Introduction
I recently visited Silver Dollar Winery in Johnson City, Texas and I came away with a generally positive impression of their range of offerings and warm, rustic atmosphere. This is a worthy stop for anyone exploring Texas wine—and are interested in a backwoods decor that separates you from the plethora of more glitzy wineries along highway 290. With a thoughtful selection of wines, a friendly staff, and a comfortable setting in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this winery delivers an authentic taste of Texas.
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What Makes This Place Different?
Silver Dollar Winery stands out because of its no-frills country experience and an additional bonus of being the newest home to the Hye Cider Company; so, you have option of tasting both on your visit.
My Wine Pick
When I sampled their lineup, one bottle really stood out for me: their “Ike’s Red” blend. It’s described as 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Sangiovese, and 20% Tempranillo, with black cherry, light pepper and spice, and a gently oaky finish. If you’re keen on Texas red wines with character, this is a smart choice.
For white-wine lovers, I found the “Texan Tornado” to be a strong pick, with a close second going to the Silver Strike Viognier.
History and Facility
Silver Dollar Winery originally opened in 2015 (the Hill Country location) and is an offshoot of the owner’s passion for wine, motorcycles, friends and good times. The Johnson City branch (Hill Country location) offers not just a tasting room but also outdoor seating, pet-friendly areas, and cabins/RV hookups on site if you’re staying in the region. The facility feels inviting rather than stuffy—there’s a relaxed, rustic-chic vibe, friendly dogs roaming the grounds, and plenty of space to unwind. Reviews highlight the beautiful scenery, the pets, and the welcoming staff. As far as “Texas wineries” go, Silver Dollar marries the comforts you’d expect with a genuine hill-country experience.
The Wines
Memorable Wine(s): While I enjoyed Ike’s Blend and the Texan Tornado, I can’t say they were strong enough to make it to the memorable category.
Very Good, But Not Memorable Wine(s): Ike’s Blend, Texan Tornado, Silver Strike Viognier.
Other Wine(s): Rieslings, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cab Franc, Mourvèdre
- Overall value of the wines: GOOD PLUS
- Cost of Whites / Rose’s: The whites range between $22 and $35.
- Cost of Reds: The reds range between $36 and $45
- Most Expensive: The most expensive wine is the Cabernet Franc at $45.
Overall, the wines are not going to knock your socks off, but you will enjoy them. The price points are pretty good, so you would get good value for the money on any of the wine(s) you select.
You should be aware that Silver Dollar services both 100% Texas wines and wines made in Texas from California grapes. All the 100% Texas wines are under the Bowen Family brands, so watch for that when you choose your tastings.
Wine Club
If you’re serious about exploring Texas wine and want to just relax in a no-frills environment with deep Texas roots, Silver Dollar’s “Taste of Texas Wine Club” is worth considering. They offer tiered membership options (3-bottle; 6-bottle; 12-bottle shipments) and you can choose all reds, all whites, or a mix on the 6-bottle and 12-bottle memberships. Members receive discounts (20%–25%) on purchases and tastings, free glass or tasting for the member plus a guest on select days, and access to exclusive releases not available in stores. Overall, a very generic and common wine club plan.
Conclusion
All in all, my experience at Silver Dollar Winery left me with a favorable impression. If you’re exploring Texas wineries—especially in the Hill Country—you’ll find here a warm, authentic spot with nice wines, helpful staff, and a relaxed setting to enjoy them. The mix of wine styles (sweet to dry, white to red) means there’s something for most palates, and if you fall in love with one bottle (as I did with Ike’s Red) you’ll feel good about taking some home. For me, the winery successfully struck a balance between casual welcome and serious craft—making it a recommended stop on your Texas wine adventure. Additionally, there’s the added bonus of Hye Cider’s craft ciders that are also available for tasting and purchase.
One additional bonus is that Silver Dollar Winery offers reasonably priced accommodations onsite if you are looking for a place to stay while visiting the hill country. More information is available on their website.
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FAQ
Q1: Do I need reservations to visit Silver Dollar Winery in Johnson City?
A1: While walk-ins are generally welcome, it’s a good idea to check ahead—especially on weekends or if you’re bringing a larger group—since the hours can vary (e.g., the Hill Country location opens Tuesday 11 am-6 pm and Friday/Saturday until ~8 pm).
Q2: Can you buy their wines online and ship them?
A2: Yes—you can order wines via their online store and they ship (subject to adult signature and applicable shipping laws). For some of the club-exclusive releases the online shipping is a perk of being in the club.
Q3: Does the winery offer sweet wines, or is it only dry styles?
A3: They offer a wide range—from dry whites and reds to semi-sweet and sweet blends and even fortified wines (for example the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” sweet red blend and the “White Gold Texas Portejas” fortified bottle) so yes—there’s something for those who like sweet AND for those who lean dry.
About the Author
A native of Texas, Ken “Texan” Pierce is a renowned alcohol aficionado with decades of experience in the Texas wine, whiskey, and beer industry. With a vast number of alcohol production resources right in his back yard in the Texas Hill Country, Ken has made it his mission to promote and advance the Texas winemaking, distilling, and brewing industry across the country. Ken holds certifications from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) for wine and is a Certified Texas Wine Ambassador. His ability to identify tasting notes and pairings makes him a respected authority within alcohol enthusiast circles. When he’s not reviewing the latest craft spirits, you can find Ken playing his guitar, trying to sing, and sipping on a Texas libation.
