You know the Texas Hill Country is a perfect spot to get away, sample unique wines, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s also home to one of the nation’s best one-day wine festivals.
Texas Wine Jam, held annually in Johnson City, has been recognized by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the 10 Best Wine Festivals in the United States. The recognition is a testament not only to the festival itself but also to Johnson City’s growing reputation as one of Texas’ most outstanding small town destinations for wine, food, music, and unforgettable weekend getaways.
What Is USA Today’s 10Best?
The USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are among the country’s most respected travel awards. For each award, a panel of experts makes nominations in awards covering food and drink, shopping, sports and outdoors, travel destinations, lodging, and attractions.
From there, readers vote for their favorites and show their support for the festivals and events they enjoy most. Being named to the list means Texas Wine Jam stood out among wine festivals from across the United States because of its unique approach to creating a fun, engaging day for visitors, and that it was engaging enough for followers and fans to vote in support.
What Makes Texas Wine Jam So Special?
Texas Wine Jam is the premier wine-buying festival in Texas. While attendees have plenty of opportunities to sip and sample wine, Texas Wine Jam makes its festival so rewarding by bringing together:
- Wine sampling and buying from some of the region’s best producers
- Live Texas music
- Educational programming that brings Texas wine culture to life and allows attendees to meet the people behind the wine.
Mark Your Calendar and Make it a Weekend
The next Texas Wine Jam takes place Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the heart of downtown Johnson City.
It’s the perfect opportunity to experience one of America’s top wine festivals while at the same time embracing the beauty and peace of a small-town weekend.
In addition to the one-day Texas Wine Jam festival, you can add on a bubble brunch with local favorite Pecan Street Brewing. You can also plan to spend the rest of the weekend sampling at local wineries and tasting rooms like Pebble Rock Cellars and Vinovium, or shopping local antique shops and co-ops.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby parks and scenic drives, and history lovers can visit museums and Presidential historic sites. It’s easy to make a full weekend out of a visit to Johnson City (our friends at Travel + Leisure agree!)
A Small Town That Punches Above Its Weight
This award just reminds us of something we’ve always known: Johnson City has a knack for surprising people. It’s home to nationally recognized wineries and breweries, outstanding restaurants, unique shopping, vibrant arts, and more.
This recognition is a celebration of the businesses, wineries, musicians, and community members who continue to make Johnson City a vibrant community and a welcoming Texas Hill Country destination. If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to plan a Hill Country getaway, consider this your official invitation to come out, raise a glass, buy some wine, and feel right at home in Johnson City.