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Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout 2022

October 31, 2022 - November 7, 2022

Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout 2022 1

Oakwood RV Resort • Fredericksburg, TX • October 31 - November 7, 2022

Indulge in the "spirit" of the Texas Hill Country

The Hill Country region of central Texas is known for its German heritage, delicious food, live music, beautiful scenery, and–especially–its world-class wines and distilled spirits. During this seven-day Hangout, hosted by Cynthia & Scott Wilson SKP #144059, you’ll get to experience all of those and more, including a special opportunity for hands-on participation in the process of making an award-winning bourbon and an optional wine tour with tastings at three of the area’s wineries.

The bourbon experience

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One of the two bottling crews from the 2021 Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout

Garrison Brothers Distillery, located in the tiny town of Hye, has received numerous industry awards for its dark, rich bourbons that are barrel-aged in the intense Texas climate. Volunteers bottle every Garrison Brothers bourbon by hand: filling and corking each bottle, attaching a deerskin pull tab, dipping the top of the bottle in hot wax, embossing the company logo on top, inspecting and individually numbering the bottle, and packing it for shipment. During each two-day bottling event, the crew of volunteers will craft more than 2,000 bottles of bourbon!

This Hangout will feature two bottling events, with half of our group working at each. Yes, it is work, with a lot of time spent on your feet, but the Garrison Brothers team keeps it fun, with delicious lunches prepared by their on-site chef, lots of joking around, and hourly breaks for a toast and a “quality control” shot.

At the end of your two-day shift, you’ll also receive a Garrison Brothers swag bag (including a flask-size bottle of bourbon), as well as the employee discount on their coveted small-batch and single-barrel bottles. But most of all, you’ll earn the pride that comes with helping to create a legendary product. That’s why there’s a multi-year waiting list of eager volunteers…but after the great job we did during last year’s Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout, Garrison Brothers invited us back for this fall.

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Filling bottles with Garrison Brothers' premium bourbon
Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout 2022 4
Attaching deerskin "pigtail" tear ribbon
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Dipping bottles in hot wax, then embossing the GB seal on top
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Inspecting and hand-polishing each bottle
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Hand-numbering each bottle
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Packing bottles in cases for shipment to retailers
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Frequent "quality control" shots keep things fun!

The wine tour

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The Texas Hill Country is also especially well-known for its wines, with more than 50 wineries located in Gillespie County alone. On one of the days that the other half of the group is bottling bourbon, you’ll have the option to participate in a private, small-group (no more than 14 people) wine tour. Your tour will visit three of the area’s top wineries, with 5-6 tastings at each location, and conclude with a tour of the Becker Vineyards Estate Winery production area.  

Your guide for this incredible day, Jeff Lawrence, is the owner of Keidel Wine Tours and a sixth-generation native of Fredericksburg. His love for the town is evident in his knowledge of its history and lore, passed down from his great-great-great-grandfather, Dr. Wilhelm Keidel, one of the founders of Fredericksburg and the first doctor in the historic town. Jeff’s tours highlight the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, the great small business owners that run vineyards, breweries, and distilleries, and the historic tales that make the town come to life.

This optional activity includes all your tastings, your guide, private van transportation (so you don’t have to worry about driving!), lunch along the way, a souvenir Riedel wine glass from Becker Vineyards, and all taxes and gratuities.

Other activities

You’ll also have the option to tour the world-class National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate institution (located in Fredericksburg because it was the hometown of famed World War II Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz). Or if you prefer, spend a day exploring the breweries, wine tasting rooms, craft cocktail bars, charming shops and restaurants of downtown Fredericksburg–you can even take a glass of wine or a cocktail with you as you stroll!

On our first full day together, we’ll get to know each other over a potluck brunch, followed by a visit to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where we’ll hike the Summit Trail to the top of this massive pink granite dome. Later that evening, we’ll gather for an authentic German dinner at The Auslander, one of Fredericksburg’s premier Bavarian restaurants.

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Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout 2022 12

Another evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and a live country music performance at the legendary Luckenbach Texas dance hall, made famous by Waylon Jennings’ song of the same name. 

On the last full day of the Hangout, we’ll explore the markets, shops and parks along the Pedernales River as we bike the 12-mile Stonewall Loop along Texas Ranch Road One (both traditional and e-bikes are available for rent if you don’t have your own), followed by a farewell party with music and dancing that evening.

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You’ll also get to enjoy classic Central Texas barbecue, potluck dinners, karaoke and interactive game nights, the traditional Hangout GTHO breakfast on departure day, and much more.

Hangout location

Our home base for the Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout will be the Oakwood RV Resort. The park’s location just outside town will give you quick access to downtown Fredericksburg, Hye, and the surrounding area. Because weather can be unpredictable in Central Texas, most of our activities at the campground will take place in an enclosed, heated, and air-conditioned rally hall–but there is a fire ring and socializing space outside as well if the weather is nice.

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All of our sites are adjacent to the rally hall and are pull-thrus with 30 and 50 amp electric, water, sewer, and cable, as well as free wifi. The park has a bathhouse and laundry facilities. There is also a hot tub, dog walking area, and fenced dog play area.

You may arrive one night before the Hangout starts and/or stay one night after it ends, subject to campground availability, at a discounted rate of $47/night, including tax. To make a reservation for early arrival or late departure, call the Oakwood office at (830) 997-9817 and mention you’re with the Escapees group.

Is this event right for me?

Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout 2022 15Everyone is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events. With that said, the Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout is best suited for members who:

  • are able to stand on a concrete floor for at least an hour at a time (during bottling at Garrison Brothers)
  • can participate in activities during weekdays (traditional working/business hours)
  • enjoy bourbon, wine, and good company!

If you’re looking for events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence. Or for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).

Texas state alcoholic beverage laws require visitors to distilleries and wineries to be at least 21 years of age. For that reason, we do not recommend this Hangout for children. 

COVID-19 precautions

Please see the club’s current COVID-19 Event Policy for our current health and safety recommendations and practices, as well as situations under which you may not attend this Hangout if you’ve had recent symptoms of or a positive test for COVID-19.

Schedule

Activities and schedule are subject to change. Activities marked with an *asterisk are not included in your Hangout fee.

Monday 10/31

Arrive at Oakwood RV Resort

Evening welcome gathering, introductions & schedule review

Tuesday 11/1

Potluck brunch

Hike at Enchanted Rock State Park*

German dinner at The Auslander*

 

Wednesday 11/2

Group A: Bottling at Garrison Brothers Distillery (includes breakfast & lunch)

Group B1: Wine Tour* (includes lunch)

Group B2: National Museum of the Pacific War* or exploring historic Fredericksburg

Potluck dinner for everyone, prepared by Group B

Interactive game night

Thursday 11/3

Group A: Bottling at Garrison Brothers Distillery (includes breakfast & lunch)

Group B1: National Museum of the Pacific War* or exploring historic Fredericksburg

Group B2: Wine Tour* (includes lunch)

Texas barbecue dinner at Backwoods BBQ*

Friday 11/4

Group A1: Wine Tour* (includes lunch)

Group A2: National Museum of the Pacific War* or exploring historic Fredericksburg

Group B: Bottling at Garrison Brothers Distillery (includes breakfast & lunch)

Dinner* & country music at Luckenbach Texas

Saturday 11/5

Group A1: National Museum of the Pacific War* or exploring historic Fredericksburg

Group A2: Wine Tour* (includes lunch)

Group B: Bottling at Garrison Brothers Distillery (includes breakfast & lunch)

Potluck dinner for everyone, prepared by Group A

Karaoke/sing-along

Sunday 11/6

Stonewall Loop bike tour on Texas Ranch Road One (bike rentals available*)

Farewell party

Monday 11/7

GTHO breakfast

Departure

Registration fee includes:

  • 7 nights RV camping 
  • 2 days bottling at Garrison Brothers Distillery (breakfast & lunch included both days)
  • Enchanted Rock State Park admission
  • Evening social activities
  • Farewell party
  • GTHO departure day breakfast
  • Hangout hosts

Additional costs to consider: additional wine, beer or spirits tastings on your own, meals out, bicycle rental if needed

All activities listed for this event are subject to change.

Hangout price

  • Full hookup site, 2 people $699

    Includes 30/50A electric, water, sewer, cable TV and wifi.

  • Deduct for only 1 person -$95
  • Each additional person $150

    For more than 2 people in same rig (including children)

  • OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

    Prices are per person.

  • Private wine tour $155

    Includes 5-6 tastings at each of three wineries, a tour of the Becker Vineyards Estate Winery, souvenir Riedel wine glass, knowledgeable local guide, lunch, transportation, and all taxes and gratuities.

  • National Museum of the Pacific War admission $12

    This is a discounted group rate available only if you include this activity with your registration. Regular adult admission is $20/person.

You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process.

By registering for this event, you are representing and agreeing to the following: 

  • You understand the event’s intent, and for yourself, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives, you absolve and hold harmless Escapees, Inc. and its affiliates, and any other parties connected with this event in any way, together with their respective successors and assigns (the “Sponsors”), singly and collectively, from and against any blame and liability for any injury, harm, inconvenience, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever, which may result from or be connected in any way to your participation in the event.
  • You are physically capable of participating in this event, and your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition. You will observe all applicable laws (including obtaining relevant licenses) and event rules and will generally conduct yourself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event.  You absolve and hold harmless the Sponsors from any damage you may sustain because of any breach of these representations.
  • You consent to and permit emergency treatment of yourself in the event of an injury or illness while participating in this event.
  • You give permission to the Sponsors to use your name and any pictures/videos taken of you during the Event in any promotional materials, publications, or on the Internet.
  • As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the Hangout, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents.
  • Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
  • By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Hangouts; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time. 
  • If COVID-19 protocols are still required at the time of the Hangout, you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules. If requested, you will sign a written agreement releasing Escapees from liability should you become ill during or after the event.

How to register

To register, click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen. If you need assistance with your registration, please call Escapees Event Registration at ‭(936) 755-1060‬‬.

Registration opens Wednesday, May 4, 2022
at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time.

After you register

Watch for an email from registration@escapees.com for a confirmation of your registration. If you don’t receive it, call Escapees Event Registration at ‭(936) 755-1060‬ to be sure that your registration was processed correctly.

After you register, please join the Escapees Texas Bourbon & Wine Hangout group on Facebook (a link to this group will be in your confirmation email). We will use this group to communicate with Hangout attendees before and during the event. You will also receive one or more emails before the Hangout with more information as needed.

Cancellations and travel insurance

Should you need to cancel your registration, call Escapees Event Registration at ‭(936) 755-1060‬ between 8 am and 4 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday, or email registration@escapees.com. You may be entitled to a partial refund of your registration fees, depending on when we receive your cancellation:

  • On or before August 31, 2022: $50 cancellation fee, remainder of payment refunded
  • September 1-30, 2022: 50% refund of full event cost
  • After September 30, 2022: no refund

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance after registering to protect your investment in the Hangout if you must cancel due to unexpected illness, death, or certain other contingencies. Travel insurance can also help to cover medical and trip interruption expenses for emergencies that occur during the Hangout. Pre-existing medical conditions are waived as long as you purchased your insurance within 15 days after your Hangout registration fee payment. Get a personalized online travel insurance quote now.

Waiting list

If this Hangout is sold out when you try to register, please join the waiting list by completing the form below. There are usually several cancellations before a Hangout…so if a spot opens up and you’re the next one on the waiting list, you’ll get another shot at registration! (Note: please don’t join the waiting list unless and until the Hangout sells out. Entries received before that time will be ignored.)

Details

Start:
October 31, 2022
End:
November 7, 2022
Event Category:
Event Tags:
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Website:
escapees.com/hangouts

Venue

Oakwood RV Resort
78 FM 2093
Fredericksburg, TX 78624 United States
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Phone
830-997-9817
View Venue Website