Messina Hof Winery & Resort

As you may or may not already know, I am originally from Texas.  It is true- you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texas out of the girl! -even though we have moved a couple of times and a couple of states over the past eleven years. So recently while my husband (also native Texan) and I were back visiting we thought we would locate the nearest winery.  Having visited California multiple times and Oregon, I was anxious to see how Texas wines stood up to the more well known wines.

Since we were in the Bryan/College Station (home to Texas A & M University where our daughter is attending and I am an alum) area, we found Messina Hof Winery & Resort.

What a delightful discovery!  Messina Hof is located in Bryan and was established in 1977 by Merrill & Paul Bonarrigo VI.  Messina Hof's winemaking heritage dates back more than 200 years, originating in the founder's homelands of Messina, Sicily (Paul's family) and Hof, Germany (Merrill's family), hence the name. The art of winemaking has been handed down for seven generations. 

Our timing was a little off so we were unable to take the winery tour, but since we had time to spare, we decided we needed to do a wine tasting.  They have quite an extensive offering of wines from Cabs, Zins, Merlots (to name a few dry reds) to Chardonnay's and Rose's to other semi dry reds and whites, dessert & specialty wines.  We however, concentrated on the dry reds (can't do them all in one tasting).  Our first was the Pinot Noir and then several of the various Cabs.  The owner Paul also offers a super-premium line under the Paulo label.   One of the more memorable labels was the Texas Hold 'Em Red blend which is a great everyday enjoyable wine.  We were then treated to a tasting some of the Ports, which were all amazing!

Not only do they offer tastings, as I mentioned, they also have winery tours and a Wine Bar attached to the Tasting Room & Gift Shop.  They offer tons of events, such as Happy Hours, Sunset Tours, classes and themed dinner parties.

 

If you care to extend your stay beyond tastings, they have The Vintage House Restaurant which features fresh produce from local growers. You can also dine in the Barrel Room.  If you still can't leave, they have The Villa, voted "America's Most Romantic Bed & Breakfast", which provides guests with romance, privacy and world-class elegance.  The Villa houses ten romantically unique themed and decorated rooms.  They can also arrange corporate and special events.  There are too many aspects to mention here so go to their website for more details (www.messinahof.com).

 



If you can't make it to Bryan and are closer to the Texas Hill Country, venture over to  Fredericksburg and check out their newest location.  In 2011, The Bonarrigo family established the Messina Hof Hill Country Winery.  Merrill's family originates from Hof, Germany and settled in Fredericksburg in the 1800's. This beautiful 10-acre estate includes a Wine Garten, "Manor Haus" B&B, VIP Room and Guest Center.  This place will be my next trip!

 

Can't wait to return!

 

Cheers!

Lisa