Fredericksburg's Ultimate Date Night Romance Experience
The “Best of Texas Date Night”
Think of it as a choose-your-own-romance adventure: a hands-on cocktail session at Gin Mill Lounge, a six-course tasting menu at Cabernet Grill, and a cozy overnight stay at Cotton Gin Village. You can do all three for the full getaway or just drop in for cocktails and dinner—your call.
“Being named the only Texas restaurant on TripAdvisor's Date Night list validates what our guests have been telling us for years – there's something truly special about the Cabernet Grill experience,” says owner and executive chef Ross Burtwell. “We created the ‘Best of Texas Date Night’ experiences to celebrate our award and give couples the ultimate Texas date – whether it’s an anniversary, special celebration, or just because you deserve an extraordinary night together.”
SIP: Build-Your-Own “Couples Blend” Cocktail
Starting December 2, Gin Mill Lounge will help you kick off the evening with an interactive mixology experience. Couples choose a base spirit—Dripping Springs Gin, Texas Ranger 1823 Whiskey, or Ranch Vodka—then play with a rotating lineup of Candelaria artisan mixers, bitters, and fresh garnishes.
Expect things like Grilled Pineapple Simple, Ginger Pear Simple, Cherry Tobacco Bitters, and Blood Orange Purée. You and your date muddle, shake, taste, tweak, and eventually end up with a custom signature drink all your own.
SAVOR: A Six-Course Tasting Menu Made for Two
Once the cocktails are crafted, it’s a short stroll across the Cotton Gin Village property to Cabernet Grill for the main event. Also debuting December 2, the Date Night Tasting Menu highlights the restaurant’s dedication to Texas flavors and Hill Country creativity.
The six-course lineup features the restaurant’s beloved soup shooter, house mole almonds, and a progression of appetizers, salads, entrées, and a shared dessert—each one paired with standout Texas wines.
Expect pours from McPherson Cellars, Texas Heritage, Fall Creek Vineyards, Lost Draw Cellars, and Llano Estacado, making the meal both a culinary and wine-country tour.
STAY: A Cozy Winter Escape at Cotton Gin Village
If you’re making it a full getaway, the night ends just steps away in one of Cotton Gin Village’s 14 rustic-luxe cottages or restored cabins. Covered porches, fireplaces, and all the cozy-winter-weekend vibes are built in.
In the morning, a hot homemade breakfast in a three-tier basket arrives at your door—no rushing, no dressing up, just a slow start with your person.
From January 19 through February 25, 2026, weekday stays start at $199 per night and include a $50 dining credit to Cabernet Grill.
“For the ‘Best of Texas Date Night’, you can begin with cocktails at Gin Mill Lounge, stroll to an intimate dinner at Cabernet Grill, then walk just steps to your private cottage. Or choose just the elements that work for you – the flexibility makes it ideal for any romantic occasion," Burtwell adds.
A Texas Restaurant in the National Spotlight
Cabernet Grill’s new national recognition places it among the top 1% of restaurants worldwide on TripAdvisor. It’s also one of only three Texas restaurants honored across all of TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travelers' Choice categories—further securing its reputation as a must-visit Hill Country dining destination
Cabernet Grill Date Night Menu
Six Course Tasting with Wine Pairings $95 per person
Tasting of Roasted Carrot& Ancho Chile Soup with Spiced Pepitas
Choice of Appetizer
Crispy Lobster Pepper Jack Boudin Balls with Horseradish Creole Mustard Dip
Paired with McPherson Cellars Albarino
Or
Texas Twinkies Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos Stuffed with Beer Sausage & Redneck Cheddar,Jezebel Dip
Paired with Texas Heritage Lizzie Rose
Or
Chicken Fried Deviled Eggs with Cajun Mayo & Hot Honey
Paired with Fall Creek Chardonnay
Choice of Salad
Petite Tejas Ranch Caesar Salad with Crispy Masa Croutons
Paired with Invention Vineyards Imaginada
Or
Petite Wild Organic Arugula Salad Hill Country Pecans, Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, La Rambla Olive Oil& Balsamic Drizzle
Paired with Llano Estacado Rose
Choice of Entrée
Pecan Crusted Lump Crab~Shrimp Cake with Arugula Corn Salad & Roasted Poblano Mayo
Paired with Llano Estacado Sauvignon Blanc
Or
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallion with Ginger Cinnamon Shallot Butter, Zested Honey Mustard
Paired with Lost Draw Tempranillo
Or
Rosemary Grilled Beef Tenderloin Kabob with Roasted Garlic Serrano Bernaise
Paired with Texas Heritage Cabernet Sauvignon
Date Night Shared Dessert
Macarons by Marcus, An Assortment of Six Uniquely Flavored Handmade Macarons and Passion Sorbet
Or
Gooey Chocolate Cherry“Spice” Cake, Dark Chocolate, Amarena Cherry & Pasilla accompanied by Cappuccino Cream and Passion Sorbet
Paired with Sparkling Wine
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Tasting of House Mole Almonds