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Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Gillespie County is renowned for its rich heritage and burgeoning wine scene, making it a fascinating hub for alcohol connoisseurs and entrepreneurs alike. As a key player in Texas's vibrant alcohol market, Gillespie offers unique insights into consumer preferences and business dynamics. This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of the city's alcohol sales, offering a data-driven perspective that highlights significant trends and patterns.

In the first section, readers will find a detailed table and analysis of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Gillespie, providing a clear picture of which venues lead the market. Following this, we break down alcohol sales by zip code, revealing which areas boast the highest concentration of sales and what this means for local businesses. Lastly, a monthly trends analysis uncovers how alcohol sales have evolved over the past year, shedding light on seasonal patterns and emerging opportunities in the market.

Top 25 Gillespie Businesses By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a list of the top alcohol-selling establishments in Gillespie for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Includes a breakdown of liquor, wine, and beer sales.
# Establishment Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
Velvet Lounge
$155,166
$103,045
$5,798
$29,003
2.
Albert Hotel
$118,123
$76,438
$21,997
$19,688
3.
Los Tios 9
$104,828
$88,697
$4,128
$12,003
4.
Crossroads Saloon
$95,266
$58,485
$13,450
$13,594
5.
Hill and Vine
$93,663
$47,967
$38,997
$6,699
6.
Cultures Grill & Bar
$84,293
$41,862
$3,128
$39,303
7.
Hondo's on Main
$81,887
$53,668
$2,458
$25,761
8.
Jack's Chophouse
$70,577
$40,230
$28,399
$1,948
9.
Elk Store Winery & Distillery
$64,875
$56,248
$8,627
$0
10.
The Horse & Hound
$64,678
$50,664
$10,597
$3,417
11.
The Emigrant
$59,950
$41,608
$9,846
$4,080
12.
Pioneer
$53,549
$31,858
$2,851
$18,840
13.
El Milagro Twenty Twelve
$50,902
$29,193
$3,860
$17,849
14.
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant
$49,595
$19,998
$27,497
$2,100
15.
Boot Ranch
$48,991
$25,322
$17,532
$6,137
16.
Pi Social
$45,361
$29,769
$9,361
$6,231
17.
Doss Volunteer Fire Department
$44,776
$0
$0
$0
18.
Headwaters for Heroes
$44,776
$0
$0
$0
19.
Alla Campagna
$41,332
$20,127
$19,897
$1,308
20.
Terrapin Station LLC
$40,026
$20,107
$3,430
$16,489
21.
Mamacita's Fredericksburg
$37,896
$29,826
$752
$7,318
22.
Albert Ice House
$37,212
$15,952
$987
$20,273
23.
Buc's Bar and Grill
$36,739
$25,483
$0
$11,256
24.
Hitchin' Post
$33,610
$17,828
$4,985
$10,797
25.
Hidden Hideaway
$33,309
$22,706
$1,137
$9,466

Top Performers in Gillespie's Alcohol Sales

Leading the pack is the Velvet Lounge at 401 E Main St Unit CDE, raking in an impressive $155,166 in total receipts. Their liquor sales alone contributed $103,045, making them a standout in the spirits category. Wine and beer also performed well, with sales of $5,798 and $29,003, respectively.

Coming in second, the Albert Hotel at 213 E Austin St generated $118,123 in total receipts. This establishment boasts a strong wine program, with $21,997 in wine sales, complemented by $76,438 in liquor and $19,688 in beer sales.

Notable Trends and Observations

The Los Tios 9 at 203 E San Antonio St claimed the third spot with $104,828 in total sales, driven predominantly by liquor at $88,697, highlighting a clear preference for spirits among patrons. Meanwhile, Crossroads Saloon at 305 W Main St showcased a balanced sales profile, with significant contributions from all categories: liquor ($58,485), wine ($13,450), and beer ($13,594).

A notable player in the wine sector is the Hill and Vine at 210 S Adams St, where wine sales reached $38,997. This is nearly half of their total receipts, signaling a wine-focused clientele. Similarly, Jack's Chophouse at 505 W Main St reported $28,399 in wine sales, underscoring a strong demand for wine in their offering.

Unique Selling Points

The Elk Store Winery & Distillery at 327 E Main St stands out with $56,248 in liquor sales and no beer sales, focusing on a niche market. On the other hand, Albert Ice House at 5435 S Ranch Road 1623 excels in beer sales, generating $20,273, which is over half of their total revenue.

Despite having total receipts of $44,776 each, both the Doss Volunteer Fire Department and Headwaters for Heroes reported no sales in liquor, wine, or beer, suggesting potential data entry errors or unique circumstances worth investigating further.

Gillespie Zip Codes By September 2025 Alcohol Sales

The following table shows a breakdown of alcohol sales by zip code in Gillespie for September 2025, ranked by total sales. Shows the number of establishments and a breakdown of sales types for each area.
# Zip Code Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer
1.
78624
83 $2,157,482
$1,340,334
$318,683
$417,487
2.
78618
2 $51,336
$1,968
$3,477
$1,115
3.
78671
3 $38,470
$16,346
$1,458
$20,666
4.
78631
4 $34,556
$18,894
$879
$8,289
5.
78675
1 $0
$0
$0
$0

Top Sales Area

When it comes to alcohol sales in Gillespie, zip code 78624 is the clear frontrunner, accounting for a whopping 94.5% of total sales. With 83 establishments, it's no surprise that this area dominates the market. The sales mix here shows a strong preference for liquor, making up 62% of sales, followed by beer and wine.

Varied Alcohol Preferences

Each zip code in Gillespie has its unique alcohol sales profile. In 78671, beer reigns supreme, taking up 54% of sales, while 78631 leans heavily on liquor at 55%. Meanwhile, 78618 shows modest sales with a more balanced mix, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Opportunities for New Ventures

Looking at the density of establishments, 78624 is saturated, but other areas, particularly 78618 and 78631, have room for growth with only 2 and 4 establishments, respectively. Entrepreneurs might find opportunities in these zip codes, especially if they target local preferences, like beer in 78671 or a diverse selection in 78618.

Noteworthy Observations

Zip code 78675 presents an interesting case with no sales despite having an establishment. This could indicate potential operational issues or untapped market potential. Overall, Gillespie's alcohol market shows a significant concentration in one area, with diverse preferences across other zip codes, presenting a varied landscape for business opportunities.

Gillespie Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months

The following table shows a summary of the last 12 months of alcohol sales trends in Gillespie. Includes total sales, number of establishments, and the percentage change from the previous month.
Month Establishments Total Liquor Wine Beer Monthly Change
Sep 2025 91 $2,272,546
$1,376,224
$317,334
$446,740
6.8%
Aug 2025 88 $2,438,676
$1,577,200
$322,964
$506,793
1.9%
Jul 2025 87 $2,485,170
$1,618,802
$348,605
$498,472
3.4%
Jun 2025 89 $2,572,509
$1,663,804
$379,977
$503,173
17.3%
May 2025 88 $3,108,780
$1,932,134
$450,427
$628,611
8.6%
Apr 2025 89 $2,863,716
$1,809,088
$470,014
$559,700
10.9%
Mar 2025 88 $3,214,356
$2,035,737
$518,073
$619,236
36.9%
Feb 2025 85 $2,347,607
$1,477,591
$379,199
$457,273
16.6%
Jan 2025 87 $2,012,664
$1,278,866
$321,686
$384,761
23.6%
Dec 2024 86 $2,633,262
$1,608,837
$457,276
$538,513
17.3%
Nov 2024 86 $3,182,605
$2,038,202
$492,599
$612,981
6.3%
Oct 2024 88 $3,396,605
$1,770,728
$476,557
$1,068,761
0%

Overview of Alcohol Sales Trends in Gillespie

Over the past 12 months, alcohol sales in Gillespie have shown some intriguing trends and shifts. The month with the highest sales was October 2024, where total receipts hit a peak of $3,396,605. This was a significant moment for the market, driven largely by a surge in beer sales, which accounted for $1,068,761 of total sales. In contrast, September 2025 saw a dip with total sales at $2,272,546, marking a decrease of 6.81% from the previous month.

Changes in Establishments and Their Impact

Interestingly, while the total number of establishments has fluctuated slightly, there has been an overall increase from 86 in October 2024 to 91 by September 2025. This growth could indicate a burgeoning market openness or increasing competition within the sector. Despite this, sales have not consistently trended upward, suggesting that more establishments don't necessarily equate to higher overall sales.

Seasonal Patterns and Their Influence

Seasonal trends play a significant role in alcohol sales. For instance, March 2025 experienced a 36.92% spike in sales compared to February, possibly due to events like St. Patrick's Day, which often boosts liquor and beer sales. Conversely, the post-holiday slump in January 2025 saw a dramatic 23.57% drop, hinting at consumer cutbacks after the festive season splurges in December.

Shifts in Sales Mix: Liquor vs. Wine vs. Beer

Examining the sales mix reveals that liquor consistently leads as the top seller, although beer made a surprising leap in October 2024 with higher sales than usual. Wine has maintained a steady but smaller share of sales throughout the year. The rise in liquor sales post-January suggests a return to normalcy after holiday hangovers, while beer's popularity fluctuates more with seasonal and social events.

Market Insights and Future Implications

The data suggests that while Gillespie's alcohol market is resilient, it's highly susceptible to seasonal influences and social phenomena. The increase in establishments indicates a potential for growth, although the market dynamics show that simply increasing the number of outlets doesn't guarantee higher sales. Businesses might benefit from focusing on strategic marketing during peak seasons and maintaining diverse product offerings to cater to varied consumer preferences.

Economic Overview

Gillespie, Texas, boasts a diverse economic landscape driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and a burgeoning tech scene. The region is widely known for its ranching and farming, with a focus on cattle, poultry, and pecans, which contribute significantly to the local economy. In recent years, Gillespie has attracted tech startups and manufacturing firms, creating a dynamic business climate that appeals to both traditional industries and innovative enterprises.

The city's strategic location and a supportive local government make it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand. Economic development initiatives are in place to foster growth, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices and community involvement. This balanced approach has helped Gillespie maintain a stable economic environment, even amid broader economic fluctuations.

Cultural Scene

Gillespie is rich in cultural heritage, offering a vibrant mix of events and attractions that celebrate its unique history. The city's calendar is dotted with festivals such as the Gillespie County Fair, which showcases local crafts, foods, and music, drawing visitors from across the state. Art galleries and historical museums provide a deep dive into the region's past, while community theaters and live music venues keep the cultural scene lively throughout the year.

The city is home to several notable attractions, including the Pioneer Museum Complex, which offers insights into early Texan life, and the National Museum of the Pacific War, which honors the area's military history. These cultural landmarks not only serve as a source of pride for residents but also as a magnet for tourism, contributing to the local economy.

Lifestyle

Gillespie offers a distinctive lifestyle with its blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. Popular neighborhoods such as Stonewall and Harper provide a range of housing options, from historic homes to new developments, catering to diverse preferences. The city's downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring boutique shops, local eateries, and entertainment venues that foster a welcoming community atmosphere.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Gillespie, with numerous parks and recreational areas offering activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The city's commitment to preserving green spaces and promoting outdoor recreation enhances the quality of life for residents and attracts those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Gillespie is poised for growth with several development projects on the horizon. Infrastructure improvements and strategic urban planning are underway to support the anticipated population increase and economic expansion. The city aims to maintain its unique character while accommodating new residents and businesses, ensuring sustainable growth.

Investors and developers will find Gillespie an appealing prospect, given its proactive stance on economic development and community engagement. As the city continues to evolve, it remains committed to enhancing its economic, cultural, and lifestyle offerings, making it a promising location for future opportunities.