The Villa at Messina Hoff
by Terry Sullivan
When visiting a winery it is wonderful to have the opportunity to stop time and enjoy the surrounding vineyards, winery and setting. Messina Hof Winery offers visitors the total agri-tourism experience. They have beautiful vineyards, award winning wines, a delightful pathway around a lake, a restaurant in a barrel room that emphasizes the pairing of wine and food, and a world-class villa.
The Villa at Messina Hof has ten beautifully appointed rooms all with a romantic theme. The romantic theme continues in the gardens, landscaping around the buildings and flower arrangements in the restaurant. Relaxing at the Villa is a must for couples and adding great wine and food should not be missed.
The Villa is the creation of Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo who own the winery. While traveling throughout Europe they attend auctions and collect many furnishings for the villa. The front doors once were the entrance to Louis Pasteur’s house. Inside the Great room you will notice a beautiful chandelier that Paul recounts in detail the adventure of hanging this large exquisite light. A comfortable seating area with fireplace adds to the romantic feeling of the room. A stairway leads to the second floor rooms and a stained glass window that was also brought from Europe.
The spacious rooms also have beautiful appointed furnishings. Some rooms come with a balcony or patio where you can spend time and appreciate the views. Other rooms have a Jacuzzi bathtub ready to pamper you. Our room was the Messina room on the second floor. From our balcony we had views of the woods and the lake. Bathrooms are much larger than those in hotels. Televisions have satellite service and the reception is very good. All ten rooms are inviting, perhaps you should visit at least ten times and experience each room.
Breakfast is served in the Great room. As you exit your room in the morning wonderful aromas begin to entice your appetite. From the second floor you can see the breakfast table already laid out with a platter of pastries, bowls of cereal and trays of fruit and cheeses. A newspaper lies at a corner. A short time after sitting, you receive the breakfast gourmet entrée item. There is no rush to eat. At Messina Hof, take your time and enjoy all the experiences.
There is much more to do at Messina Hof than a typical winery tasting room. Stroll past the vineyards and observe the development of grapes. Roses, many in bloom at the time of our visit in late April, adorn vineyard rows bridging the present with Old World past. Dinner in the Vintage House is a treat, available Thursdays through Sundays. Two dining areas both have their attractions. The dining area in the barrel room offers a beautiful setting for a romantic dinner. Or you can sit in the glassed area and feel that you are in the vineyards. Of course, there is wine tasting in the tasting room. While tasting, walk around the gift shop. Or if you wish, you can enjoy wine and a light fare lunch or dinner in the adjacent Wine Bar.
You do not have to wait for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary to share a romantic getaway at the Villa at Messina Hof Winery. The agri-tourism destination has much to offer and you may find yourself returning on a regular basis.
The Villa at Messina Hof
4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, Texas 77808
GPS: N 30º 42.147’ W 96º 19.362’
Related articles
Messina Hof Winery & Resort, Bryan
Messina Hof, Fredericksburg
Messina Hof Manor Haus, Fredericksburg
