Located about an hour west of Austin, Rhinory offers an experience that blends fine wine with wildlife conservation. Since opening its doors in 2020, the winery has become a destination for those who want their glass to stand for something more.
A Safari with a Purpose
The concept is simple yet rare. Visitors enjoy premium Texas and South African wines while contributing directly to rhino preservation. Every tasting supports anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and orphan care through partnerships with Care for Wild and the International Rhino Foundation.
At the center of it all is Blake, a seven-year-old Southern white rhino who lives on the property. Blake has become a symbol of the cause, drawing thousands of visitors each year to learn about rhino conservation and the impact of responsible tourism.
A Texas Success Story
When Rhinory opened, Texas wine was still earning its reputation. Five years later, it has arrived. The winery’s current collection proves it. A tasting flight includes both whites and reds that highlight the best of two continents. The 2024 Texas Albariño opens bright and zesty, the 2024 Trebbiano brings soft fruit notes, while the 2024 Picpoul Blanc adds crisp acidity and lively freshness. The 2024 Viognier rounds out the white flight with floral hints and balanced texture, smooth, aromatic, and ideal for a warm Texas afternoon.
The standout, however, is the Chardonnay with roots on a South African cliff. The vines were too costly for local farmers to maintain, yet their mineral character made them irreplaceable. Rhinory brought them to Texas, where they now produce a distinctive wine. It’s vibrant, dry and nothing like the buttery style many expect. It’s a wine that converts skeptics.
Among the reds, two stand out. The 2022 Pinot Noir offers a refined, elegant depth that pairs beautifully with lighter fare. And the 2024 Tempranillo, recommended by the sommelier as the perfect match for brisket, deserves special mention. It’s rich, full-bodied, and undeniably Texan wine, that feels tailor-made for an Austin palate.
Growing Beyond the Glass
Rhinory’s tasting room has expanded along with its mission. What began as a small venue now fills quickly on weekends, often from the moment doors open. The community support is strong, and each visitor plays a part in something measurable.
In 2024 alone, Rhinory raised more than $450,000 for rhino conservation. Funds help train anti-poaching units, provide medical care for orphaned rhinos, and educate guests about the challenges facing the species. Through its newly established nonprofit foundation, the winery continues to expand these efforts globally.
Meet Blake — The Pinnacle Experience
For those seeking more than a standard tasting Rhinory offers the Pinnacle Experience. Available Friday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., participants get up close with Blake the rhino. They step into his habitat, hear his keeper explain rhino behaviour, habitat needs and conservation challenges. The experience includes a guided tasting that ties the wines to the wildlife story.
This addition elevates the visit from “just a wine tasting” to “an encounter with purpose.” The Pinnacle Experience is limited in number. Booking early avoids disappointment.
A Model for Purpose-Driven Tourism
Rhinory has shown how a local business can link leisure and conservation in a way that feels authentic. Guests don’t simply drink wine. They take part in a sustainable model that gives back, turning a day trip into something with real meaning.
Rhinory is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with tastings offered throughout the day. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the tasting room fills quickly.
You’ll find Rhinory at 13112 US-290 i nFredericksburg, about an hour from downtown Austin. For current tasting options, special events or to join the wine club that helps fund rhino conservation, visit rhinory.com.
