Summary: Messina Hof Winery and Resort celebrates its 31st year with Harvest Festival 2008.

Brazos Valley Reporter Feature Stories
Brazos Valley Reporter
Feature Story

Harvest Festival 2008 Launches at Messina Hof Winery and Resort

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In our special Tour Series we help you experience the Brazos Valley virtually. Through this series, we will share with you "Hidden Treasures of the Brazos Valley and why so many people choose to visit the Brazos Valley and move their families and businesses here. Be sure to take the virtual tours listed in this article. It's almost like being there!

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SPECIAL LINKS: Moonlit Harvest 2007 Virtual Tour>, Saturday Harvest 2007 Virtual Tour>, Saturday Stomping 2007 Virtual Tour>,
Tour and Wine Tasting 2007 Virtual Tour>, Messina Hof Lakeside Virtual Tour>, Murder Mystery Dinner 2007 Virtual Tour>,
Visit our Harvest Festival 2008 Special Feature Section >
Paul Bonarrigo on the Brazos Valley and Messina Hof>

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Fuel prices continue to soar and many are having to curtail their travel plans this year. Fortunately, we live in that special place called the Brazos Valley and it's a better time than ever to explore our local options....and there are many! And, at the same time, it's a great way to support our local businesses!

The Brazos Valley has so many “hidden treasures.” One of these is Messina Hof Winery and Resort, a true "Destination" located in Bryan, Texas on Old Reliance Road. Now in their 31st year, Messina Hof's Harvest Festival 2008 will provide 5 fun packed weekends of special activities and opportunities for a very special getaway for you and your family. As they say at Messina Hof...."Come join the family!" As we continue with our special Tour Series, we want to share with you just how special Messina Hof is. If you have not been there, you're in for a really special treat...and a few surprises as well!

What really matters you know is not how FAR you go….but, what you do…..and, does it feel like a “getaway.” Is it somewhere the entire family can enjoy? I can tell you from my direct experience covering Harvest Festival 2007 that participating in the Harvest Festival is something really special for you and your family and all ages can enjoy. Read on to see why.

The retail center at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

Harvest Festival 2008 kicks off Friday, July 18th, with the Moonlit Harvest, the first celebration of the season, and continues with special events for 5 consecutive weekends from July 18th to August 17th. Activities include: grape picking, grape stomping, Vineyard cuisine luncheons, wine & food seminars, and special dinners featuring unique menus - all in a family-oriented festival atmosphere.

Visit our Harvest Festival 2008 Special Feature Section or the Messina Hof web site for more details >

Vineyard at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

What an inviting escape from town the Harvest Festival is. Just a couple of minutes out Old Reliance Road from Highway 6 and you're there, but it feels like another world!

For specific directions, please visit the Messina Hof web site>

Orientation prior to harvesting at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

The events kick off with a brief orientation in which you are taught the basics of grape picking and background information about Messina Hof. Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo are wonderful, entertaining speakers and very hospitable. One of the things you will learn is that you will play a part in making the World's best Port!

For a fascinating, more in depth look at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, please read the following interview by the Brazos Valley Reporter:
Paul Bonarrigo on the Brazos Valley and Messina Hof>


Picking at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

In the vineyard, there's plenty of support and good conversation from owners and winemakers Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo and their staff.

Picking at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

With all these people, it's just amazing how fast the picking session goes...and, how many grapes are picked in just a short time! We're talking tons of grapes!

Having a great time picking at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

But, most importantly, what I learned my my experience with this in 2007 is this is about so much more than just picking grapes. The surprise in all this is how much I saw families just having a fantastic time together!

 


Working together, side by side, great quality family time!

Experiences that will be remembered forever. Special time together that is priceless!

Proud results picking at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

Taking pride in what your doing and achieving something you may have never done before can be very satisfying.

 

Having a little fun at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

It was great to see so many people just having a good time. I could write about this all day, but I know from being there that this is just something you have to come and experience to really feel what I did from being part of this..

The BIG Kahuna at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

A "Big Kahuna" is always chosen from the participants prior to the Grape Stomping. Will you be the Big Kahuna? Come and see! This little guy sure enjoyed being the Big Kahuna!

Stomping with the Big Kahuna at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

And, the Big Kahuna did a great job with his team!

Wine Tasting at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

Wine tasting awaits you and I can assure you that will be an experience!

Good times together at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

In front of the Vintage House Restaurant at Messina Hof.

The retail center at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

And, don't forget while you're there to stop by the retail center where you will not only find great wines and foods, but unique decorative and gift items.

Un unforgetable experience at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, Bryan, Texas

Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo have created an exceptionally beautiful place for all to enjoy and share experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. The hospitality you will experience here at Messina Hof is unsurpassed. I really enjoyed covering the events in 2007 and anxiously await the arrival of this year's Moonlit Harvest. For a sneak preview, travel with me now to relive the events of last year's Harvest Festival. I hope to see you at this year's events!

Moonlit Harvest 2007 Virtual Tour>

Saturday Harvest 2007 Virtual Tour>

Saturday Stomping 2007 Virtual Tour>

Tour and Wine Tasting 2007 Virtual Tour>

Messina Hof Lakeside Virtual Tour>

Murder Mystery Dinner 2007 Virtual Tour>

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