830 Elevated Wine Tours, Fredericksburg, TX
If you’re planning a wine-tasting weekend in Fredericksburg, you’ll quickly realize two things: there are a lot of wineries, and no one in your group wants to be the designated driver. That’s where 830 Elevated Wine Tours comes in. My group of 15 decided to book their three-stop wine tasting tour, and it turned out to be a fun, easy, and (mostly) seamless way to experience Texas wine country without worrying about logistics.
I chose the wineries myself from their list of included partners. They had quite a few options to pick from, and—being the visual person I am—I narrowed it down based on photos. (Let’s be honest, if it doesn’t look cute on Instagram, did it even happen?) They also had a few “premium” wineries available for an additional fee, but I decided to stick with the ones included in the base price. Our stops ended up being Barons Creek, Meierstone Vineyards, and Texas Wine Collective.
The Setup
Our group was split between two sprinter vans, which worked out perfectly. Both vans were clean, comfortable, and equipped with air conditioning—a necessity in Texas. Each van also had a small cooler stocked with bottled water, which was a thoughtful touch and something we actually needed between stops. Our drivers were two college students who were, quite honestly, fantastic. They were friendly, professional, and rolled with our group’s chatty energy all day. They kept everything on time, handled all the winery coordination, and even tolerated our off-key van sing-alongs (sorry about that, guys).
We were picked up at 10:30 AM right from our rental house, which made things super convenient. The plan was to visit three wineries over the course of the day, then get dropped back off mid-afternoon. We actually finished around 2 PM, a bit earlier than scheduled, but that worked out fine since most of us were happily wined-out by then.
Stop 1: Barons Creek
Our first stop was Barons Creek, a large and polished winery that feels a bit like a European estate plopped into the Texas Hill Country. The courtyard is lovely, with beautiful architecture and plenty of photo ops. The tasting room is spacious, and the wines were solid—nothing mind-blowing, but a nice way to start the day. Service was friendly but a little rushed, which is understandable considering how busy this place gets on weekends. It’s one of the more popular wineries in the area, so don’t expect an intimate tasting, but it does set the stage for the rest of the day nicely.
Stop 2: Meierstone Vineyards
The highlight of our tour, hands down, was Meierstone Vineyards. If you only take one thing away from this review, let it be this: make sure Meierstone is one of your stops. It’s smaller and more personal than some of the big-name wineries, and that’s exactly what makes it special. We got to meet the actual winemaker, who shared their story, explained their process, and guided us through the tasting. You could really feel their passion for what they do, and it gave the whole experience a much more authentic and educational feel.
The wines themselves were good—complex, well-balanced, and clearly crafted with care. Even members of our group who weren’t big wine drinkers were happy because they have cocktails. Beyond the wine, the property is gorgeous. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard—modern, rustic, and full of charm. Between the old barns, scenic views, and tasting patio, it’s a total photo op goldmine. Everyone in our group ended up snapping pictures for at least 15 minutes before we even started tasting.
If you’re looking for a winery that’s equal parts educational and Instagram-worthy, Meierstone checks both boxes. We could’ve easily stayed longer, and it was the one stop that everyone agreed was worth a return visit.
Stop 3: Texas Wine Collective
Our final stop was Texas Wine Collective, and while it wasn’t bad by any means, it was our group’s least favorite. It’s a larger, more commercial winery with multiple tasting areas and a steady flow of big tour groups coming and going. After the intimate vibe at Meierstone, this one felt a little impersonal. The wines were decent, but the experience lacked the warmth and connection we’d enjoyed earlier in the day. If you’re new to wine tasting, you’ll probably enjoy the variety here, but for our group, it just didn’t have the same charm.
Lunch (Sort Of)
I had planned ahead and brought a charcuterie board and sandwiches for everyone, thinking we could enjoy them at one of the wineries between tastings. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t work out quite as expected. Our drivers let us know that outside food isn’t allowed at the wineries, which makes sense from their perspective but wasn’t exactly what I’d envisioned. So, we improvised and had a little rolling picnic in the vans between stops. It wasn’t glamorous, but it got the job done. If you’re planning a tour like this, just know you’ll need to eat before or after—or check if your chosen wineries offer food options.
Also, a quick note for planners: the coolers in the vans are fairly small, so if you’re bringing your own snacks, don’t expect to fit a big spread. Our charcuterie board definitely didn’t fit, though we made it work.
Timing and Pacing
Each stop lasted atleast an hour and a half, which felt a little long for our group. After two wineries, most of us were ready to move on sooner, especially since the tastings themselves don’t take that long. Still, I can see how others might appreciate the leisurely pace—if you’re the type who likes to sit, sip, and soak in the atmosphere, you’ll love the slower rhythm.
Since we wrapped up earlier than expected (around 2 PM), we had plenty of time afterward to relax by the pool at our rental house, which honestly felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Overall Impressions
All in all, 830 Elevated Wine Tours did a fantastic job. Coordinating a group of 15 isn’t easy, but they made it look effortless. The vans were comfortable, the drivers were friendly and professional, and the whole day ran smoothly from start to finish. It’s one of those experiences where you truly get to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride—literally.
Would I book with them again? Absolutely. But next time, I’d make a few small tweaks:
- I’d double-check which wineries allow food ahead of time or plan a lunch stop between tastings.
- I’d shorten the time at each stop just a bit or choose wineries with additional activities or shaded seating to fill the downtime.
- And I’d definitely make sure Meierstone Vineyards is on the list again.
Tips for Planning Your 830 Elevated Wine Tour
If you’re considering booking a tour with 830 Elevated, here are a few quick tips based on our experience:
- Pick your wineries carefully. You can choose from their included list or upgrade to premium options for a fee. Do a little research—each winery has a different vibe, and the mix can really shape your day.
- Ask about food policies. Most wineries don’t allow outside food, so plan to eat before or after your tour, or check if your chosen stops have on-site restaurants or food trucks.
- Bring snacks that don’t need refrigeration. The van coolers are small, and it’s best to stick to things like crackers, nuts, or prepackaged snacks.
- Dress comfortably but cute. You’ll be getting in and out of vans and walking on gravel or grass, so comfy shoes are key—but remember, these are some seriously photo-worthy spots.
- Stay hydrated. Between the tastings and Texas heat, you’ll be thankful for those bottles of water they provide.
- Tip your driver. They handle all the scheduling, driving, and logistics—and they deserve it! But before you do make sure it wasn’t already included. In our case tip was added in advance so no one needed to tip at the end.
Final Thoughts
830 Elevated Wine Tours is a great option for groups who want a relaxed, turn-key way to experience Fredericksburg’s wineries. You don’t have to worry about driving, coordinating schedules, or figuring out where to go next—they handle it all. Just be prepared for a slower pace and make sure to plan your lunch strategy ahead of time.
Our group had a blast, learned a ton, took way too many photos at Meierstone, and came home with a few bottles of wine (and a solid afternoon buzz). If you’re visiting Fredericksburg with friends and want to experience Texas wine country in comfort and style, 830 Elevated Wine Tours is definitely worth booking.
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