Tucked into the historic Wallis Hotel in Downtown Grapevine, Messina Hof isn’t just another stop on the town’s wine trail. With six tasting rooms and wineries along Main Street, competition is steep, but Messina Hof stands out, proudly carrying the title of “most awarded winery in Texas.”
Since the Bonarrigo family opened its urban outpost in 2014, the winery has become a cornerstone of Grapevine’s evolving wine culture.
The Awards
In 2017, Messina Hof made history when its 2015 Paulo Sagrantino became the first Texas wine to ever win a gold medal at AWC Vienna, the world’s largest and most recognized international wine competition.
Building on that success, in 2023, the winery earned the prestigious Top Texas Winery saddle at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition. To date, Messina Hof has accumulated an impressive 155 superlatives, including 'best in category,' 'best in class' and 'best of' designations, along with 8 top saddles and 30 double gold medals and 305 gold medals.
The History Of Messina Hof
The Bonarrigo family has crafted wine since the 1800s, with at least one winemaker in each generation. Paul Vincent Bonarrigo, a sixth-generation winemaker, brought his passion for wine to Bryan, Texas. In 1977, with the help of his wife, Merrill, they founded Messina Hof Winery, making it the fourth oldest in the state. The name “Messina Hof” is a tribute to Paul Vincent’s Sicilian roots from Messina and Merrill’s German heritage from Hof.
In 2012, the legacy was passed to their son, Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo, a seventh-generation winemaker, and his wife, Karen. Today the family continues to carry the legacy forward, leading a brand that’s grown into a statewide presence with tasting rooms in Fredericksburg, Richmond and, of course, Grapevine.
The Wines
The bold Paulo Primitivo, a close genetic cousin to Zinfandel, offers rich berry notes with a peppery finish, while the Paulo Tempranillo is a structured, full-bodied red with dark cherry and smooth vanilla. The combination of French/American hybrid oak barrel aging with the warm Texas climate gives these wines alluring aromatics and color.
On the lighter side, the Artist Series Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, citrusy and perfect for warm-weather sipping on a patio, and the Private Reserve Sémillon delivers a chamomile and melon with a clean, dry finish.
Fans of dessert wines aren’t left behind either. The orange muscat mistella — a personal favorite — has a honeyed texture and a citrus zing reminiscent of an orange Tic Tac. Meanwhile, the Grapevine-exclusive Sweet Justice balances sugar plum, red licorice and wild honeysuckle in a beginner-friendly sweet red.
Sparkling lovers can toast with the unique Bonarrigo Sparkling Sagrantino, the first of its kind in Texas with a bold, distinctive grape rarely seen in bubbly form, or the ultra-popular Texas Sparkling Almond, a demi-sec bubbly infused with almond and vanilla (you’ll truly never find anything quite like this).
Our final wine of the day, Code Girls, was a delicious semi-sweet white wine blend that unfolds with layers of ripe tropical fruit, fragrant white flowers and candied citrus. This vibrant wine is a tribute to the women of the World War II era who balanced the home front with their vital contributions to the war effort.
For those looking to branch out, Messina Hof Grapevine also leaned into cocktail culture. A recent VIP tasting event featuring wine-based cocktails received such rave reviews, several were added to the menu this spring with herbal and floral flavors.
What’s The Tasting Room Like?
At the Grapevine Wine Bar, located at 201 S Main Street, guests can explore over 40 distinct wines, including a venue-exclusive Messina Hof Grapevine blend and the Paulo collection — ultra-premium wines showcasing the winery’s refined craftsmanship.
Guests can follow a selection of curated tasting flights — or go off-script and handpick five wines of their own, tailoring the experience sip by sip.
“Our portfolio is so broad, we can truly find something for anyone,” General Manager Amber O’Sheal said during our visit. “Some guests know exactly what they want, but others like to be more adventurous.”
Inside, the space is a dynamic mix of charm and sophistication with vintage wood features and bright window spaces. With multiple tasting areas, wine on tap, curated flights and savory small plates, the experience is more than a pour — it’s a celebration. The venue also includes gift-worthy accessories and private event spaces, offering something for the casual taster and the seasoned connoisseur alike.
Guests can pair their wine with a selection of fresh fruits, nuts, olives, cured meats and unique cheeses, but it’s the mustard and jam that truly steal the show. Made with Messina Hof wines, the riesling-based mustard is crafted from grapes harvested at their sweetest, creating layers of apple, pear and honey. The cranberry jam, made with their syrah, is a moody mix of dark fruit and peppery, herbal undertones.
Both are available in the gift shop — ideal for a gourmet basket or, even better, a treat for yourself. The shop also makes it easy to take your favorite wines home. On my way out, I couldn’t resist grabbing a bottle of the Texas Sparkling Almond and the Code Girls.
Drink Like A VIP
Joining the vip wine club unlocks more than just perks — it’s a true sense of belonging. Members receive quarterly shipments of their favorite wines, enjoy exclusive discounts and gain access to special events, but as O’Sheal explains, it’s about much more than that. “We roll out the red carpet for our VIPs,” she said. “They’re truly like family. Some even came to my baby shower.”
Additional perks include:
- Sunday Socials: one complimentary glass anytime during business hours, plus half-price glasses from 3–6 p.m.
- Quarterly pick-up parties and member socials at the winery
- Complimentary glass when picking up your wine if you miss the pick-up party
- Invitations to two annual member bashes at the Estate Winery in Bryan
- $20 flat-rate shipping for all orders, including quarterly shipments
VIP Wine Club members also enjoy these ongoing discounts:
- 20% off all wine purchases (bottles, glasses, flights and tastings)
- 10% off gift shop items, accessories and gourmet foods
- 10% off stays at the Villa Bed & Breakfast and Manor Haus
- 10% off ticketed events at all four winery locations
- 10% off food items at all locations
Best of all, there are no membership fees. Each quarter, members can choose three, six or twelve bottles — customized to their tastes, whether sweet or dry, red or white. Forget to order? No worries. You can set your favorites to auto-ship. And yes, they deliver!
We thank Messina Hof for hosting and treating us. Visit at 201 S Main Street, Grapevine.
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