Messina Hof Timeline

  • 1977

    Messina Hof Winery opens in Bryan, Texas

    Messina Hof becomes the 4th winery in Texas in 1977.

  • 1981

    1st Wine Produced

    Messina Hof produces its first wines – Chenin Blanc, Lenoir Cabernet Blend and Lenoir Port. The label was designed by a local artist and featured a black and white drawing of the property.

  • 1981

    1st Award-Winning Wine

    Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo win their first medal for a Lenoir Cabernet Blend at the Texas State Fair.

  • 1982

    1st Expansion

    Messina Hof expanded from one acre to eight acres.

  • 1983

    500 Cases Produced

    The first Messina Hof wine sold into distribution included Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Savignon and Port. Each bottle was registered and accompanied by a certificate.

  • 1984

    1st Harvest Festival

    Messina Hof held their first Harvest Festival in 1984. This event would inspire Messina Hof’s motto “join the family.”

  • 1984

    1st Wine & Roses Festival

    Originally called “Springfest” this event celebrates the budding of the vines and blooming of the roses.

  • 1987

    Sold into Texas Distribution

  • 1987

    Paul Vincent Becomes a Knight of the Vine’s Master Knight

    Knights of the Vine is a brotherhood that celebrates the wine industry and education. A Master Knight or Master Lady means this person has demonstrated superior wine knowledge; a love for wine, and a deep interest in furthering the cause of wine.

  • 1989

    Guest Center Built

    What is the Tasting Room today, the Guest Center was built with materials from the Howell House and Ursuline Academy, it included the Vinter’s Loft.

  • 1989

    Messina Hof Sold in Japan

    This was the first international sale for Messina Hof and consisted of 600 cases.

  • 1990

    Angel Riesling Becomes the First Texas Wine to Receive a 90 in Wine Spectator

  • 1990

    10,000 Cases Produced

  • 1992

    Paul Vincent Becomes TWGGA President

    Paul Vincent served three terms (1992, 1993 and 2002) as President of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

  • 1995

    Restaurant Opens

    Messina Hof’s original restaurant opened and was named Trattoria, later the name was changed to The Vintage House. Chef Charlie Watkins designed the kitchen.

  • 1996

    The First TWGGA Conference was Held at Messina Hof

    Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association is an organization that promotes the production and appreciation of premium grapes and fine wines from Texas, and represents a unified state industry with common marketing, governmental and educational goals.

  • 1996

    Messina Hof featured in the movie “The Evening Star”

    Messina Hof caught the attention of filmmakers after winning two gold medals at the LA Country Fair. This film, a sequel to the Oscar-winning movie Terms of Endearment, features Messina Hof’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

  • 1998

    Paul Mitchell Receives his Red Beret at the Hatting Ceremony

    The hatting ceremony occurs at age 16. The firstborn Bonarrigo receives the red hat, a symbol of the winemaking tradition.

  • 1999

    The Villa Bed and Breakfast Opens

    The Villa Bed and Breakfast was designed by the Senior Class of Texas A&M Architecture Department.

  • 2001

    Messina Hof Wines at Inauguration of President George Bush

  • 2005

    Paul Vincent Becomes Chairman of the Texas Wine Industry Development Advisory Committee.

    The Texas Wine Industry Development Advisory Committee helps assess the condition of Texas’ wine industry and develops recommendations for the Texas Department of Agriculture

  • 2006

    Paul Mitchell and Karen marry at Messina Hof

    This was the first marriage held at the Gazebo near the Waterfall Garden.

  • 2006

    The Wine Bar Opens

  • 2010

    37,000 Cases Produced

  • 2010

    Messina Hof Becomes First Best of Herd Texas Winery at the San Antonio Rodeo

    This is a title Messina Hof has continued to hold year after year and means Messina Hof received the most awards in the competition.

  • 2011

    Messina Hof Hill Country Winery Location Opens

    Sitting on nearly 10 acres in the heart of Texas wine country along Highway 290, this winery also has its own vineyard. The Lenoir grapes grown at this location go into the making of more traditional style ports.

  • 2011

    The Villa Bed and Breakfast Becomes a AAA 4-Diamond Property

    A Four Diamond hotel is refined and stylish, providing upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. This is an honor Messina Hof still holds today.

  • 2012

    Paul Mitchell Becomes CEO

    The second generation of winemakers took leadership at Messina Hof with Paul Mitchell becoming Chief Executive Officer and wife Karen becoming Director of Administration

  • 2013

    Messina Hof receives GrapeFest’s First Tall in Texas Award

    This recognition is given by the Texas Travel Industry Association and showcases leadership in the Texas wine industry.

  • 2013

    Messina Hof Becomes 1st Texas Top Overall Winery at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

    The compeition consisted of 947 wineries from 22 countires around the world.

  • 2013

    Messina Hof Earns TWGGA “Lifetime Achievement Award”

    Awarded by the Texas Wine and Grape Grower’s Association, the John E. Crosby Jr. Lifetime Achievement award recognizes exemplary contributions to Texas grape growing.

  • 2014

    Messina Hof Grapevine Winery Location Opens

    Located in Downtown Grapevine, this location is Messina Hof’s first urban winery and also features multiple tasting areas with 40 different wines.

  • 2016

    60,000 Cases Produced

  • 2016

    Messina Hof Expansion

    Messina Hof added new stainless steel tanks and oak barrels equaling 95-thousand gallons.

  • 2017

    Messina Hof’s 40th Anniversary!

    Celebrating 40 years of Texas winemaking.