dine by the vines

Under-the-radar Hill Country winery restaurant named among world's best

Pair a pour with an app or an entree.

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg Stout's Signature is a hidden gem. Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

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Inland Ocean

Fredericksburg reaches out to the Gulf with new seafood restaurant

Rendering courtesy of Gulf Ranch.

Gulf Ranch will open summer 2027.

The owners of a popular Fredericksburg chop house are wading into new waters. Sarah and Jesse Barter, the couple behind Hill & Vine, will open a new seafood spot, Gulf Ranch, at 101 W. San Antonio St. in summer 2027.

Gulf Ranch will serve daily supper and a weekend brunch, focusing on Gulf seafood and Texas beef. Although the menu is still being finalized, guests can expect Tex-Mex and Cajun influences combined with international flavors like harissa and chimichurri.

Many of the sample seafood dishes skew towards classics like Rockefeller-style oysters, a crawfish and shrimp bisque, crab and lobster enchiladas, and an intriguing Texas cioppino, a take on the famous Italian-American fish stew.

Heftier dishes include Texas Akaushi sliders, Angus ribeyes, and steak and eggs for brunch. While Gulf Ranch did not share any details on the cocktail program, the press kit did tease bottle kits for crowds.

As with Hill & Vine, the Barters have combined Hill Country materials — rugged wood, leather, and limestone — with contemporary art and a few glittery touches like brass chandeliers. One rendering shows stenciled borders above wine racks and the washroom entrance, nodding to the area’s Germanic heritage.

Gulf Ranch has yet to announce its exact opening date, but according to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project details, it will be a meticulous build. Construction on the full 5,387 square foot building is expected to last for almost a year.

Once open, Gulf Ranch will be the couple’s third concept on the downtown block. In addition to Hill & Vine, the Barters also own Sunday Supply, a coffee shop and casual cafe.

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