Just a short drive from West Austin, Spicewood offers the kind of Hill Country retreat that feels both familiar and new with every visit. Fall may be the most inviting season to go. The air is cooler, the hills take on a softer glow, and favorite spots around town reveal a different charm this time of year. Spicewood provides a stunning backdrop for unwinding with friends, enjoying a family outing, or discovering new flavors.
For spirits lovers, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery on County Road 409 is often the first stop. Spread across fifteen scenic acres, the property blends bold flavors with sweeping Hill Country views, making it easy to settle in for the afternoon. Vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, and flavored whiskeys headline the menu, and this year brought an exciting addition: the De Gracia & Estevez Cigars Store and Lounge, now open on the distillery grounds. Here, guests can pair premium hand-rolled cigars with Iron Wolf’s small-batch spirits in a lounge designed for both relaxation and conversation. With live music, yard games, tastings, and this new cigar experience, Iron Wolf has become a destination that offers much more than a distillery tour.
A short drive away sits Spicewood Vineyards on County Road 409, a landmark of Texas winemaking that has welcomed guests for decades. Rows of vines stretch across thirty-two acres, creating a beautiful backdrop for sipping by the glass, bottle, or through a guided tasting. Covered porches, relaxed hospitality, and Hill Country breezes make it easy to stay longer than planned. From a crisp white on a sunny afternoon to a bold red at sunset, each pour reflects the mood of the season.
Rounding out the trio is Frontyard Brewing on Bob Wire Road, where craft beer and family-friendly fun go hand in hand. The wide-open layout gives kids space to run and play while adults enjoy rotating taps of seasonal brews and seltzer cocktails. Food trucks add variety to the menu, and live music on the weekends brings neighbors together. As evenings cool, fire pits and string lights make the space feel like an extension of your own backyard.
Together, these three destinations showcase why Spicewood is worth the drive in any season. Each brings something unique, yet all share a welcoming spirit that makes neighbors feel at home. For West Austin, a trip here is a chance to pause, take in the fresh air, and enjoy flavors and company that remind us why the Hill Country is special.
"A short drive from West Austin brings you to Spicewood, where wide skies, fresh air, and Hill Country flavors create the perfect escape. From vineyard tastings to brewery lawns and bold spirits, each stop offers something unique yet tied together by neighborly hospitality."