Southwest Austin Beer and Wine Tour

Many Austinites enjoy supporting area businesses, and Southwest Austin residents need not look far to quench their thirsts with locally made libations.

But why stop at purchasing a bottle? The wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample several bottles, and often open their doors for tours and special events.

Keep in mind that although winery visitors can purchase a bottle to take home, Texas law bans brewers from selling their suds on premises.

Community Impact Newspaper has included a cutout scorecard in the Beer and Wine Tour so visitors can write down what they tried and what they liked. After your tour, visit www.impactnews.com/swa2012beer-winetour and offer your feedback. Cheers!

1. (512) BREWING CO., 407 Radam Lane, Ste. F-200, 707-2337, www.512brewing.com, Twitter: @512brewing

  • Beers: Wit, IPA, Pecan Porter
  • Seasonal: Cascabel Cream Stout, Black IPA, Alt, Bruin
  • Specialities: Belgian-style Strong, Two-Double IPA, Three Belgian-style Tripel, Whiskey Barrel-Aged Double Pecan Porter, Wild Bear; Four is coming this fall
  • Open to tours? Yes, see website for details

2. INDEPENDENCE BREWING CO., 3913 Todd Lane, Ste. 607, 707-0099, www.independencebrewing.com, Twitter: @indybrewing

  • Beers: Austin Amber, Stash IPA, Convict Hill Stout, Bootlegger Brown, Independence Pale
  • Seasonal: Lupulust Tripel, Sungazer Saison, Independence ESB, Jasperilla Old Ale, Oklahoma Suks, Brewluminati
  • Open to tours? Yes, 1 p.m. on first Saturday of month

3. JESTER KING CRAFT BREWERY, 13005 Fitzhugh Road, 537-5100, www.jesterkingbrewery.com, Twitter: @jesterkingbeer

  • Beers: Le Petit Prince, Noble King, Black Metal, Wytchmaker, Mad Meg, Commercial Suicide
  • Seasonal/specialities: Das Wunderkind, Bonnie the Rare, Thrash Metal, Boxer's Revenge, Drink'in the Sunbelt, Beer Geek Rodeo, Weasel Rodeo, Whisky Barrel Rodeo
  • Open to tours? Yes, Saturdays from 1–4 p.m. (Closed Sept. 29–Oct. 13 for special events)

4. SOUTH AUSTIN BREWING CO., 415 E. St. Elmo Road, Ste. 1D, 968-8297, www.southaustinbrewing.com, Twitter: @SouthAustinBrew

  • Beers: Belgian Style Golden Ale, Belgian Style Saison
  • Open to tours? Yes, see website for details

5. THIRSTY PLANET BREWING CO., 11160 Circle Drive, 579-0679, www.thirstyplanet.net, Twitter: @THIRSTY_PLANET

  • Beers: Buckethead IPA, Yellow Armadillo Wheat, Thirsty Goat Amber
  • Open to tours? Yes, on Saturdays from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets are available at www.thirstyplanet.net/brewery-tours

6. BELL SPRINGS WINERY, 3700 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs, 830-483-9463, www.bellspringswinery.com

  • White wines: 2011 Symphony, 2011 Chardonnay, 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Drippin' Sweet White, Reston Wild West White, 2009 Gewurztraminer, 2009 Riesling
  • Red wines: 2009 Barbera, Drippin' Sweet Red, 2009 Gamay, 2010 Zinfandel, 2010 Cabernet Franc
  • Tasting room hours: Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Mon. and Thu. noon–5 p.m.

7. DRIFTWOOD ESTATE WINERY, 4001 Elder Hill Road, Driftwood, 858-9667, www.driftwoodwine.com

  • White wines: 2010 Chardonnay, 2010 Cuvee Blanc, 2011 Muscat Canelli
  • Red wines: 2010 Lone Star Cab, 2010 Longhorn Red, 2009 Reserve Syrah, 2009 N/V Alamo Red, 2010 Newsom Cab, 2010 Armadillo Red, 2010 Sangiovese, 2008 Reserve Merlot, 2008 B&E Red Rhythm, 2006 Robert Hall Port
  • Tasting room hours: Daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

8. DUCHMAN FAMILY WINERY, 13308 W. FM 150, Driftwood, 858-1470, www.duchmanwinery.com

  • White wines: 2010 Pinot Grigio, 2010 Trebbiano, 2010 Vermentino, 2010 Viognier, 2010 Estate Vermentino
  • Red wines: 2010 Grenache Syrah Mourvedre, 2010 Sangiovese, 2010 Dolcetto, 2010 Montepulciano, 2009 Zinfandel
  • Tasting room hours: Mon. noon–6 p.m., Tue.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

9. SOLARO ESTATE, 13111 Silver Creek Road, Dripping Springs, 832-660-8642, www.solaroestate.com

  • White wines: Arancia, Moscato Old Vine
  • Red wines: 2010 Barbera, 2010 Cheval 5, 2010 Lisse, 2010 Montage, 2010 Mourvedre, 2010 Ruby Cabernet, 2010 Sangiovese, 2010 Tempranillo, 2009 Bordorosso 27, 2009 Syrah Reserve
  • Wine pavilion hours: Thu.–Mon. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Tue. and Wed. by appointment

10. WIMBERLEY VALLEY WINERY, 2825 Lone Mountain Road, Driftwood, 847-2592, www.wimberleyvalleywinery.com

  • Texas Country Cellars: Sangria, Sweet Blush, Sweet Red, Sweet White
  • Limited bottling: Cellar Select Red, Cellar Select White
  • Fruit wines: Blueberry, Sweet Blueberry
  • Tasting room hours: Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.