An iconic destination in the Brazos Valley, Messina Hof Winery and Resort began operations in Bryan, TX in 1977 with a single-acre experimental vineyard, a site that still contributes to the company’s success today. As one of the largest producers of 100% Texas wines and the 4th largest Texas winery, the staff is excited to share their hospitality with you.
Messina Hof is a family-owned business based on the three cornerstones of family, tradition, and romance. They are dedicated to producing premium Texas wines that people love. Their passion is to share these wines through experiences of exceptional hospitality, food, and customer service in order to bring people into the Messina Hof Family and inspire them to share them with their own.
How the Bonarrigo Family Became the First Family of Texas Wine
In 1977, neither Paul Vincent nor Merrill Bonarrigo anticipated becoming the power couple who would pioneer the growth of the Texas wine industry. At that time, Texas possessed few commercial vineyards, and the idea that it would become the 5th largest grape-producing state was nothing short of a dream.
It all changed when Paul and Merrill received a study on grape feasibility in Texas from a Texas A&M graduate student. Armed with that data, the Bonarrigos planted the first Messina Hof vineyard at their home in Bryan, TX. The one-acre experimental location consisted of fifty varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Lenoir.
In fact, the Bonarrigos didn’t intend to open a tasting room initially. However, after their neighbors kept knocking on the door and asking to try the wine and then buy the wine, it became quickly obvious that Messina Hof needed to begin a hospitality program.
For the first four years, the Bonarrigos dedicated themselves to the vineyard lifestyle by honing the time-tested methods and practices of the winemaking trade. In 1981, Messina Hof began its award-winning legacy with a medal in the Texas State Fair for a Black Spanish-Cabernet blend. With this first victory, the Messina Hof mantra came to life: “Anything is Possible.”
The Tasting Room
The Tasting Room
Take your palate on a journey with a wine flight or bring a few bottles home. Check out our Wine Bar for weekly specials and delicious small plates.
Happy Hour | $5 select glasses of wine
Monday – Thursday
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Tuesday
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday-Saturday
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tours
Public Tours
Learn about Messina Hof’s legacy in the Texas winemaking industry, all while sipping and stepping your way through our vineyard, production spaces, barrel room, and more! Public tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 5:00 pm. Reservations are recommended.
Private tours are available upon request.
Cellar Tours
Are you curious about how we turn grapes into award-winning Texas wine? Our Cellar Tour is just for you! We will walk you through our estate while taking an in-depth look at how our wines go from vine to bottle. You’ll even be able to taste wine straight from the barrel! Cellar Tours are every Saturday at 6:30 pm. Reservations are recommended.
The Vintage House Restaurant
A recipient of the Sante Award and first to be named as an elite Chaine des Rotisseurs Restaurant, The Vintage House offers a fine dining experience unparalleled among Texas wineries. Using the trademarked Vineyard Cuisine™, the chefs fuse Messina Hof wine with fresh herbs and vegetables harvested from the estate garden and blend those flavors into every one of our dishes.
Rest, Relaxation, and Romance Await You at The Villa B&B
Named “Best Romantic Getaway” by the “Official Best Of” organization, The Villa B&B embodies the values of Messina Hof at every turn. Each of the 11 spacious suites is individually furnished to pay tribute to romantic and historical icons such as Romeo & Juliet or D’Artagnan. The ambiance is heighten with timeless heirlooms throughout the space with stained glass from one of the original Spanish missions in Texas, while beautiful stained glass windows from The Louvre in Paris adorn the Great Room.