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 October 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Establishment | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance/oktoberfest
|
$394,527 |
$0
|
$51,185
|
$343,342
|
| 2. |
Velvet Lounge
|
$212,621 |
$138,312
|
$7,994
|
$42,235
|
| 3. |
Albert Hotel
|
$207,313 |
$132,834
|
$41,028
|
$33,451
|
| 4. |
Hill and Vine
|
$137,168 |
$68,100
|
$57,905
|
$11,163
|
| 5. |
Crossroads Saloon
|
$135,474 |
$75,550
|
$23,806
|
$22,917
|
| 6. |
Cultures Grill & Bar
|
$132,120 |
$60,728
|
$4,357
|
$67,035
|
| 7. |
Hondo's on Main
|
$126,990 |
$78,442
|
$7,365
|
$41,183
|
| 8. |
Los Tios 9
|
$124,010 |
$105,476
|
$4,039
|
$14,495
|
| 9. |
Judge Bryan
|
$116,006 |
$23,195
|
$11,606
|
$81,205
|
| 10. |
Elk Store Winery & Distillery
|
$102,541 |
$87,427
|
$15,114
|
$0
|
| 11. |
The Horse & Hound
|
$94,854 |
$72,680
|
$16,567
|
$5,607
|
| 12. |
Boot Ranch
|
$93,153 |
$40,454
|
$12,917
|
$39,782
|
| 13. |
Jack's Chophouse
|
$89,279 |
$49,667
|
$37,108
|
$2,504
|
| 14. |
The Emigrant
|
$87,502 |
$64,730
|
$13,275
|
$5,266
|
| 15. |
Pioneer
|
$81,346 |
$47,837
|
$4,476
|
$29,033
|
| 16. |
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant
|
$79,689 |
$33,827
|
$42,249
|
$3,613
|
| 17. |
El Milagro Twenty Twelve
|
$74,068 |
$41,639
|
$5,660
|
$26,769
|
| 18. |
Terrapin Station LLC
|
$65,040 |
$33,304
|
$5,333
|
$26,403
|
| 19. |
Alla Campagna
|
$59,410 |
$28,889
|
$28,812
|
$1,709
|
| 20. |
Pi Social
|
$56,268 |
$35,839
|
$11,871
|
$8,558
|
| 21. |
Hidden Hideaway
|
$54,512 |
$38,852
|
$2,742
|
$12,918
|
| 22. |
Hitchin' Post
|
$52,250 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
| 23. |
Albert Ice House
|
$49,067 |
$22,060
|
$1,333
|
$25,674
|
| 24. |
Mamacita's Fredericksburg
|
$45,922 |
$36,518
|
$808
|
$8,596
|
| 25. |
Altdorf Biergarten
|
$44,440 |
$13,202
|
$5,132
|
$26,106
|
Top Alcohol-Selling Establishments in Gillespie
Leading the pack this October is the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance/Oktoberfest at 100 W Main St, raking in a whopping $394,527. This venue is clearly the go-to spot for beer lovers, with a staggering $343,342 of their sales coming from beer alone. Surprisingly, they have zero receipts from liquor sales, focusing heavily on beer and wine.
Following closely is the Velvet Lounge at 401 E Main St Unit CDE, with total receipts of $212,621. Their sales are predominantly driven by liquor, contributing $138,312 to their total. This makes them a strong contender in the liquor-heavy category, unlike many other top spots that balance more evenly across drink types.
In third place, the Albert Hotel on 213 E Austin St amassed $207,313, with a substantial $132,834 from liquor sales. It's noteworthy that their wine sales, at $41,028, are significantly higher than those of its competitors, indicating a strong preference for the grape among their patrons.
Trends and Insights
One interesting trend is the dominance of beer sales at venues like Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance/Oktoberfest and Judge Bryan, the latter of which also boasts a high beer sale figure of $81,205. This suggests a robust local market for beer-focused events and venues.
On the other hand, establishments like Elk Store Winery & Distillery at 327 E Main St focus heavily on liquor, with $87,427 in sales, and no beer revenue, carving out a niche in the spirits market. Similarly, Hondo's on Main and Los Tios 9 show strong performances in liquor sales, reinforcing the diverse preferences of Gillespie's clientele.
For potential investors and bar owners, it's clear that locations on Main Street are prime for high traffic and sales, evidenced by the success of several establishments in this area. This data provides valuable insights into consumer preferences and can guide decisions on where to open new venues or how to tailor offerings to maximize sales.
Gillespie Zip Codes By October 2025 Alcohol Sales
| # | Zip Code | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
78624
|
84 | $3,530,713 |
$1,899,118
|
$538,890
|
$977,460
|
| 2. |
78671
|
3 | $166,128 |
$45,700
|
$13,196
|
$107,232
|
| 3. |
78631
|
3 | $27,256 |
$18,512
|
$454
|
$8,290
|
| 4. |
78618
|
1 | $7,527 |
$2,258
|
$3,989
|
$1,280
|
| 5. |
78675
|
1 | $0 |
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
High Sales Concentration in Zip Code 78624
The lion's share of alcohol sales in Gillespie for October 2025 is clearly happening in zip code 78624, where a whopping 94.6% of total sales were recorded. With 84 establishments, this area is buzzing with activity, primarily driven by liquor sales, which make up 54% of the total. If you're looking to penetrate a robust market, 78624 is the place to be.
Varying Alcohol Preferences Across Zip Codes
Different zip codes in Gillespie show distinct preferences in their alcohol consumption. In 78671, beer dominates with 65% of sales, while 78631 is heavily skewed towards liquor at 68%. Meanwhile, 78618 stands out with a preference for wine, accounting for 53% of its sales. These differences could guide targeted marketing and inventory strategies.
Opportunities for New Establishments
With only one establishment and zero sales, zip code 78675 is an untapped market with potential for growth. Additionally, 78631 and 78618, with just three and one establishment respectively, might benefit from new entrants to better serve their niche preferences for liquor and wine. Entrepreneurs should consider these areas for expansion.
Interesting Patterns and Insights
Despite having 92 establishments, the sales are heavily concentrated in just one zip code, suggesting that the other areas may be underserved or have different demand dynamics. The strong preference for beer in 78671, coupled with its limited number of establishments, suggests potential for beer-focused venues. Understanding these patterns could inform strategic decisions for businesses looking to optimize their presence in Gillespie.
Gillespie Alcohol Sales Trends: Last 12 Months
| Month | Establishments | Total | Liquor | Wine | Beer | Monthly Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 90 | $3,717,359 |
$1,964,012
|
$544,699
|
$1,093,403
|
69.1%
↑
|
| Sep 2025 | 91 | $2,198,641 |
$1,377,068
|
$320,127
|
$469,973
|
9.8%
↓
|
| 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
|
0%
↑
|
Monthly Sales Highlights
October 2025 was a standout month for Gillespie's alcohol market, hitting a peak with total sales of $3,717,359. This represents a substantial 69.08% increase from the previous month, despite the number of establishments slightly decreasing by 1.1%. Liquor led the charge with receipts of $1,964,012, indicating a robust demand as the year winds down.
Trends and Seasonal Patterns
Looking at the past year, we see a recurring pattern where sales spike notably in months like March and May, which could be tied to events or seasonal celebrations. March 2025 saw a significant increase of 36.92% in total receipts compared to February, largely driven by liquor sales. The dip in sales during summer months such as June and July suggests a potential lull in consumer spending.
Sales Mix Dynamics
Throughout the year, liquor has consistently been the top performer in Gillespie, with wine and beer playing supporting roles. However, October saw beer sales reach an impressive $1,093,403, more than doubling from September, suggesting a changing preference or successful marketing campaigns. Meanwhile, wine sales have remained relatively stable, with occasional peaks, indicating a steady but less volatile demand.
Market Insights
The fluctuations in the number of establishments over the year, coupled with varying sales performance, indicate a dynamic market landscape. The decline in establishments from September to October did not hinder the sales boost, hinting at stronger sales per establishment or larger venues doing better. This evolving market suggests opportunities for businesses to capitalize on strong months with targeted promotions and inventory adjustments.
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.