The 39th annual Gruene Music & Wine Fest brings together some of the biggest names in music, along with the best of Texas-made wine and beer, for a four-day celebration of concerts, tastings and more, all in historic Gruene.
This year’s lineup of artists includes 10-time Grammy nominee Jamey Johnson, Texas country legends the Josh Abbott Band, the Wimberley-based band Chaparelle, and Americana/alt-country musician Cody Canada, among many others.
It’s the perfect soundtrack to sample Texas wine and beer. Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy tastings from some of Texas’s best wineries and breweries.
The festival starts on Thursday. Oct. 9 with the Kickoff Party, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Grapevine, a wine bar serving wines from 8 Texas wineries and breweries. Also, that evening, Jamey Johnson will perform at Gruene Hall.
On Friday, the party heads back to Gruene Hall for Stars & Guitars. This ticketed event includes a private concert and meet-and-greet with the Josh Abbott Band. The evening also includes a dinner catered by the Gristmill River Restaurant, a wine tasting, and a silent auction, with the opportunity to bid on guitars signed by stars such as George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Pat Green, and many others.
The wine and music flow again on Saturday with Tastings & Tunes from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Grapevine. Enjoy tastings from great Texas wineries and breweries while listening to live music in the shade of The Grapevine’s wine garden.
The party continues Saturday night with a performance by Chaparelle at Gruene Hall.
On Sunday, it’s Cody Canada’s All-Star Playlist, a ticketed event happening from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gruene Hall. There’s a full slate of great Americana and country music, with acoustic performances from artists including Cody Canada, Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October, William Clark Green, and more. Come hungry – food from the Gristmill River Restaurant will be available for purchase. A pop-up market will also be on site.
To help you navigate these four awesome days of wine and song, here are five insider tips:
- Get tickets to Stars & Guitars NOW. Tickets are limited for this Friday night show with the Josh Abbott Band (which includes a meet-and-greet, dinner, and the chance to bid on signed guitars), and they always sell out quickly.
- Save time and purchase your wine tasting tickets online. Admission is free to the two events at The Grapevine (including the Kickoff Party on Thursday and Tastings & Tunes on Saturday), but to sample wines, you’ll need tasting tickets. Save time and purchase them online – they’re good for both events, and your purchase also includes a free commemorative Gruene Music and Wine Fest wine glass. In-person ticket sales at The Grapevine are credit card only.
- Get ready to chill at the Grapevine! You’re welcome to bring your own chair and even your leashed dog to the two events at The Grapevine. Just get there early to grab a spot!
- Parking is free (and now there’s more of it!) A new paved lot was completed this summer, so parking is even easier (and still free) for this year’s event.
- You’re drinkin’ for a cause. In fact, that’s the official slogan of the Gruene Music & Wine Fest. Ever since it began in 1987 as a one-day event, the festival has raised money for United Way of Comal County, which supports dozens of nonprofit organizations serving those in need locally. In fact, the festival is United Way’s biggest fundraiser in New Braunfels and has raised more than $2.5 million through the years.
For event admission, wine-tasting tickets, or more information, go to gruenemusicandwinefest.org. Plan your trip and discover the best lodging, dining, shopping, attractions, and more at visitnbtx.com.