Messina Hof becomes the 4th winery in Texas in 1977.
Messina Hof Timeline
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1977
Messina Hof Winery opens in Bryan, Texas
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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.
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1981
1st Award-Winning Wine
Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo win their first medal for a Lenoir Cabernet Blend at the Texas State Fair.
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1982
1st Expansion
Messina Hof expanded from one acre to eight acres.
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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.
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1984
1st Harvest Festival
Messina Hof held their first Harvest Festival in 1984. This event would inspire Messina Hof’s motto “join the family.”
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1984
1st Wine & Roses Festival
Originally called “Springfest” this event celebrates the budding of the vines and blooming of the roses.
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1987
Sold into Texas Distribution
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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.
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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.
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1989
Messina Hof Sold in Japan
This was the first international sale for Messina Hof and consisted of 600 cases.
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1990
Angel Riesling Becomes the First Texas Wine to Receive a 90 in Wine Spectator
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1990
10,000 Cases Produced
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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1999
The Villa Bed and Breakfast Opens
The Villa Bed and Breakfast was designed by the Senior Class of Texas A&M Architecture Department.
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2001
Messina Hof Wines at Inauguration of President George Bush
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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
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2006
Paul Mitchell and Karen marry at Messina Hof
This was the first marriage held at the Gazebo near the Waterfall Garden.
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2006
The Wine Bar Opens
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2010
37,000 Cases Produced
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2016
60,000 Cases Produced
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2016
Messina Hof Expansion
Messina Hof added new stainless steel tanks and oak barrels equaling 95-thousand gallons.
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2017
Messina Hof’s 40th Anniversary!
Celebrating 40 years of Texas winemaking.