Paul V and Merrill Bonarrigo founded Messina Hof Winery & Resort in 1977 in Bryan, Texas, and pioneered the Texas grape and wine industries. Today, Messina Hof has four wineries around Texas and continues to be one of the most awarded wineries in Texas in regional, national, and international competitions. Today the Messina Hof legacy continues with their son, Paul, and his wife, Karen.
Paul V. Bonarrigo, born in the shadow of Yankee Stadium and graduated from Columbia University, served in the Navy during Vietnam, and studied winemaking at the University of California-Davis while stationed in California. Merrill Bonarrigo, a native of Bryan-College Station, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in business management.
They introduced Sagrantino grapes in Texas, and they have traveled to thirty-eight countries to teach wine, hospitality, and successful generational business transition. They lead wine tour groups around the world, blog, and write books:
Books
