I may receive a commission from a purchase.  See more details here.

Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

Fat Ass Ranch and Winery brings Hill Country charm together with world-class wine.  

Located just east of Fredericksburg, this beloved winery has earned a devoted following among wine lovers, weekend travelers, and anyone who appreciates a genuinely good time paired with really great wine.

It's also a popular stop for many of the area wine tour services.

be honest — the name alone makes you smile

Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is one of those rare places that manages to be both completely laid back and exceptional at the same time.

We recently went there for a tasting.  And on our way in, an employee yelled out to my son-in-law, "Get your Fat Ass in here!".  We all laughed and waved to the smiling woman that said it.

On our way in to the Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a beautiful glass of wine, Fat Ass Ranch and Winery delivers an experience that's hard to forget — and even harder not to return to.

Welcome to fat ass

Location is everything around here in the Hill Country wine country.  Fat Ass Ranch and Winery sits in one of the most ideal spots on the map.

Located along the famous Wine Road 290 corridor between Johnson City and Fredericksburg, Fat Ass is perfectly positioned for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

This stretch of Highway 290 is often called the "Wine Road" for good reason — it's home to some of the finest Texas Hill Country wineries in the state.

But Fat Ass Ranch stands out from the crowd in ways that go well beyond its memorable name.

The property itself feels like a destination, not just a stop along the way. The moment you turn off the highway and roll down the drive, you sense that something special is waiting for you.

Entrance to the Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

The setting at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is nothing short of spectacular.   The property has been thoughtfully developed to blend rustic charm with comfortable, welcoming spaces.

You'll find shaded outdoor areas, inviting seating arrangements, and an overall atmosphere that just makes you want to slow down and take it all in.  It's the kind of place where you arrive planning to stay for an hour and end up staying three.

That's not an accident — it's the whole point.

wines at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

Wine is what ultimately brought you here.

Fat Ass Ranch and Winery produces a diverse and impressive portfolio of wines that cater to a wide range of palates.  The way they put it... "there’s a perfect pour for every Ass!".

Choose from bold, robust reds to crisp, refreshing whites and everything in between.  Their wine list reflects both the terroir of the Texas Hill Country and the winemaking philosophy of a team that takes their craft seriously.

You'll find varietals like Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Viognier, and Chardonnay, among others. Each wine is crafted with care and intention, and the results speak for themselves in every glass.

The wine tasting experience at Fat Ass Ranch is one of the most enjoyable you'll find among all the Hill Country wineries. It's relaxed, it's personable, and it's genuinely fun.

The tasting room staff are knowledgeable without being stuffy, and they love sharing the stories behind each wine. You're not going to feel rushed or talked down to here.

Open area in Fat Ass tasting room

Instead, you'll be guided through a curated selection of wines with the kind of warmth and enthusiasm that only comes from people who truly love what they do. Whether you're working through a structured flight or sipping at your own pace, the experience feels tailor-made just for you.

Just to give you an idea of how thoughtful they are... 

The last time we were there, Judy bought a bottle of their Holiday Cheer (her favorite).  After we finished our tasting and settled up with the bill, we walked off and forgot to take the bottle with us.

We didn't realize we forgot it until after they had closed.  So the next day we called and told them what had happened.  They got word to the woman that had waited on us, and put a bottle back for us to pick up.

The next day we went back and they had the bottle set aside and waiting.  They gave it to us, along with a "thank you" or two, and a happy "come again".

Do you think we'll go back?  You bet we will.

only 1 fat ass

One thing that sets Fat Ass Ranch and Winery apart from so many other wineries is the sheer range of what the property offers beyond the tasting room. This isn't a place where you walk in, taste a few wines, and leave.

The ranch is a full experience.

There are multiple areas to explore, comfortable spaces to settle into, and a sense of discovery around every corner.  Guests often wander the grounds, take in the views, find a favorite spot to sit with a bottle, and simply enjoy the rhythm of a slower, more intentional afternoon.

Fat Ass Ranch and Winery exterior area

It's that combination of great wine and great space that keeps people coming back again and again.

There is plenty of space for parking, and you'll probably want to stop in and browse the gift shop too.

Picking up a few bottles to take home is practically a requirement (just remember to take them with you).  That's partly because the wines are that good, and partly because you're going to want something to remember the afternoon by when you're back home and the Hill Country feels a little too far away.  

paired means better

Food and wine are meant to be together, and Fat Ass Ranch and Winery embraces that philosophy. The winery offers food options and pairing opportunities that complement their wine portfolio beautifully.

Whether it's a charcuterie-style spread, artisan cheeses, or other carefully selected bites, the food at Fat Ass Ranch is designed to enhance your wine experience, not distract from it.

Pairing the right bite with the right wine is one of those small pleasures that elevates an afternoon from simply pleasant to genuinely memorable.

And the staff is happy to guide you through pairing suggestions, making the experience both educational and delicious.

THE place for groups

If you're planning a group visit — whether it's a bachelorette party, a corporate outing, a birthday celebration, or just a crew of wine-loving friends — Fat Ass Ranch and Winery has got you covered.

Tour company vans, buses and shuttles regularly move in and out of the parking areas (especially on weekends).  It's one of the most popular tour stops on wine road.  

One of Brooke's Bubble Buses at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

The property is well-suited for groups of various sizes.  The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to relax and connect without any of the formality at more buttoned-up wine venues.

Groups can reserve spaces, arrange private tastings, and customize their visit in ways that make the whole experience feel special and personal. There's a reason this place has become a go-to destination for celebrations of all kinds.

Are you a fat ass member?

If you fall in love with Fat Ass Ranch and Winery — and you will — you're going to want to look into becoming a member.

Their wine club is designed for people who don't just want to visit occasionally, but who want to make Fat Ass Ranch a regular part of their wine life.  Although with shipping, you could just enjoy the wine at home and visit now and then. 

But if have the chance to visit often, you could have a complimentary glass of wine, frozen drink, beer pint, or beer flight for a member & one guest total per day.  That's a good perk.

Members enjoy a range of perks that make the membership well worth it, including exclusive access to limited-release wines, discounts on bottle purchases, and special invitations to member-only events. It's the kind of program that rewards loyalty in truly meaningful ways.

The wine club at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery typically offers tiered membership options so you can choose the level that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you're a casual wine lover who wants to receive a few bottles each quarter or a dedicated enthusiast who wants the full VIP treatment, there's a membership tier that works for you.

Members often get first access to new releases, which is a big deal when you're talking about small-batch, limited-production wines that sell out quickly. The Holiday Cheer is an example of one that usually sells out early.  But being a member means you never have to miss out on the wines you love most.

The gift shop at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery

Beyond the wine club perks, members at Fat Ass Ranch and Winery also enjoy discounts in the tasting room, at the gift shop, and on special events. Those savings add up quickly, especially if you're the kind of person who visits more than once or twice a year.

And honestly, once you've been, you'll be looking for reasons to come back.

Member events are particularly special, offering intimate gatherings, winemaker dinners, harvest experiences, and other exclusive opportunities that give you a deeper connection to the wines and the people who make them.

style and personality

The Hill Country style that defines Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is something you feel the moment you arrive.  It's rustic elegance, done right.

For travelers who are building a Hill Country wine itinerary, Fat Ass Ranch and Winery deserves a prime spot on the list. The Wine Road 290 corridor is packed with excellent wineries, and there's no shortage of great options.

But Fat Ass Ranch has a personality that's entirely its own.  Being fun, genuine, and a little bit cheeky makes it stand out in a crowded field.

When you're comparing your options among Texas Hill Country wineries, consider what kind of experience you want to have.  If the answer involves great wine, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and a healthy dose of good humor, you've found your place.

Whether you're making your very first visit or your fifteenth, there's always something new to discover, a new wine to fall in love with, and a new reason to stay just a little bit longer.  You can find out more about Fat Ass Ranch and Winery here. 

So go ahead — plan the trip, gather your people, and point your vehicle toward Wine Road 290. Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is waiting, and it's going to be exactly as good as you're hoping it will be.

think ahead and keep on planning

If you just get in the car and go for a drive to enjoy the scenery, you may not need to plan much (except for remembering to take your phone, ID and some cash).

But if your plans will include a girls' weekend or full blown wedding, a little thinking ahead is a must. 

I understand your level of planning will vary depending on how elaborate and involved you want your trip.  So, maybe these resources will help you decide what level of planning you want.

• TexyHills Checklist - A short 1-page list of 10 things to book first, for a smooth weekend.  Yours free when you sign up for the TexyHills Fan Newsletter.
• TexyHills Planning Guide - An easy quick-reference to help you think about when to visit, getting around, avoiding big crowds, etc.
• Ultimate Texas Hill Country Guide - A much more comprehensive guide including maps, itineraries, where to stay, etc.  It also has a table of contents for easy navigation.
• Fredericksburg Wine Weekend - My most complete done-for-you 3-day plan, reservation strategy, and curated drive loops (with a built-in Plan B).  Specifically for first-timers.

What's New?

• 
• 
• 

1. Fat Ass Ranch and Winery pairs Hill Country charm and world-class wine

   
   Fat Ass Ranch and Winery is located just east of Fredericksburg on the 290 Wine Road. It has earned a devoted following among wine lovers and weekend travelers.

   Read More

2. Fredericksburg Texas Lodging is so widely varied that everyone wins.

   
   Fredericksburg Texas Lodging puts you in the middle of wine country. You also get the benefit of the history, comfort and convenience of your surroundings.

   Read More

3. Inn on Barons Creek sits right in the town of Fredericksburg, Texas.

   
   Inn on Barons Creek is just steps away from Fredericksburg's Main Street. This prime getaway location blends natural beauty with genuine Texas charm.

   Read More

4. Vaudeville Bistro will cause you remember why you love to travel.

   
   Vaudeville Bistro sits right on Main Street in the middle of Fredericksburg, Texas. It coaxes you slow down, take a deep breath, and feel glad you're here.

   Read More

5. Horseshoe Bay Resort is your dream getaway of Texas beauty and luxury.

   
   Horseshoe Bay Resort covers thousands of acres, one of the largest resort properties in Texas. Sitting on Lake LBJ, you have your pick of 4 golf courses.

   Read More

ShareFacebookPinterest

Brought to you courtesy of  jeff slankard

Daughter Ranita with Shane, and me (Jeff) with wife Judy at Wildseed Farms

Jeff Slankard is a Texas Hill Country writer with a master’s degree in Education and a longtime focus on the region’s wineries, restaurants, and travel experiences. He has lived in the Hill Country for 35 years, explored dozens of towns and even more wineries and restaurants, and documents those experiences at TexyHills.com. Jeff is also a published e-book author on Amazon. His early experience brewing ale and fermenting wine still shapes how he thinks about winemaking and its taste.

website Powered by SBI!

I may receive a commission from a purchase.  See more details here.

© TexyHills.com - All rights reserved worldwide.