Bryan-College Station is known for a lot of things. Texas A&M, Kyle Field, and the George Bush Library. But just north on highway 6 is a winery that proudly stands at the forefront of the Texas wine industry.

The Messina Hof legacy began with one acre, fifty varietals of grapes, and six generations of family experience. They have won thousands of awards, including multiple Houston Rodeo grand champion saddles. All it takes is one step into this vineyard, and you will understand why.

The Tour

To start your wine journey, take a tour around the vineyard. Here, the tour guide will show you the process of turning grapes into wine. Visitors will get to walk up and down the vineyard, as well as walk through the entire process of wine-making. Not only do you learn how to make the wine, the tour also shows you the different areas of the vineyard, including a bed and breakfast, a tasting room, a fine-dining restaurant, and a beautiful outdoor area perfect for dog walks.

The Vintage House

Perfect for graduation, ring days, or any special occasion, the Vintage House is a new fine-dining experience located in the Bryan location of Messina Hof. Every meal on the menu is made using Messina Hof wine, for the best flavor. Each course has been expertly paired to create the perfect wine and food experience for you and your dining companions. The menu is composed of some of the family’s favorite meals and there is something for everyone. The menu also includes the perfect wine pairing for every item.

The brunch menu is made up with various popular breakfast items including the Breakfast Burger and Chicken and Waffles. For lunch, there is a great salad selection with all of the dressings being homemade in the kitchen. A fan favorite entree would be the Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken, which is a Crispy Gorgonzola stuffed chicken breast with a truffle oil and mushroom risotto and Chardonnay Gorgonzola cream sauce. On the dinner item, you can find the steak and more pasta items, but don’t forget about dessert! There is an array of wonderful dessert items to choose from.

The Tasting Room

For something a little more casual, the Tasting Room is a great place to go catch up with friends and enjoy a few glasses of wine. There is both an indoor and an outdoor area, with a bar outside during the spring! The ambiance is great and their menu includes the typical winery foods, charcuterie boards.

The Wine

The wine is some of the best out there. Made entirely in Texas, Messina Hof has become the most award-winning winery in the Lone Star State and one of the largest producers of 100% Texas wine. In fact, the wine is so good that in 2013 Messina Hof became the first Texas winery to win Top Overall at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There is a huge collection to choose from, from dessert wines to rosés or white wines to reds, you are sure to find one you enjoy. 

What is unique about Messina Hof wines is that the artwork on the bottle of the Artist Series wine is created from people around the state. It is submitted in a contest that is held at the Bryan location. Upstairs of the Vintage House, you can see the artwork in full form up on the walls. Since this is a winery in Bryan-College Station, there is a special A&M series as well, with designs on the bottle relating to the traditions on campus. 

Visit Messina Hof for happy hour Monday – Thursday from 4-6 p.m. and enjoy $5 select glasses of wine. The Wine & Roses festival is coming up on May 6 and one of the activities includes the famous Wine & Roses Grape Stomp Competition! For more information on how to sign up, visit this website. 

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Cover photo courtesy Messina Hof

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University and in her free time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.