Brehnam, Texas: Your Home Base for Breweries, Mead, & Local Wine

Spending time in Washington County often means slowing down and enjoying the local flavors. One of the best ways to do that is by exploring the wineries in Brenham, Texas and the nearby breweries, meaderies, and distilleries.


The Texas wine industry is fairly young compared to places like California. Many wineries purchase grapes from growers in the Texas Panhandle, like Lubbock, then create their own blends and recipes. Some vineyards also grow grapes locally, though vines often take three to five years before producing fruit suitable for wine.


Over time, Brenham and the surrounding countryside have added wineries, breweries, and tasting rooms that make great stops during a relaxed afternoon drive.

Chapelton Vineyards building with sign. People stand outside near a metal fence, sunny day.

Wineries

Wine tourism has grown across Texas. Fredericksburg may be the most famous wine destination in the state, but Washington County has quietly built its own collection of wineries. Many visitors enjoy pairing a scenic drive with a tasting or two.


Haack Wines

Haack Wines operates a tasting room in downtown Brenham. The vineyard and bottling facility are located in Santa Fe, Texas, about 90 minutes away. Visitors can sample several wines without leaving the historic downtown area.


36 North Vineyard

Located about five miles north of Brenham on Highway 36, the aptly named 36 North Vineyard is one of the newest wineries in the region. The property includes a bakery that pairs wine tastings with fresh desserts. Guests can also enjoy craft beer, and families will appreciate the children’s playscape.


Texas Star Winery

Found in nearby Chappell Hill, about 15 miles from downtown Brenham, Texas Star Winery offers wines made from more than just grapes. Their creative blends include ingredients such as cactus and cranberry, giving visitors something different to try.


Chapelton Vineyards and Winery

Chapelton Vineyards and Winery sits near Washington, Texas, roughly 20 miles from Brenham. The tasting room overlooks the surrounding vineyard and offers a peaceful setting for sampling wines made from both Texas and California grapes.

A Shiner beer in a plastic cup on a wooden table with

Brewery Stops and Craft Beer

Beer has also become part of the local scene. Several breweries and beer spots make easy stops while exploring the area.


Brazos Valley Brewery

Brazos Valley Brewery is just 2 blocks from downtown and a favorite local gathering place. Started by Texas A&M graduates, the brewery features rotating craft beers, live music, and a permanent food truck.


HSF Biergarten

Located directly across the street from Ant Street Inn, HSF Biergarten was Brenham’s original craft beer bar. The tap wall includes more than 20 beers, making it a convenient stop after a day exploring downtown.


Shiner Brewery

About 90 minutes from Brenham, Shiner Brewery is one of Texas's most famous breweries. Visitors can tour the historic facility, sample several beers, and learn how this small-town brewery became a statewide favorite.


Zythological Society of North America

The Zythological Society of North America is Brenham’s local beer club. Monthly meetings highlight two different beers, and the group also hosts community tastings that raise money for local nonprofits. 


Their events include Saunter for a Cause in October, Maifest beer tastings, and even “Hot Nights, Cool Brews”, which is held at our very own Ant Street Inn in July

Indoor craft fair with vendors and customers browsing, wooden floor, under white ceiling.

Mead and Honey Wines in the Region

Mead is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks in the world. Made from fermented honey, it offers flavors that range from dry to sweet. Several meaderies operate within easy driving distance of Brenham.


WildFlyer Meadery

Wildflyer Meadery in nearby Navasota focuses on small-batch meads made from Texas honey. The tasting room offers a chance to try different styles while learning about the mead-making process.


Rohan Meadery

Located in La Grange, Rohan Meadery produces handcrafted meads using honey and natural ingredients. Visitors often stop here during a day trip through the countryside.


Make a Distillery Stop

Distilleries have also joined the growing list of tasting experiences in the region. Below is our recommendation if you want to add something like this to your itinerary.


Koopers Whiskey

Koopers Whiskey in Ledbetter sits about 30 miles from Brenham. The relaxed setting includes wooden barrel furniture and a laid-back atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a drink and play some cards with friends.

Man playing cards at a wooden table in a bar, holding cards, drink nearby.
Glass of red wine on a table at a vineyard, with food, papers, and two people in background.
A bakery counter displays baked goods. A person in a blue shirt stands behind the counter, serving customers.

Enjoying Wineries and Breweries Around Brenham

One of the best parts of visiting Brenham is the relaxed pace. While some wine regions rely on large tour buses, Washington County is better explored through small day trips and scenic drives.


Visitors often spend the afternoon on a vineyard deck, share a bottle with friends, or stop at a brewery along the way. Each destination offers its own setting and style, making every visit a little different.

Stay in the Heart of Brenham

After exploring wineries, breweries, and tasting rooms around Washington County, return to a place that keeps you close to downtown Brenham.


Ant Street Inn sits in a historic building just a block away from Brenham’s town square, just steps from shops, restaurants, and local gathering spots like HSF Biergarten. Staying here makes it easy to enjoy an evening out and walk back to your room afterward.


Plan your visit, explore the countryside, and experience the flavors of Texas while staying at Ant Street Inn.