There is absolutely no dying my love of a good bottle, I mean glass of vino after a long day. Whether it is in celebration of a successful work day or winding down after a less-than-awesome afternoon. Wine seems to fix it all for me! Since most of my friends and family are quite versed in their favorite varietals, I found some time recently to get acquainted with some new tastes.
Founders of Messina Hof, Paul & Merrill Bonarrigo, married and settled in Bryan, Texas and together would re-introduce the concept of winemaking in Texas. The Bonarrigo family began making wine in the 1800s in Sicily. Paul & Merrill planted their first vineyard in 1977 and named it Messina Hof, after their family origins of Messina, Sicily and Hof, Germany. The Bonarrigos became pioneers of the Texas wine industry having established Messina Hof as the 4th winery in the state.
Today, their son, Paul Mitchell Bonarrrigo and his wife, Karen, continue the legacy of world-class wines and hospitality with the same founding principles of family, tradition and romance. Messina Hof remains a leader in the Texas wine industry, which now has over 350 registered wineries. The Messina Hof brand has also grown from producing only 1,300 gallons to now over 130,000 gallons per year with three location in Texas: Bryan, Fredericksburg, and Grapevine.
Being a Texas boy born and bred, I knew I had to get a taste for Texas wines. Messina Hof was kind enough to send me a few of their favorite picks for me to enjoy and boy did I. Their Grenache Syrah, Mouvdre became one of my fast favorite. With flavors like blackberry, dark cherry, and plum it’s easy to see why. Growing in popularity, GSM is a great full-bodied red. Love a dry white? The Chenin Blanc will be your favorite. Naturally sweet and very fruity with flavors of apple and pears. Chenin Blanc was one of the first grapes that they grew in their Messina Hof Bryan vineyard. Love it with fish or chicken (or by itself!) after a long day.
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