The Bonarrigo Family
Our love for wine goes back
seven generations to Messina, Sicily.
Over 200 Years of Winemaking
Since the 1800s, there has been a winemaker in the Bonarrigo family. Paul Vincent Bonarrigo, the sixth-generation winemaker, brought his love of wine to Bryan, Texas. With the help of his wife, Merrill, the two of them established Messina Hof Winery in 1977, making it the fourth oldest winery in the state. The name is a combination of Paul Vincent’s heritage from Messina, Sicily and Merrill’s heritage from Hof, Germany.
In 2012, the torch was passed to Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo, Paul V’s son and seventh-generation winemaker, and his wife, Karen. The dynamic duo now manages all aspects of wine production, vineyard operations, and general business.
Messina Hof through the years
1977 | Paul V. and Merrill planted the first one-acre vineyard at their home in Bryan, establishing the fourth winery in Texas.
1980 | The first harvest was held, inspiring our motto: “Join the Family”
1982 | Paul Mitchell is born, and Vineyard 2 is planted, fondly called the ‘snow’ vineyard by Merrill.
1983 | The first official wine tank is installed.
1984 | Celebrated the first “SpringFest,” which eventually became the Wine and Roses Festival.
1987 | Messina Hof Wines were sold into Texas Distribution for the first time.
1989 | The Guest Center and Vintner’s Loft B&B, which later became the Tasting Room, was built using materials from the historic Howell House and Ursuline Academy.
1992 | Paul V. was elected to his first term as the President of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), which he would serve for three years.
1995 | We opened our first restaurant, Trattoria, which was later renamed to The Vintage House.
1998 | The Villa Bed and Breakfast opened.
2001 | Messina Hof wines were featured at the Inauguration of George W. Bush in Washington D.C.
2006 | The first Messina Hof Wine Bar opened.
2010 | Paul Mitchell and Karen returned to Texas.
2011 | We expanded our reach into Texas wine country with the opening of our Hill Country Winery in Fredericksburg.
2012 | Paul M. took over as Chief Executive officer and Karen became Director of Administration.
2014 | Messina Hof Grapevine Winery, our first urban winery, opened establishing our presence in Historic Downtown Grapevine.
2015 | We produced and debuted the first ever Texas-made Sagrantino.
2016 | Our production capacity expanded with the installation of new stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels equaling 95,000 gallons.
2017 | We celebrated our 40th Anniversary!
2018 | Paul M. was elected as President of TWGGA and Chairman of the Legislative Committee.
2020 | The Bonarrigo Family Wine Collection launched.
2021 | Our fourth location, Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen, opened in Richmond.
2022 | The Museum Collection launched.
2024 | Our first collection of Off Dry wines launched.
2024 | We celebrated 10 years of wine at our Messina Hof Grapevine Winery.
2025 | We introduced the first ever Sparkling Sagrantino in Texas.
