Where Craft Beer and Community Intertwine

By: Lydia duPerier

Craft beer and community intertwine seamlessly at Fredericksburg Brewing Company. Established in 1994, it holds the prestigious title of the oldest brewpub in Texas. Back then, microbreweries—small, local breweries specializing in unique, limited-production beers—had just been given the green light in the Lone Star State. Fredericksburg Brewing Company was the pioneer, opening its doors to a new era of Texan beer.

Courtney Walker, who co-owns the family-run brewery with her sister Haley, knows this place inside out. They grew up immersed in every aspect of the business, working alongside their parents, Richard and Rosemary Eston. Now, Courtney and Haley are at the helm, steering the brewery through its daily operations with the same passion their parents had.

Fun Fact: In the town of Fredericksburg, sidewalk alcohol consumption is allowed! Take your cold craft brews on a sidewalk stroll with you as you enjoy Main Street.

“The plan for our company is to keep it in the family for generations, and if we can grow, we will,” Walker said. “But for now, that small “hometown feel” is what we want—we want to keep Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg.”

Richard and Rosemary had a vision when they left Houston for Fredericksburg. They saw the town’s lively community and rich German heritage as the perfect backdrop for their microbrewery dream.

Fast forward to today, and Fredericksburg Brewing Company is celebrating its 30th anniversary, firmly embedded in the heart of this vibrant town.

We want to keep Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg.

From day one, the Estons aimed to give back to the community. They wanted to draw people to Fredericksburg and contribute to its charm.

“Our parents always instilled in us, you know, we build to keep, not to sell,” Walker said. “So that’s something my sister and I have taken to heart.”

It’s this family-oriented, local touch that makes Fredericksburg Brewing Company so special. The brewery isn’t just about great beer; it’s an experience. They have an air-conditioned biergarten and 12 cozy “bed and brews”—a unique take on the traditional bed-and-breakfast, where you can enjoy a beer and a place to stay. For those on the go, there’s also a logger room for quick stops.

“To this day, we still have our own seasonal craft brews,” Walker said. “We do not bottle or distribute, so the only way you can get our beer is if you actually come to visit the brewpub in Fredericksburg.”

In true German fashion, Fredericksburg celebrates all things Bavarian, with Oktoberfest being the pinnacle. As the town gears up for this annual festival, the brewery joins in the excitement.

Starting Oct. 1, you’ll find Oktoberfestthemed merchandise and a special Oktoberfest beer on tap. But that’s not all—this fall, you can also savor brews like Not So Dumb Blonde Ale, Peace Pipe Pale Ale, Pioneer Porter, Harper Valley IPA, El Hefe, and the special Anniversary Double IPA, celebrating their 30th year.