.
Salado is 55 miles from the center of Austin, Texas. Depending on traffic the drive from downtown Austin to Salado can take 1 hour and 15 minutes (or more).
Salado is a 2 hour 20 minute drive south of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.
And Houston, Texas is a 3 hour 20 minute drive from Salado. Although that distance is too far for a quick day trip, Salado would be a fun weekend getaway.
If you live outside Texas you’ll want to fly directly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, rent a car, and drive to Salado.
Once you’re in Salado you don’t need a car. I know, shocking! People drive everywhere in Texas. But Salado is fairly compact.
All of the Salado wineries and wine bars on this list are clustered near Main Street.
The best Salado wineries and wine bars
Axis Winery
Axis Winery produces a mix of traditional wines and specialty items like sangria.
They make Viognier, Chardonnay, Petite Syrah, Cabernet, and Albariño.
If you’re looking for special events, Axis Winery hosts karaoke night and live music events occasionally.
Their Salado tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday from 12-7 PM. They’re closed Monday through Wednesday.
Salado Winery and Salado Wine Seller
Salado Winery & Salado Wine Seller are two businesses under one roof.
They make their own wine and they sell wine from other Texas winemakers. It’s the best of both worlds!
A wine tasting flight is a great way to sample Salado Winery’s own brand. You can taste five wines for $10 in their tasting room.
Their wines have fun animal inspired names like Diamond Back, Big Bully, and ‘Dillo Dally.
The other half of their business – Salado Wine Seller – stocks wines from over 35 Texas winemakers.
They host wine tasting classes that typically cost $20-25 apiece. These ticketed special events explore themes like bottle aging, food and wine pairings, and the difference between Old World and New World wine.
You can purchase tickets on the winery’s Eventbrite page. Reservations are welcome but not required.
Salado Winery Company is open daily from 12-6 PM.
Empresario Wines
Empresario Wines is a wine bar that focuses exclusively on Texas wine.
Owners Randy Duncan and Melissa Garcia are native Texans who showcase the very best wines from their home state.
Most of the menu is a selection of wines from various Texas winemakers. But they also feature an array of signature wines from Randy, who attended the Viticulture Program at Texas Tech University.
Empresario has broad range of wines from bold reds to crisp whites. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a wine newbie you’ll find something to enjoy at this cozy Salado wine bar.
Empresario Wines is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
The Local Vine Salado
The Local Vine is a fun little wine bar off Main Street.
Walk through the pink doors, take a seat at their moodily lit bar, and peruse the carefully curated wine selection.
There are also a few daily specials to sweeten the deal. Local Vine offers $2 off glasses of wine every Thirsty Thursday and during Friday Happy Hour from 4-6 PM. There’s also live music on Saturdays.
It’s the perfect wine bar if you’re looking for a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
The Local Vine is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday.
Salado Lone Star Winery & Chupacabra Craft Beer
Chupacabra has one of the largest selections of wine and beer in Salado.
They offer over 250 wines from around the world and 60 Texas craft beers on tap. With a selection that large there’s bound to be a great wine for everyone.
Plus there’s food. The kitchen turns out classic bar fare like wings, burgers, sandwiches, fries, and salads.
And if you’re interested in a wine tasting you’re in luck. Salado Lone Star Winery & Chupacabra Craft Beer hosts $15 wine and beer tastings daily.
Chupacabra offers daily specials and weekly events. There’s trivia night, karaoke night, and live music on the weekend. Check their Facebook for calendar updates.
Chupacabra Craft Beer, Wine and Kitchen is open seven days a week beginning at 10 AM.
Other wine regions to explore
Similar Texas wine regions worth a visit
If you’re looking for more delicious Texas wineries we’ve got you covered.
Granbury, Texas is a small Texas town with deep historic roots just like Salado. The city of Granbury won the USA Today Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Historic Small Town in America.” Our list of the best wineries in Granbury, Texas will certainly keep you busy for an afternoon (or two).
We suggest you check out other towns in Texas Hill Country: Boerne, Comfort, and Fredericksburg.
Boerne is a 45 minute drive north of San Antonio, Texas. Our list of the best wineries in Boerne describes how local winemakers combine Texas grapes with European techniques.
The town of Comfort, Texas is a short 17 minute drive from Boerne. This Texas Hill Country town is known for its German heritage, large ranches, and wineries. We cover four wineries in Comfort Texas that offer old-fashioned charm and delicious wine.
Fredericksburg is a roughly 1 hour 15 minute drive north of San Antonio. Our list of the best wineries in Fredericksburg profiles wineries that make everything under the (Texas) sun from bold red blends to refreshing white wines.
Dripping Springs is a small town just 25 miles west of downtown Austin. These Dripping Springs wineries have great wine and good vibes. What’s not to like?
Wine destinations outside Texas
Texas is a large state full of wonderful wineries. But what if you want to explore outside state lines? Well, we have you covered.
Why not try Arizona? Many people assume that Arizona is too dry to grow wine. False! The Sonoita area of Arizona is an abundant wine growing region. The Sonoita high desert enjoys warm days and cool nights. Local vines struggle and, as a result, produce flavorful grapes. Our list of the best wineries in Sonoita and Elgin, Arizona tells you where to sample these flavorful wines.
