Whether you’re looking for wine-filled getaway with the girls, a memorable family escape, or a romantic rendezvous for two, you can find it in the Texas Wine Country. But with so many charming towns, wine destinations, restaurants, and adventure activities to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start planning your itinerary.

Follow these five tips for a stress-free planning process, and explore the Wine Country the smart way.

1. Plan Ahead To Secure Bookings During Peak Seasons

Texas Wine Country sees a lot of visitors. Fredericksburg alone welcomes around 1.5 M tourists each year! And as a small town of just 13,000 residents, the lodging and dining options can book up fast.

This is especially true during peak seasons and special events. When the bluebonnets put on their spectacular display each March/April, crowds surge to enjoy the scenic drives along the Bluebonnet Trail. And in October, events like the various winery grape stomps and Fredericksburg’s Oktoberfest bring wine lovers and families from all over Texas and beyond.

So choose your trip dates with care, and book early if you plan to visit during the peak tourist seasons.

2. Choose-Your-Own Hill Country Adventure

What kind of adventure are you looking for during your trip? There are hundreds of wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Texas Wine Country, but there’s so much more to do here!

When you choose a general theme for your experience, you can plan your trip accordingly. The itinerary for a 20-something’s bachelorette party will be very different than the itinerary for a romantic getaway for two. And both will differ wildly than the plan for a family with children and pets.

Whether you plan to pamper yourself all weekend (hello, Hill Country Herb Garden Spa!) or explore the historical sites like Lyndon B. Johnson State Park, you can do it in the Texas Hill Country.

3. Pick a Home Base that Fits Your Vibe

You know the when, you know the why…now let’s pick the where!

The famous Texas Wine Trail runs along U.S. Highway 290 from Johnson City through Fredericksburg, hitting small towns like Stonewall and Hye along the way. But the Texas wine region covers multiple counties and cities. Blanco, Dripping Springs, Mason, Comfort, and others all have their own unique vibe, which you should consider when planning your trip.

In Fredericksburg, you’ll find a bustling hub of small town activity, with shops, restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and German heritage. The refreshing pool at The Winchester Lodge just two blocks from the Historic Main Street is an ideal place to relax after a day of wine tasting.

Nearby Stonewall is in close proximity to buzzy Fredericksburg and all the surrounding wineries, but offers the welcome quiet of the Texas Hill Country. Check out the Stonewall Motor Lodge, a recently renovated 1960s L-shaped roadside motel that harkens back to the glory days of the American road trip.

In Johnson City, a charming historic Town Square offers boutique shops and a country feel, without the crowds of Fredericksburg. The Crossroads Inn welcomes visitors to an enchanting historic house and cottage annexes, with fragrant herb gardens and a small farm. Sip a glass of wine and watch birds and butterflies zip among the flowers.

When choosing your home base, consider what else you plan to do in the area. If most of your destinations are near Stonewall, for example, then that may be the smartest place to stay. Whether you’re looking for an active buzz or a relaxing retreat, you can find it here.

4. Make Reservations or Arrive Early!

No one likes to waste their precious vacation hours waiting in lines. To make the most of your time, reservations or early arrivals are a must. This applies to many of the local wineries, family attractions, and restaurants!

Top dining spots like Sage Restaurant in Fredericksburg and Bryans on 290 in Johnson City recommend reservations to avoid long waits. While some wineries take walk-ins, others are reservation-only, so make sure you check before you arrive! Weekends at the wineries also get busy. Book in advance for the unique cellar experience at Slate Theory Winery, complete with a private tasting and charcuterie.

Even some Texas State Parks like Enchanted Rock require reservations and will easily reach capacity, especially on weekends with good weather. Book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out!

5. Get a Customized or Blogger Trip Itinerary from The VIND

Sound like a lot of planning? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

With The VIND Travel App, a trip to the Texas Wine Country is breezier than a day at a vineyard.

The VIND’s Create a Trip feature lets you instantly create a custom itinerary by simply answering a few questions about the type of experience you’d like. You’ll instantly get recommendations for dining, shopping, lodging, wineries, and things to do in Fredericksburg. Then all you have to do is make your reservations and enjoy.

You can also view pre-made itineraries by The VIND’s local experts, as well as travel bloggers and industry influencers. Or you can explore over 300 businesses in the area to design your own trip from scratch. Access maps, contact information, links to make reservations, pictures, and more to put together the perfect vacation for you and your friends.

All of this on your phone, instantly and it’s free to use.

Spend less time researching and more time experiencing.