A New Addition to the Hwy 290 Wine Trail: Messina Hof

On our most recent wine tour with friends Tom and Mary, driver (and hubby) Bruce spied a billboard for Pedernales Falls Winery that provided needed directions. Simultaneously, Tom and I both shouted, “Messina Hof!?!” (@messina_hof #mhhillcountry ) Bruce was baffled; “it’s just a billboard” he thought. “TURN AROUND!” we both told him. “There’s a Messina Hof back there!”  So turn back he did. (We visited Pedernales, one of our favorites, later that day.)

We discovered that it didn’t open for another half-hour, so we planned to visit Pedernales, then come back. As we walked back to our car, general manager Steve Warren popped his head out and said, “We’ll open early for you!” in his gentle Texas drawl. He didn’t have to ask twice.

We adore Messina Hof’s wines, but even for us Aggies, their main location in Bryan puts it out of range for a day wine trip from San Antonio. So we were ecstatic to find a new, nearby location.  With the Texas Hill Country ranking as the second most visited wine region in the US (behind Napa), owner Paul Bonarrigo executed a genius business move by opening here.

They opened three months ago, and it’s clear from the site that they have further building plans. Four small B&B cabins sit out back (pictured at right), and they soon begin work on their on-site winery building. Once spring rolls around, some landscaping will make the place even more inviting. They just planted their first vines (Lenoir).

Five tastes and a souvenir wine glass cost $5—a tough decision with 45 to choose from. I focused on whites, while Bruce tried a variety of their excellent ports. The aromas of French oak permeated the rich and buttery chardonnay. The Beau (a blend of shiraz and muscato) is fruity and light, a perfect summer sipping wine.  With the exception of their sparkling wines, all their grapes come from Texas (at this location; not in Bryan).

Their large tasting room features two tasting bars and a small seating area. They also have a special events room available for reservation.

Messina Hof is known for their ports; unfortunately, neither Tom nor I enjoy ports or sherries. But Steve (that's him on the left) was persistent. He insisted that we both try the Solera sherry. We were both floored (and both came home with a bottle or two). I have rarely tasted a wine with so many complex flavors—vanilla, cherry, almond, creamy, and some chocolate. It was quite simply amazing.

You will definitely want to plan a visit soon to this new addition.