Altstadt Brewery

Why Every Wine Tour Needs a Brewery Stop

Here's a truth we've learned after 15 years of leading tours: around the third winery, even the most dedicated wine enthusiast needs a change of pace. The palate gets tired. The tasting notes start to blur together. That's when Altstadt Brewery becomes the best decision of the day.

The transition from wine to a crisp, German-style lager is like hitting a reset button. Suddenly everyone's energy is back, the conversation picks up, and the group is ready to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. It's not about choosing beer over wine — it's about experiencing the full spectrum of what Hill Country produces.

The German Connection

Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers in 1846, and that heritage runs deep in everything from the architecture on Main Street to the food to, yes, the beer. Altstadt honors that tradition with beers brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot — the German purity law that's been the standard since 1516. No shortcuts, no adjuncts, just malt, hops, water, and yeast.

The result is beer that's clean, honest, and impossibly refreshing on a Hill Country afternoon.

The Beers

The Biergarten

This is where Altstadt really shines for groups. The biergarten is massive, open-air, and looks out over Hill Country rolling hills. There's live music on weekends, food trucks, and the kind of communal energy that makes everyone in your group feel like they're exactly where they're supposed to be. It's the opposite of a stuffy tasting room — and that's the point.

Insider Tips from Stephanie

• →We usually slot Altstadt as the third or fourth stop — it's the perfect palate cleanser after a morning of wine tasting.
• →Grab food from the truck while you're here. The pretzels are outstanding and the brisket nachos will fuel the rest of your afternoon.
• →If it's a Saturday, time your visit for when the live music starts — it takes the biergarten energy to another level.