News Summary
Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas is set to celebrate its 41st annual Wine and Roses Festival from April 25 to 26. The event features wine tastings, a grape stomp competition, and local artisan showcases. It honors the Bonarrigo family’s winemaking legacy while bringing the community together for a weekend of excitement, music, and exquisite Texas wines. Tickets are available online, promising an unforgettable experience filled with fun, laughter, and fantastic wine.
Messina Hof Winery Set to Celebrate 41 Years of Wine and Roses in Bryan, Texas
Get ready, Bryan, Texas! The annual Wine and Roses Festival is just around the corner, and this year marks a special occasion: it’s the festival’s 41st anniversary! From April 25 to 26, the air will be filled with excitement, music, and, of course, some of the best Texas wines around.
Meet the Bonarrigo Family
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Bonarrigo family, often referred to as the first family of Texas wine. Their journey began when Paul Vincent Bonarrigo, originally from New Jersey, made the big move to Bryan-College Station to kickstart his career as a Physical Therapist. But it wasn’t long before he found his true calling in winemaking, thanks to an intriguing discovery made by one of his patients at Texas A&M University. This revelation opened the doors to the possibility of growing high-quality grapes right here in Texas!
Paul eventually crossed paths with his future wife, Merrill, a blonde babe with roots from Hof, Germany, and the two tied the knot in 1977. Their love story led to the founding of a one-acre research vineyard in 1978, and by 1980, they had their very first grape harvest. Two years later, in 1981, Messina Hof Winery was born!
A Legacy of Winemaking
The Bonarrigo family expanded when they welcomed their son, Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo, into the world in 1982. Fast forward through some life adventures, including two tours in the Middle East, and Paul M. returned to Texas in 2010, ready to dive back into the family winemaking business. By 2012, he had taken the reins as the Chief Winemaker, while his wife, Karen, managed the operations.
The family’s commitment to their craft is evident as the next generation, including children Sophia Marie and Paul Anthony, are stepping in to carry on the family legacy. As the recognized “First Family of Texas wine,” the Bonarrigos have made quite a mark in the region, and they are ready to celebrate this milestone together with all of you!
Festival Highlights
The upcoming Wine and Roses Festival is set to be an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the fabulous events you can look forward to:
- A Spring Wine Release Dinner that will benefit the Arts Center of Brazos Valley. This delightful evening will feature a silent auction and a specially curated dining experience.
- A thrilling Grape Stomp Competition where teams can take part in this juicy, traditional event!
- Learn the art of charcuterie in a crafting class led by the wonderful Karen Bonarrigo.
- Enjoy a guided rosé tasting session with Chief Winemaker Paul M. Bonarrigo himself.
- Don’t miss the Barrels and BBQ event for a delicious barbecue buffet paired with exquisite Messina Hof wines.
- Join in on the fun at the Wine Cocktail Workshop to learn how to whip up a trio of tantalizing wine cocktails.
- Explore a Vendor Fair showcasing the incredible talents of local artisans.
Art Takes Center Stage
But that’s not all! This year’s festival will also feature an exciting art competition where local artists can submit their creations for the chance to be adorned on a Messina Hof wine label. It’s a perfect opportunity for artists to gain recognition, and who knows? Your art could be sipping alongside guests as they enjoy a glass of award-winning wine!
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets for the Wine and Roses Festival are already available online at the Messina Hof website, along with details on how to participate in the art competition. Gather your friends and family, and make your way to Bryan for a weekend of fun, laughter, and, of course, fabulous wine. Cheers to another amazing year at Messina Hof Winery!
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Additional Resources
- Your Conroe News
- Wikipedia: Texas wine
- Texas Highways
- Google Search: Messina Hof Winery
- KBTX
- Google Scholar: Messina Hof Winery
- Canvas Rebel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wine making
- Your Conroe News
- Google News: Texas wine
