2010 Press Releases
Messina Hof Hosts “Artisan Cheeses and the Art of Cheese Making”
10.14.2010
Messina Hof is pairing award-winning wine and preparing the “best of the best” artisan cheeses at the October cooking class, “Artisan Cheeses and the Art of Cheese Making” on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The hands-on cooking party will feature an array of instructions and recipes, give guests the opportunity to try and review artisan cheeses of different ages, while also learning the processes and procedures of making them.
Messina Hof Headlines Sullivan’s Steakhouse Wine Dinner
09.29.2010
Messina Hof and Sullivan’s Steakhouse are pairing up to offer an award-winning combination. The sultry rich flavors of Messina Hof wine will satisfy guest’s palates as they dine on savory steak and seafood at the evening wine dinner. Messina Hof will showcase wines at the Sullivan’s Steakhouse Wine Dinner on Wednesday, September 29, 2010.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine Appreciation Class: Wine and Chocolate Part Two
09.26.2010
Daunted by a pairing that should be so naturally simple? Join Messina Hof for the monthly Wine Appreciation Class, focused on “Wine and Chocolate Pairing,” on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 3 p.m. The second installment of this pairing session will teach guests the secrets of tasty wine and chocolate pairings, while also exploring and identifying complimentary flavors of wine and chocolate using all five senses.
Messina Hof to Host “Marfa Shadows” Western-Themed Dinner
09.25.2010
Passionate about culinary-crime-fighting novels? Renowned Texas food writer and author John Demers will make an animated appearance at Messina Hof Winery and Resort on September 25, 2010, to discuss his most recent book, Marfa Shadows, over wine and a stunning four-course spread inspired by the book’s main chef character.
Messina Hof Headlines the 24th Annual GrapeFest
09.18.2010
Messina Hof will be featured at the 24th Annual GrapeFest Texas Wine Tribute Gala on September 18, 2010 at the Hilton DFW Lakes. Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, co-owners of Messina Hof, will be on hand at the black-tie affair that boasts delicious courses, with dessert paired with flavorful Messina Hof wines, specially chosen for the menu. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and a silent auction.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine App. Class: “Harvest - Wine and Food Pairing”
08.29.2010
Messina Hof will hold a Wine Appreciation Class focused on “Harvest - Food and Wine Pairing” with an emphasis on “sauces” and how special sauces impact the dish and the wine that best complements it on Sunday, August 29, 2010 at 3 p.m. The modern pairing techniques involve discovering different combinations of wine and food that compliment each other and bring out the flavors of each to create the most enjoyable dinning experience possible.
Beat the Heat and Enjoy Summer Grill Specials At Messina Hof
07.26.2010
Messina Hof is grillin and chillin for the July 2010 month-long event featuring four grill specials at the Vintage House Restaurant. Summer is the perfect time for grilling, but instead of melting over an outdoor grill in the Texas heat, the chefs at the Vintage House Restaurant will do the work for you.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine App. Class: “Messina Hof & Texas Wine History”
07.25.2010
Messina Hof will hold a Wine Appreciation Class, focused on “Messina Hof and Texas Wine History,” on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 3 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the unique difficulties wine makers had starting vineyards in Texas, Messina Hof’s rich Texas wine history as well as how this renowned winery has influenced Texas wine culture for the future while tasting award-winning wine.
Celebrate the “Blessing of the Vines” with Messina Hof
07.16.2010
Messina Hof is celebrating its 33rd anniversary and Harvest celebration, which will feature the blessing of the vines at the Moonlit Harvest on Friday, July 16, announced Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, co-founders of Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan, Texas. Messina Hof will host not one, but two enchanting “Moonlit Harvests”. The first Moonlit Harvest on Friday July 16, 2010, will feature the annual “Blessing of the Vines” by Father John Malinowski of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan.
Messina Hof Celebrates 33rd Anniversary with 2010 Summer Harvest
07.16.2010
Messina Hof is celebrating its 33rd anniversary and the harvest of the vines July 16 to August 15,2010, announced Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, co-founders of Messina Hof in Bryan, Texas. Harvest is a time when guests can experience the century-old tradition of making wine by picking and stomping of the grapes. Wine lovers, including special guests and local celebrities, will roll up their sleeves and pants and partake in the first phase of winemaking with the Messina Hof Family.
Messina Hof Hosts International BBQ Inspired Cooking Party with the Chef
07.15.2010
Messina Hof will host a cooking party inspired by international barbecue on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Guests at this cooking party will learn about the world of international barbecue, focusing on Japanese, Korean, and American Cuisines. Each participant will have the opportunity to create an array of succulent dishes, each expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines.
Celebrate Father’s Day with Messina Hof with a Special Jazz Brunch
06.20.2010
Messina Hof is hosting a special Father’s Day Jazz Brunch in coordination with the 4th annual Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival showcasing the best “reds” Texas has to offer– red wine and red meat, Sunday June 20, 2010 in Bryan, TX. Guests will enjoy the live jazz stylings of The Greg Tivis Jazz Trio as they feast on a gourmet meal prepared by the expert culinary team at Messina Hof.
Messina Hof Hosts “Tex-Mex” Themed Cooking Party with the Chef
06.17.2010
Messina Hof will host a fiesta at the “Tex-Mex“ Cooking Party with the Chef on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The cooking party will feature an array of savory and spicy dishes expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines. Attendees will prepare dishes that are full of flavor and distinction while learning how zesty ingredients inspired by traditional Mexican dishes can add excitement and life to any cuisine.
Messina Hof Named Texas Grand Star Champion; Receives 17 Awards
06.08.2010
Messina Hof recently announced the vineyard’s winning wines from the 2010 Lone Star International Wine Competition . The 27th annual Lone Star International Wine Competition was held June 7 - 8, 2010 in Historic Grapevine, Texas.
Carol’s at Cat Springs to Host Messina Hof Dinner
05.13.2010
Messina Hof will hold their May vintner dinner at Carol’s at Cat Springs Restaurant on May 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy fine Texas dining provided by Carol’s, while also enjoying Messina Hof wines, specially chosen for the menu. Carol's at Cat Spring Restaurant is an award-winning white tablecloth gourmet restaurant known as a country establishment with fine dining in the lodge tradition that turns out dishes from country fare to continental cuisine.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine Appreciation Class: “Texas Wines & Texas Cheese”
04.25.2010
Messina Hof will hold a Wine Appreciation Class focused on “Texas Wines and Texas Cheese” on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 3 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to learn how to pair the Texas twosome perfectly, so their next evening affair will be as memorable as it is tasty.
Messina Hof to Host Wine and Roses Festival & Other Entertainment
04.24.2010
Messina Hof is celebrating the budding of the grape vine and the blooming of the roses with their Annual Wine and Roses Festival on Saturday, April 24, 2010. This traditional viticulture practice allows winemakers to gage the health of their vines by placing a rose bush on the end of each row of grape vines.
Merrill Bonarrigo Named “Texas Blazing Star”
04.22.2010
Merrill Bonarrigo was recently named the Women’s Chamber of Commerce Texas Business Woman of the Year (TBOY): “Texas Blazing Star” of 2010. The Blazing Star Awards were announced at the TBOY luncheon on April 22, 2010 in Austin, Texas. This prestigious distinction recognizes business women who are on the fast track to success, and follow their own path to get there. The luncheon, presented by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas, is known as the “Academy Awards” for Texas business women.
Merrill Bonarrigo Named Texas Blazing Star Award Finalist
04.18.2010
Merrill Bonarrigo was named a finalist for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce Texas Business Woman of the Year (TBOY): “Texas Blazing Star” of 2010. The Blazing Star Awards are presented at the TBOY luncheon on April 22, 2010 and recognize business women who are on the fast track to success, and follow their own path to get there. The luncheon, presented by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas, is known as the “Academy Awards” for Texas business women.
TAMU Roadrunners Host 2010 “Run Thru the Vines” at Messina Hof
04.17.2010
Messina Hof announced the vineyard will host the course for the 33rd Annual TAMU Roadrunner’s “Run Thru the Vines” during Texas A&M Parents Weekend. The 5k and 10K Fun Run and Walk will be held Saturday, April 17, 2010 and will benefit Aggie Habitat for Humanity and Texas A&M Roadrunners. Messina Hof will be the starting point for both the races, and starting time is 9:30 a.m. The unique trail will wind through the vineyard and surrounding country roads.
Messina Hof Hosts “Movies in the Vineyard After Sunset”
04.16.2010
Messina Hof is setting up the big screen and welcoming guests to relax in the vineyard to enjoy light bites, wine and movie classics. Tasty cuisine will be available from the Messina Hof Wine Bar, including various pizzas, salads and sandwiches as well as Messina Hof award-winning wines by the glass and bottle.
Messina Hof Headlines the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival 2010
04.15.2010
Messina Hof will join more than 100 restaurants and 60 wineries to promote Texas food and wine at the 25th Annual Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival presented by Central Market April 15-18, 2010 throughout the Greater Austin area.
Messina Hof Headlines “The Bluebonnet Wildflower Trail”
04.03.2010
Messina Hof is welcoming spring alongside the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail’s namesake event “Bluebonnet Wildflower Trail”, which will take place the first three consecutive weekends of April 2010.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine Appreciation Class: “Wines of Burgundy”
03.28.2010
Messina Hof will hold a Wine Appreciation Class focused on the “Wines of Burgundy” on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 3 p.m.
Messina Hof Hosts “Cajun Feast” Cooking Party with the Chef
03.18.2010
Messina Hof will spice things up while awakening your taste buds for some southern hospitality when the vineyard hosts a “Cajun Feast” themed Cooking Party with the Chef on Thursday, March 18, 2010. The “Cajun Feast" cooking party will feature an array of Cajun dishes expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines.
Messina Hof Hosts “Thai Cuisine” Cooking Party with Chef
03.17.2010
For this month’s cooking class, Messina Hof is bringing the dishes of Southeast Asia to Bryan, Texas! Join Messina Hof Winery on Thursday, April 8, 2010 as they celebrate Thai cuisine and its perfect mingling with other cultures that made it what it is today. Guests will prepare and enjoy proper Thai meals, while recognizing firsthand the guiding principle behind every dish.
Paul Bonarrigo Featured at George Bush Library Aggie Wine Tasting Event
03.14.2010
Messina Hof and co-founder Paul Bonarrigo will participate in a special Aggie wine tasting event in coordination with the “Culture of Wine” exhibit at the George Bush Presidential Library (GBPL). Paul Bonarrigo and three other Aggie winemakers will be on hand to showcase their wines in a special VIP reception.
Messina Hof Celebrates Texas Independence Day with Bistro Le Cep
03.02.2010
Messina Hof will be the featured wine at the Texas Independence Day Dinner at Bistro Le Cep on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. On March 2, 1836, settlers in Mexican Texas officially broke from Mexico, creating the Republic of Texas. The dinner will celebrate the declaration of independence and include five fabulous courses of authentic bistro cuisine, each paired with an award-winning Texas wine from the Messina Hof wine selection.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine Appreciation Class: “Wines and Chocolates”
02.28.2010
Messina Hof will hold a Wine Appreciation Class with a wine and chocolate theme on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3 p.m. Those who love fine chocolate and fine wine will find key points of similarity. Both are made from fruit, the cocoa nibs from which chocolate is made are the seeds of the fruit from the cocoa tree, and grapes are the fruit which are used to create wine.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Messina Hof Winery & Resort
02.13.2010
Messina Hof has planned a special Valentine’s Day menu to serve on the evenings of Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14 in the romantic Vintage House Restaurant. Guests will choose from a variety of options on the four-course menu created and prepared by Messina Hof’s expert culinary staff.
Messina Hof Hosts Valentine Murder Mystery Dinner
02.13.2010
A tantalizing night in Tinseltown filled with twists and terror. After a night of accolades at the Academy Awards Show, you will attend the A-list after-party hosted by millionaire Vanity Affair. While socializing and schmoozing with Hollywood’s elite, careers will be made, secret love affairs will be revealed, scandals will be broken and someone will die. With a VIP victim and the celebrities all suspect, you will be called upon to find the criminal by cracking thisred carpet caper.
Paul Bonarrigo Appointed to TX Dept. of Ag. Advisory Committee
02.12.2010
Messina Hof CEO Paul Bonarrigo has been appointed to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Texas Wine Industry Development and Marketing Advisory Committee. The committee, which Bonarrigo is the founding chairman of, will advise the Texas Department of Agriculture on various initiatives designed to strengthen the impact of the growing Texas wine industry on the Texas economy.
Messina Hof Hosts "Aphrodisiacs & Oysters" Cooking Party with the Chef
02.11.2010
Messina Hof will host an “Aphrodisiacs & Oysters to Chocolate” themed Cooking Party with the Chef on Thursday, February 11. “Aphrodisiacs" & "Oysters to Chocolate" will feature an array of love inspired dishes expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines. Attendees will prepare a mouth-watering romantic masterpiece, while learning secrets from Messina Hof’s culinary masterminds.
Messina Hof Wines Awarded 8 Medals in 2010 San Antonio Wine Competition
02.09.2010
Messina Hof was awarded eight medals at the San Antonio Wine Competition held on January 30, 2010. The award winning Messina Hof wines will be showcased and served at events comprising the San Antonio Wine Festival benefiting KLRN Public Television.
Messina Hof Features Brett Montgomery Cooking Party with the Chef
02.07.2010
Messina Hof welcomes Brett Montgomery, Executive Chef at the Renaissance Greenway Hotel in Sugar Land, Texas as the host of its Visiting Chef Cooking Party on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Attendees will create a fast and flavorful meal featuring some of Montgomery’s favorites, and will discover that the secret to the Renaissance Hotel’s culinary dishes. The meal will be expertly paired and served with award-winning Messina Hof Wines.
Messina Hof is Helping to “Grow Good Kids”
02.05.2010
Messina Hof has partnered with the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Organization and the Brazos County Texas Agrilife Extension Service announced Messina Hof Co-founders Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. On Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, Messina Hof will host a science in-service training for both middle and high school teachers in conjunction with the new partnership. The training will focus on expanding science and technology in the classroom as well as highlighting careers for youth.
Romance on the Wine & Chocolate Trail with Messina Hof
02.05.2010
Messina Hof will host a Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail Wine & Chocolate kick-off dinner on February 5, 2010 in conjunction with the Texas Bluebonnet Wine & Chocolate Trail February 6-7 and February 13-14. The specialty dinner will feature expertly prepared cuisine from the Messina Hof culinary team paired with wines from the seven Texas wineries along the trail including: Messina Hof, Bernhardt, Colony Cellars, Cork This, Pleasant Hill, Retreat Hill, and Windy Winery.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort Partners with Kroger to benefit ChildBuilders
02.01.2010
Messina Hof is partnering with Kroger grocery stores throughout Texas to support the Houston-based non-profit ChildBuilders, announced Messina Hof Co-founders Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. From February 1 until April 30, 2010, Messina Hof will donate $5 of each case of wine sold in more than 175 Texas Kroger stores to the ChildBuilders organization.
Messina Hof Hosts Wine Appreciation Class: “The Red Wines of Bordeaux”
01.31.2010
Messina Hof will host a Wine Appreciation Class with a Bordeaux Red Wine theme on Sunday, January 31 at 3 p.m. “The Red Wines of Bordeaux” will take guests on a journey through the Bordeaux region. The large and diverse wine region produces everything from world-renowned dessert wines to world class cellar worthy reds, delicate roses, dry whites and exuberant ce´mants. This wine class will give guests a better understanding of the region through learning about the grapes grown to produce all Bordeaux red wines.
Messina Hof Hosts Bridal Show
01.17.2010
Messina Hof showcases all wedding day essentials at the Annual Bridal Show. Featuring the newest trends in wedding events, the winery’s all encompassing show offers brides the picture-perfect wedding plan. Information on everything from decorations and refreshments to music, photography and stylists will be available. Samples of themed tables with the latest colors, decors and personalized WOWs will give the wedding party hands-on choices to make every decision easy.
Messina Hof Hosts “Stock to Finish” Cooking Party with the Chef
01.14.2010
To assist with menu planning, Messina Hof will host a stock–filled themed Cooking Party with the Chef on Thursday, January 14, 2010. “Stock to Finish” will feature an array of savory soups and stock inspired dishes expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines. Attendees will prepare a mouth-watering liquid masterpiece, while learning secrets from Messina Hof’s culinary masterminds.
Messina Hof Features Chef Peter Laufer in Cooking Party with the Chef
01.03.2010
Messina Hof Peter Laufer, Executive Chef of the InterContinental Houston and “the Restaurant” as the host of its Visiting Chef Cooking Party on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2009.
Messina Hof Launches Online Educational Video Initiative
01.01.2010
Messina Hof is pleased to launch its new online educational video initiative, announced Messina Hof co-founder Paul Bonarrigo. The new video initiative will kick-off in January 2010 with a series of “how-to videos” uploaded to the Messina Hof YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/messinahof, and the Messina Hof online store.
2009 Press Release Archive
2008 Press Release Archive
2007 Press Release Archive
2006 Press Release Archive
