Editor’s note: This article was originally written for Rockin’ the Rail magazine and has been updated for 2025 with fresh information to help you plan your next Austin County adventure.
If you’re looking for an easy weekend escape from Houston, Austin County offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, handcrafted drinks, and scenic views. Tucked just over an hour west of the city, this area is home to a growing number of family-owned wineries, country breweries, and laid-back tasting rooms where the pace slows down and the conversation flows just as easily as the wine or beer.
Whether you’re into crisp Texas whites, bold reds, or an ice-cold local lager, here’s your guide to sipping your way through Bellville, New Ulm, Cat Spring, and beyond.
Huff Brewing Co. – Bellville
Appropriately located between the county courthouse and the county jail, Huff Brewing Co. continues the tradition of brewing and serving good beer in the railroad town of Bellville. The attitude is casual, the stories are plentiful, and if you don’t bring friends, you’ll likely leave with some.
Ryan Huff, head brewer and co-founder, began brewing as a student at Bellville High School.
“I was a homebrewer when I was going to Bellville High School, and I made my first batch of beer between my sophomore and junior year,” Huff said.
The brewery has grown steadily over the years, still keeping its rural roots while expanding with a new location in downtown Bellville: Huff’s on the Square. This satellite taproom hosts trivia nights, live music, bingo, bunco, and a rotating lineup of food trucks. Seasonal beers like an Irish porter or a citrusy wheat ale make regular appearances, and the team remains committed to brewing traditional, process-driven beer with character.
“We’re still a small-town brewery out in the middle of the country, located in the same building I was homebrewing in 20 years ago,” Huff said.
Regulars keep coming back for the Huffmeister Lager, the brewery’s flagship brew, alongside new small-batch seasonal releases. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a local food truck serving pub favorites, or a community event that brings out the town spirit.
While dates change each year, you’ll often find trivia nights, food truck features, paint and sip classes, and live music events at spots like Huff Brewing. Before you head out, check out their website or social media page for the latest on what’s happening that weekend.
The Vine – New Ulm
Set against the rolling countryside of New Ulm, The Vine offers more than just a glass of wine. This family-owned vineyard and tasting room has become a local destination for everything from casual sips on the patio to lively events with live music and wood-fired pizza.
Visitors are welcome Friday through Sunday, with friendly staff guiding tastings through a selection of Texas wines and locally brewed beer. The vibe is relaxed, dog-friendly, and ideal for everything from bridal showers to baby showers, weddings, or a laid-back Sunday with friends.
At The Vine, wine isn’t just poured, it’s shared. The property offers a true vineyard experience, and their tasting room provides a cozy but elegant setting to explore new flavors or revisit familiar favorites. On any given weekend, you might find a concert on the lawn, a private party in the tasting room, or just a peaceful breeze blowing across the vines.
Amsler Hills Winery – Cat Spring
Amsler Hills Winery brings together deep Texas roots and a love of winemaking, set on 80 acres of historic family land that dates back to the 1840s. Six generations have worked this land, and today it produces award-winning estate wines under the care of owners Kevin and Lisa Lange.
Their signature wine, Castilleja, is a richly colored rosé made from a blend of Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Malbec. Guests can also enjoy the Bluebonnet Blend white picnic wine, a port-style dessert wine named Albert’s Moonshine, and the charmingly sweet Alma’s Grape Jelly, which tastes just like its namesake—only with a kick.
Amsler Hills is also preparing to open as a wedding and event venue, offering affordable and customizable options for celebrations set against a backdrop of wildflowers and rolling hills. Tastings are available Friday through Sunday, and tours of the grounds can be booked by appointment.
M3 Cellars at M3 Ranch – Cat Spring
Just west of Houston, M3 Ranch offers a blend of hospitality, tradition, and premium winemaking on a 72-acre property surrounded by peaceful countryside. Founded by CR and Angie McClelland, M3 Cellars is built on a commitment to bring people together and celebrate the values rooted in hard work and gratitude.
The tasting room is open by reservation Monday through Saturday, welcoming guests for curated wine experiences, outdoor concerts, private dinners, and even large events for up to 400 people. Whether you’re enjoying a glass under the stars or attending a private tasting, M3 prides itself on pairing great wine with great connection.
Their wine list includes a broad selection of both Texas and California varietals, including Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and several vintages of Pinot Noir. Each bottle reflects a sense of place and the people behind it.
Starry Night Farms – Austin County
At Starry Night Farms, James Kasparek has turned his family land into a working vineyard producing high-quality Blanc du Bois grapes.
“I don’t make wine, I currently grow mostly Blanc du Bois grapes,” he says. “We sell to several wineries and a meadery.”
Starry Night may not have a tasting room, but its grapes end up in bottles at notable regional producers like Haak Winery and WildFlyer Meadery. The vineyard is a behind-the-scenes force in the Texas wine scene and reflects the agricultural backbone of the area’s growing reputation.
StarHill Farms – New Ulm
More than just a vineyard, StarHill Farms offers a rustic escape on over 300 acres near Round Top. With historical cabins, fire pits, horses, and ponds, the property is ideal for weekend stays or private events. Guests can book charming accommodations, including restored log cabins and ranch houses, perfect for unwinding after a day of tastings around the county.
The vineyard plays a quiet but steady role on the property, tying in the agricultural story of the land with a broader Texas wine heritage.
Planning Your Day Trip from Houston
Austin County is an easy 60 to 90-minute drive from Houston, depending on where you start. The best times to visit are spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, or fall, when cooler air pairs well with red wines and outdoor festivals.
Most tasting rooms are open Friday through Sunday, though M3 Cellars is by reservation. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
Pair your sipping with a stop at Newman’s Bakery in Bellville, known for old-school charm and pastries, or explore antique shops and general stores in New Ulm and Cat Spring along the way.
