Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas was named the Top Texas Winery at the 2023 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition. The competition was held November 11 – 13, at NRG Center and featured 3,071 entries from 18 countries, including Argentina, Bulgaria, France, Israel, Italy, South Africa, and Spain. Of those entries, 531 entries were from Texas wineries, and 160 entries came from this year’s featured region, Australia.
Messina Hof Winery has been a consistent award winner at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ competition, having won Top Texas Winery before. In the 2023 competition they received a total 24 medals in the event. Included in the awards were a Double Gold medal in the Red Italian Varietals and Blends category for their Messina Hof Winery Paulo Sagrantino, Texas, 2018. They also received multiple Reserve Texas Class Champion and Texas Class Champion awards in a variety of categories.
The Messina Hof began simply, with just one acre and fifty varietals of grapes. However, with six generations of family experience on their side, they quickly grew to success and planting additional vineyards only furthered their winemaking trade. In addition to being the Owner, CEO and Winemaker at Messina Hof, Paul M. Bonarrigo is also a judge for the International Wine Competition.
At Messina Hof, they produce a wide variety of award-winning wines that are perfect for any occasion. Their red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, and more. Their white wines list boasts Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. We can’t forget about the dessert wines which are Angel, Late Harvest Riesling, and Port. No matter what your taste buds are craving, they have a wine for you!
Their Cabernet Sauvignon has won numerous awards and is one of their most popular red wines. This medium-bodied wine has aromas of black currant and plum, with hints of oak and vanilla. It pairs well with steak, lamb chops, and other hearty meats. This year, their Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 vintage from the Texas High Plains, received a Gold medal, Reserve Class Champion award and Texas Class Champion award in the 2023 competition.
If you’re looking for a lighter red wine, their Merlot is a great option. This fruit-forward wine has aromas of blackberry and plum, with hints of cocoa and coffee. It pairs well with poultry, pasta dishes, and pizza. The Paulo Merlot, 2018 vintage from the Texas High Plains, received a Silver medal this year.
Their Sauvignon Blanc is a light bodied wine with striking aromas of lemon grass that are beautifully complemented with succulent flavors of white peach and fresh melon. These elements along with Sauvignon Blanc’s bright acidity make this a wine that pairs well with vegetables, pastas, or light seafood. The Messina Hof Winery Sauvignon Blanc Dry Cuvee 2021 vintage from the Texas High Plains won a Silver medal and Texas Class Champion award.
If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience with a difference, Messina Hof Winery is the place for you. This winery has a rich and unique history that sets it apart from other vineyards in the area. In addition to its fascinating past, Messina Hof also boasts some of the most tradition-rich wine tastings around and a variety of tours. From vineyard tours to winemaking seminars, you can get the full experience by exploring the Messina Hof grounds. If you’re looking to explore Texas wine culture at its finest, make sure to pay a visit to Messina Hof and taste their award-winning wines for yourself.
The Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition, now in its 20th year, is one of the largest and most prestigious wine competitions in the country. For more information on this year’s winners click here or join the Rodeo Uncorked! Facebook group.
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