In the Texas Hill Country, the evidence of the season of harvest is everywhere. Fields capped in a gleaming golden hue make the rolling countryside sparkle as it twists and turns along the switchbacks of the Pedernales River. The glittering evening sunlight sheds its amber glow on the freshly harvested vineyards, casting a glorious panorama of every shade of sunlight upon the heart-shaped leaves and spirally vines. Though the area is famously recognized as the heart of the Texas Wine Country with wineries such as Grape Creek and Signor, it’s during the autumn months that the deep German heritage of the area brings to life the celebration of Oktoberfest in the historic community of Fredericksburg. Along with the many fall festivities in the area, beer-lovers will discover some of the best breweries in Texas hidden within the midst of the many wineries peppered across the rolling landscape.
The History of Oktoberfest
It was during the celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen that the German people discovered a love for celebrating the flavors of fall in the middle of the Theresienwiese Meadow. The nuptials were held on October 12, 1810, with a multi-day celebration that followed where free beer and food were offered to the people of Munich as they celebrated the union of the royal family. After a few days, the festival was concluded with an exciting horse race fashioned after the medieval Scharlachrennen.
The community of Munich enjoyed the reception so much that the Prince and Princess decided to hold a festival the very next year and it was combined with an agricultural fair, adding to the already popular affair. During this second year, the horse race was, again, held on the last day but it was complimented with heavy-flowing German beer for the spectators. It was these two elements that were the foundational components that created the beloved Oktoberfest tradition. Every year following, the celebration has been held recurrently during the middle of October, though some aspects of the celebration have changed over time.
Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg: The History and Today
The town of Fredericksburg, Texas was established in 1846, just one year following the statehood-induction of Texas. A gathering of immigrants, largely made up of Germans who were trickling in through the historical immigration port located in Galveston, Texas, began to commune together about three hundred miles Northwest of the coast. Over time, a small settlement came together on the Edwards Plateau, and eventually, as more pioneers began to set roots in the area, an established community came to thrive along the winding banks of the Pedernales River where Mustang Grapes grew wild and abundantly. The surrounding flora signaled that the soil was ripe for planting necessary crops for survival as well as supporting vegetation that supplied sustenance for the German immigrant’s passion for good wine and flavorful beer.
Though it isn’t crystal clear when the festivities of the German-born festival slowly made it’s way to the developing state of Texas, one thing that is sure is that the German community has always held a deep devotion to German-style beer. As a part of maintaining their heritage in the deeply-rooted German traditions, the Fredericksburg Community has celebrated Oktoberfest for many decades, marking its first official festival during the first weekend of October in 1981. Each year, the community brings the tradition home to the Marktplatz, a commons place located in the center of the town. During the month of October, the town celebrates the flavors of Autumn with back-to-back festivals that include the traditional Oktoberfest Celebration, the Food and Wine Festival, the Luckenback fall festival and chili cook-off, Arch Ray Resort’s Annual Fall Festival and a pumpkin farm and corn maze at Jenschke Orchards, just to name a few.
Though Fredericksburg is better known for wineries such as William Chris Vineyards, Slate Theory, Wildseed and Augusta Vin, there are more and more breweries popping up amidst the tranquil vineyards of the Texas Hill Country. Within the city limits of the old German town, beer aficionados will find the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, Pecan Street Brewing, Belly Up Brew Pub and Bear King Brewery, but along the 290 Wine Trail and beyond there are many other fantastic options such as The Old 290 Brewery at Carter Creek, West Wing Brewery, Alstadt, Witcher Craft, Fat Ass Brewery, Real Ale Brewing Company, Westcave Cellars Brewery, Texas Cannon Brewing Company as well as the highly sought after, Ogle Brewery, an up-and-coming establishment that specializes in seasonal craft beers that is a favorite amongst the locals.
Visit the Ogle Brewery in Fredericksburg during Oktoberfest
Located just Southeast of downtown Fredericksburg is a tranquil estate where the hills rise and fall for miles around and the rolling land guides the River through the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Located on over 300 acres, Arch Ray Resort is one of Fredericksburg’s most desirable spots to visit throughout the year. A unique feature to the resort is that it offers a Ranch-to-Table Restaurant, called 1894, which delivers top-notch fair that is crafted to pair perfectly with almost any drink option from either one of their two wineries, Arch Ray and Fiesta, or even from the Paul Bee Distillery.
During the month of October, though, the shining star of Arch Ray Resort is found in our on-site brewery, the Ogle Brewery, which is an incredible place to visit during the celebration of Oktoberfest. The production team works tirelessly throughout the year planning ahead for the season of harvest and they craft some of the most flavorful brews found in the heart of Texas. The traditional “Feistier”, the Märzen, will always be available during the autumn months, but other brews such as the Lampasas Lager, La Loco Roja and Baltic Bandit are available on tap, as well. Guests will be sure to find a favorite when they try several labels at once by ordering a beer flight!
Fredericksburg is the place to visit to take in all of the awe of a true Oktoberfest celebration, but be sure to come into Arch Ray during this harvest season and experience the best seasonal crafts that the Texas Hill Country has to offer!
