Where to Drink

Where to drink right now: 5 hottest hotel bars in San Antonio

The city is bursting with character, charm, and sophisticated drinks no matter what part of town you live in. There are great watering holes available, and this month, we hit San Antonio's best hotel bars that aren't just for destination travelers. You can find savvy slices of local greatness in each and every one. And, the best news ever, you can stay the night if you imbibe too long.

El Colegio at Omni La Mansión del Rio
A little refresher goes a long way in this revamped speakeasy joint inside La Mansión del Rio. The bar opened in 1968 and is the original dean's office of St. Mary's School of Law, so it is rich in history and memorabilia. In this swanky little spot, try the amazing añejo honey margarita or the out-of-this-world Mexican Firing Squad cocktail.

Ocho at Hotel Havana
Sip on a Hemingway Daiquiri or pull on a Santiago Painkiller at this glass conservatory on the river. Cuban influences keep the energy lively with bright colors that complement the aesthetical brilliance of this little spot. Great happy hour parties are a must and the river views don't hurt either.

Sire Bar at La Cantera Resort & Spa
Dark with rich interiors, this bar is all about the delicious details. Oversized everything makes it lavish and comfortable at the same time. Elevated bites are a plus, but the winner here is the list of chef-driven cocktails that infuse shrubs and are served over-the-top cold. Just the way we like it. The wine list is good too. Try the Blind Tiger before you wander around this beautiful space.

Sternewirth at Hotel Emma
We know, so many accolades for this place. But trust us, you need to stop in. Historical references reign supreme at this well-articulated hotel bar. And hey, the drinks are great too. We can't stay away from The Three Emmas, but a recent visit gave us La Babia Margarita, which we highly recommend. You should also grab those peanuts, a spicy nosh that is so simple yet divine.

Vbar at Hotel Valencia
Pass through the metal beads of exclusivity into Martini Monday where $5 martinis will wash your day away in a stylish and luxurious space. Half-price menu items make the beginning of the week feel like a holiday. All things should be celebrated here, martini in hand.

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Cuban influences keep the energy lively at Ocho's stunning glass conservatory.

Ocho at Hotel Havana/Facebook

Cuban influences keep the energy lively at Ocho's stunning glass conservatory.

drinks hotels downtown cocktails

A Toast to William Chris

Hill Country wine destination makes esteemed World's Best Vineyards list

Photo courtesy of William Chris Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards has done it again.

One of Texas' best vineyards has much more than the Lone Star State under its spell. William Chris Vineyards, located in Hye (out in the Hill Country) has been named the No. 63 best on the planet by World's Best Vineyards. This is its third year in a row on the list; in 2023, it was No. 60.

Despite a slight drop in the rankings, this is still a huge accomplishment. There are more than 100 wineries in the Hill Country, and William Chris was the only one to make the 51-100 list. It was one of two United States vineyards, the other being Brooks Wine in Oregon.

The top 50 vineyards will be announced on November 4, but if last year's winners and William Chris' ongoing regional dominance are any indication, Texas likely won't see any more wins. The list is compiled through the votes of nearly 500 wine and travel experts around the world, who make up the World’s Best Vineyards Academy.

The passage describing William Chris on the 51-100 list mentions the wines, the food, and also the general charm of the Hill Country:

"[...]William Chris uses minimal intervention to produce wines true to their origins from a luxurious winery near vinous hub, Fredericksburg, where you can expect a warm welcome and regular live music. Whilst overlooking the vineyards, a 'Winemaker’s Tasting’ introduces you to the range, which uses grapes you might expect for the climate like Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and some wonderfully deep Mourvèdre, along with those you might not, like a zesty white Picpoul and a newly developed sweet wine from Muscat and Malvasia. Add sustenance in the form of paired dishes with a ‘Vineyard Table Experience’ or at one of the weekly supper clubs, with picnics provided if you’re keen to explore [the] Texas Hill Country[...]"

It also names Enchante, which William Chris calls its "flagship," as the vineyard's signature wine. The only Enchante vintage still available on the winery's online store is 2021. The Bordeaux-style blend from that year is "brooding, wild, and sexy," the listing says, and includes notes of blackberry jam, eucalyptus, flaky pastry, creek bed, and more. "The palate is dry and gripping, with well-integrated oak on an almost full body," it concludes.

In addition to the regularly scheduled tastings, which can be booked by individual parties, William Chris is always hosting larger events that curious visitors can swing by. Most common are live music performances, but the vineyard also hosts seasonal events like the annual grape punch (like stomping, but with hands) and participates in regional initiatives like the Texas Wine Month passport. Some events are members-only; the Hye Society Wine Club is currently closed to new members, but a waitlist gives an opportunity for new people to join as others leave.

The 51-100 list is available at worldsbestvineyards.com. More information about the top 50 announcement is available here. William Chris Vineyards is located at 10352 US-290, Hye, Texas.

wine wineries vineyards william chris vineyards hill country lists