Become a Ranch Hand for a Day in Fredericksburg

Imagine swapping your city shoes for cowboy boots, spending a day among over 300 animals at the Fredericksburg Exotic Game Farm. For $175 per person, you’ll gain a genuine taste of farm life in a setting that combines hands-on animal chores with a touch of local charm. The tour lasts around three hours, starting at Grapetown Vineyard in the morning, and offers a rare opportunity to work alongside the Ranch Manager, learning the ropes of caring for everything from capybaras to rescue horses.

What we love most is the chance to get truly involved — feeding, brushing, and even trimming hooves, which makes this experience more than just sightseeing. Plus, the wine tasting at Grapetown Vineyard adds a relaxing break after a busy morning of chores. A cozy bunkhouse overnight stay is also included, perfect if you’re looking to extend the experience and soak up the rural atmosphere.

One thing to consider is that things are subject to change due to the diverse and dynamic collection of animals — so don’t expect the same animals on every visit. Also, this experience is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as some chores require a bit of stamina. This tour is ideal for animal lovers and curious travelers eager for an authentic farm day, especially if you enjoy hands-on activities and farm life stories.

Key Points

• Authentic farm chores like feeding, brushing, and hoof trimming provide a true farmhand experience.
• The small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures personalized attention and a more immersive experience.
• The combination of animal care and wine tasting offers a nice balance of activity and relaxation.
• The overnight bunkhouse stay adds value for those wanting more than just a day trip.
• The experience is located at a picturesque vineyard, enhancing the rural ambiance.
• Price reflects a well-rounded, hands-on farm experience with added amenities, making it a good value for animal enthusiasts.

Starting Point and Overall Setup

Your day begins at Grapetown Vineyard, a scenic spot that sets a relaxed, inviting tone. The tour runs from 9:00 am, giving you plenty of time to get oriented before diving into farm chores. Since the tour is limited to 10 guests, you’ll likely find yourself in a friendly, small-group environment where you can ask questions, learn more, and get personalized attention.

The price of $175 per person might seem steep at first glance, but in reality, it’s quite reasonable given the range of activities. You’re not just watching animals — you’re actively participating in their care, plus enjoying wine tasting and overnight lodging. This makes it a solid value if you’re craving an authentic, hands-on farm day with extra comforts.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out

What truly sets this tour apart is the hands-on approach. Unlike many farm or zoo visits that are purely observational, here you’re part of the daily routine. We loved the detail that you will collect and wash chicken eggs, a simple yet satisfying task that brings you closer to farm life. The opportunity to brush rescue horses and slop pigs makes this experience rewarding and meaningful, especially for animal lovers.

Another highlight is the learning element — you’ll pick up skills like trimming goat hooves and deworming the herd, which adds a layer of authenticity you won’t easily find elsewhere. Plus, the variety of animals, from buffalo to zebras, means you’ll encounter animals you rarely see in conventional farms.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the experience offers genuine engagement, it’s worth noting that animal behavior can be unpredictable — some animals might not always cooperate, and chores can vary day to day. Also, because things are subject to change, you might not see all the animals listed on your visit.

Plus, since moderate physical fitness is recommended, expect some lifting, bending, or walking. If you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed, observational tour, this might not be your best fit.

Who Will Love This

This tour is perfect for animal lovers who want a real farm experience, especially those interested in caring for diverse species. It’s also suited for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers eager to roll up their sleeves. If you’re interested in local wines and rural charm after your chores, the vineyard adds a relaxing touch. But if you’re looking for a purely educational or purely leisurely visit, some might find the hands-on chores a bit tiring.

Itinerary Breakdown

Morning at Grapetown Vineyard

The day kicks off with a meet-and-greet at the vineyard, which provides a peaceful setting surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. This is perfect for setting a relaxed tone before diving into activity.

Animal Care Tasks

From there, you’ll move directly into feeding and tending to animals. Expect to collect eggs from the chicken coop, a simple task but one that gives a real sense of farm authenticity. We loved the opportunity to wash eggs — it’s satisfying and offers a snapshot of farm life that’s rarely included in typical visits.

Feeding and watering animals like rescue horses, pony, and Kune Kune pigs are core activities. The brushing and grooming give a chance for animal interaction that’s both therapeutic and fun.

Skills and Chores

You’ll learn how to trim goat hooves and deworm the herd, which introduces you to the practical skills farmhands use daily. These are hands-on tasks that provide insight into animal health and farm management.

Exotic Animals & Herd Management

Hay and grain are used to feed buffalo, zebras, and other exotic animals, giving you a rare peek into managing a diverse herd. Because the farm includes over 300 animals, the specific species you work with could vary, but the variety ensures a lively, engaging experience.

Relaxing and Tasting

After chores, you can unwind with a complimentary wine tasting at Grapetown Vineyard, offering a taste of local Texas wines. The setting is ideal for reflecting on your farm day while sipping wine in a scenic vineyard.

Overnight Stay

If you choose, you can spend the night in a cozy bunkhouse—a great way to extend your farm experience and enjoy rural tranquility. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a group or want a more immersive getaway.

Final Thoughts

This “Become a Ranch Hand” experience is a rare opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn about animal care, and enjoy some local wine—an excellent combo for those who appreciate authentic farm life. It offers a personalized, engaging day that goes far beyond passive sightseeing, making it ideal for animal enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of rural Texas.

While it might not be suitable for those seeking a completely relaxed, non-physical activity, its small-group size and diverse activities make it a memorable, rewarding outing. Plus, the inclusion of an overnight stay adds real value for those wanting to extend their farm adventure.

If you enjoy working with animals and want to experience farm life in a friendly, scenic setting, this tour should definitely make your list.

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at Grapetown Vineyard, located at 8142 Old San Antonio Rd, Fredericksburg, TX, around 9:00 am.

How long does the experience last?
The farm activities take about three hours, making it a manageable half-day adventure.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the hands-on chores and moderate physical activity suggest it’s best suited for older children or teens with some stamina.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for physical activity — closed-toe shoes, jeans, and hats are recommended. Expect to get a bit dirty.

Are there any age restrictions?
The provided data does not specify age restrictions, but given the nature of chores, younger children should be supervised appropriately.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Since moderate physical fitness is recommended, those with mobility concerns might find some chores challenging.

What animals will I work with?
You might handle anything from horses and pigs to zebras and buffalo, but the exact animals may vary day by day.

Is overnight lodging included?
Yes, there is an option for an overnight stay in a cozy bunkhouse, which is part of the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What makes this tour different from a typical farm visit?
It’s the hands-on nature, small group size, and the variety of animals that provide an authentic, memorable experience.

This farm experience balances authenticity, activity, and relaxation in a setting that’s genuine and welcoming. Whether you’re a dedicated animal lover or just curious about farm life, it offers a chance to connect with animals and local Texas charm in a meaningful way.