Enjoy Messina Hof’s Wine and Roses Festival this Weekend
Paul Vincent Bonarrigo left his native New Jersey to work as a Physical Therapist at Bryan-College Station. Being the first-born son of an Italian Family, he was taught the wine-making process. This sixth-generation winemaker learned his wine-making skills from his Italian Family roots from Messina, Sicily. One of Paul’s patients was a researcher at Texas A and M University who found that it was viable to grow grapes of great quality in Texas. While working in Texas, Paul met a blonde German descendent from Hof, Germany by the name of Merrill. In 1977, they were married. This marriage led to planting of a small one-acre research vineyard near their home based on the information from Paul’s Aggie patient. Grapes were harvested from this vineyard in 1980 which eventually led to the establishment of Messina Hof Winery in 1981. In 1982, the Bonariggo Family was blessed with a son, Paul Mitchell. The winery and their son grew over the years with Paul M. enlisting in the armed forces and serving two tours of duty in the Middle East. In 2010, Paul M. returned to Texas to enter the Family winemaking business. In 2012, Paul M. took over the reins as the Chief Winemaker with his wife Karen taking over the Administration. This marriage established the next generation of winemakers, being Sophia Marie and Paul Anthony who plan to be the eighth generation of winemakers. Their winery is all about Family and traditions and have evolved to the “the First Family of Texas wine.”
In 1984 with their two-year old son, the Bonarrigo Family celebrated their first “Spring-Fest.” This wine festival eventually became a two-day celebration called “Wine and Roses Festival.” This April 24th and 25th marks the 42nd Annual “Wine and Roses Festival.” This year’s celebrations include:
Friday, April 24th
• Spring Wine Release Dinner
o Experience an evening of dining, exquisite wines, and artful conversation, all in support of the Arts Center of Brazos Valley. The Spring Release Dinner is based on a theme of Mediterranean Moments and will kick off with a silent auction, including artwork, experiences, and handmade pieces, all generously donated by the art community further the mission of the Arts Center of Brazos Valley. Followed is a food and wine pairing with Messina Hof’s thoughtfully curated Vineyard Cuisine™ menu. Each guest will enjoy a selection of award-winning Messina Hof wines poured to match each course, ensuring a seamless pairing experience. Every winning bid will directly support local art programs and young artists in the Brazos Valley

Saturday, April 25th
• Grape Stomp Competition – 1-3pm
o Bring your team consisting of two to four to battle in the “Wine and Roses” Grape Stomp Competition! Channel your inner winemaker and dress the part in this crowd-pleasing tradition.
• “Opposites Attract”
o Experience the world of food and wine with Karen Bonarrigo. Guests will get hands-on experience in this class while learning wine-pairing tips
• Founding Father’s Favorites
o Winemaker, Paul M. Bonarrigo, invites wine lovers to a guided tasting and experience on modern aspects of “old world wines.”

• Barrels and BBQ
o Nothing like Texas barbeque paired with wine! Robust reds, smoked meat, and tangy sauces create a tasty trio. Dine in the Vintage House Restaurant for a brimming barbecue buffet with wine pairings selected by the Winemaker himself.
I hope you will enjoy in celebrating all that is great with this gracious “First Family of Texas Wine.”