A Championship Win Close to Home
Big news out of Liberty Hill. Thirsty Mule Winery & Vineyard recently earned the championship saddle at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition, one of the most prestigious wine contests in Texas. That top honor goes to the winery with the highest cumulative score, and owner Dan Marek accepted it after every single one of the eight wines they entered brought home a medal. Not bad for a Hill Country favorite along 101 Co Rd 257 in Liberty Hill.
Dan’s winemaking journey began more than 30 years ago as a home hobby in Georgetown. Today, Thirsty Mule produces its wines on site, with a two acre vineyard at the winery and additional acreage in Rockdale. Even with the recent announcement that the property is listed for sale as the Mareks plan for retirement, the winery continues to operate as usual.
Wine, Pizza, and Easy Afternoons
If you have not visited yet, it is one of those places that makes for an easy weekend plan. The setting is peaceful, with rolling grounds and a tasting room built into a hillside. You can choose any four wines for a tasting, grab a glass, or take a bottle home. They craft reds, whites, sweets, and dessert wines, all made on location from Texas and California grapes.
Weekends bring homemade pizzas from the on site kitchen, and there is often live music that makes you want to linger. Beyond wine, they also offer craft beers from their brewery and spirits from their distillery. It is family friendly, dog friendly, and welcoming without feeling fussy.
The Experience
The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious. You will find inside and outdoor seating, friendly staff who are happy to walk you through a tasting flight, and plenty of space to spread out. It feels local in the best way, genuine, warm, and worth returning to.
MORE INFO
📍 Location: 101 Co Rd 257, Liberty Hill, TX
⏰ Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 11:30AM–6PM, Friday–Saturday 11AM–7PM, Sunday Noon–6PM, Monday–Tuesday Closed
📞 Phone: (512) 778-5990
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Thirsty Mule Winery
📸 Social Media: Facebook – Thirsty Mule Winery | Instagram – @thirstymule
