Texas Hill Country hot spots Dripping Springs and Driftwood are partnering with local distilleries, wineries, and breweries for a sampling of area whistle wetters.
Official food trails are a popular way for a city, state, or organization to promote itself or its product. There are trails for Santa Fe’s margaritas, New Mexico’s green chile cheeseburgers, Kentucky whiskey, Texas wine, and, now, for the libations of Texas Hill Country hotspots Dripping Springs and Driftwood, the Dripping With Taste Trail.
Announced this month, the partnership between the two towns’ tourism boards and nearby distilleries, wineries, and breweries allows the public to purchase passport books for the opportunity to visit up to 25 participating area distilleries, wineries, and breweries. They’ll get complimentary tastings and a stamp in their passport during the months of May and October. Passport holders also get discounts at select restaurants and shops and for local accommodations.
Participating business include Vista Brewing, Argus Cidery, Driftwood Estate Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Treaty Oak Distilling, and Desert Door Texas Sotol, which C&I featured in our April 2019 article “Choose Your Own Culinary Adventure.”
“It was an instant yes from our team, really just being good neighbors,” says Cortney Hickey, marketing manager at Desert Door Texas Sotol, about being approached by Pam Owens, president and CEO of the Destination Dripping Springs visitors bureau. “The Dripping Springs and Driftwood communities are not so slowly becoming a mecca for breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and there is a real sense of community out here. We support each other and have a strong appreciation for craft, so it is a special group to be part of. I think it’s a great initiative because all these craft drink makers are coming together to create an experience that will hopefully reach a lot of new people and drive traffic to the area.”
Passports go for $50 per person or $90 per couple and are available here. They include a Dripping With Taste Trail Guide with a map, business details, and information on other discounts. A limit of four tastings per day with your ticket promotes responsible drinking during the event, as wisely stated on the Destination Dripping Springs website.
For the full list of participating businesses, visit the Dripping With Taste Trail webpage.
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Photography: John Davidson/Courtesy Desert Door Distillery, Courtesy Vista Brewing