HISTORY
Messina Hof Winery & Resort, a Texas vineyard established in 1977 by Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, is rooted in the union of two family heritages. Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo’s family dates back seven generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill’s family is from Hof, Germany. In Paul's family, the first born male is always named Paul, and at the age of 16, begins to learn the 200-year-old family tradition of winemaking. These winemaking skills have been passed down through each generation. The newest family winemaker, Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo, graduated from The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland as a marine and joined the family to carry on the 200 year tradition.

GROWTH
In 1983, Messina Hof's first year of developing commercial wines, Paul and Merrill produced 1,300 gallons. Our Papa Paulo Port, still one of our most popular wines, was the first wine made at Messina Hof. Messina Hof harvests from a total of 500 acres around the state. The 100 acre estate winery in Bryan produces the famous Papa Paulo Port. Messina Hof is the second largest tourist attraction in Brazos County and brings in more than 250,000 visitors per year.