Fall is picking up, and so are the Hill Country's many outdoorsy festivals. Folks looking for one out of town can look forward to a fun autumnal adventure at the Texas Wine Jam, which is making its return from November 7-10 in Johnson City.

The annual fest brings together Hill Country wineries and local musicians for a four-day weekend full of delicious sips, bites, and live music performances at Vinovium Winery, located at 214 Edmonds Ave. in Johnson City. The festival benefits local nonprofits the SIMS Foundation and Texas Wine Community Scholarships; $4 from every ticket sale will be donated to the two organizations.

The 31 participating wineries at this year's extravaganza include 12 Fires Winery & Vineyard, Blackmon Wines, Farmhouse Vineyards, Lost Draw Wines, Lost Oak Winery, Michael Ros Winery, Rivenburgh Wine, Texas Heritage Vineyard, William Chris Vineyards, Wine For The People, and many more.

The festival's music lineup, hosted by international comedian Jacob James Garcia, includes Fun Gus & The Shrooms, Above The Law, Square Grooves, Tropicana Joe, and more. While enjoying the live sets, attendees can also browse from a selection of local artisan vendors and dine on culinary offerings from Mystic Lobster Rolls, Reel Deal, and Jax Hill Country Kitchen, among others.

Notable happenings during the festival include:

• Thursday, November 7 from 7-10 pm – Merlot tasting and Dueling Blues performances by Ben Beckendorf & Todd Roth
• Friday, November 8 from 6-9 pm – Syrah pairing dinner at Bryans on 290
• Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10 from 12-5 pm (VIP entry at 11 am) – Main festival days

Exclusive perks will be available throughout the weekend, such as day-of wine deals from participating wineries. Attendees who purchase bottles of wine can take advantage of the festival's "bottle check" service to avoid lugging around (or dropping) their bottles. Plus, those who buy six bottles of wine will have the opportunity to win a seventh by playing a carnival-style ring toss game.

In the event of inclement weather, Texas Wine Jam will be rescheduled during the weekend of November 16-17, 2024.

Early bird tickets are available now, ranging from a $55 single-day general admission pass to a $90 two-day pass. The $65-115 VIP tickets include early entrance, complimentary parking, and festival-branded merchandise. Ticket prices for the Merlot tasting event are $55, and Syrah pairing dinner tickets cost $165. Parking is $5 per car, or free with an equivalent value donation of non-perishable food to JC Food Pantry. (As a note, no glass containers will be accepted). Tickets can be purchased online at vinovium.wine.

More information about the festival can be found on txwinejam.com.