Bryan, TX, and the Messina Hof Winery Harvest Festival
Bryan, TX, is a big, small town that is far more than meets the eye.
Snuggled near College Station, home of Texas A&M University, Bryan is its kissing cousin located about 180 miles from Dallas. Once a sleepy town on the Brazos River, Bryan has metamorphosed into its distinct community with a unique and exciting history, boasting approximately 85,000 residents with a charming hometown culture and spirit.
What’s so good about Bryan?
Bryan has something to offer everyone. The Carnegie Public Library in Bryan is the oldest existing Carnegie Library in Texas. The Catalena Hatters, founded and operated by the Catalena family, has produced custom cowboy hats since 1983 for customers worldwide.
And, if you’re shopping for something unique, Bryan is home to a myriad of thrift shops and antique stores. Old Bryan Marketplace goes on forever, with shelves of clothing, home goods, and gifts.
Take a culinary journey on the Bryan Taco Trail, featuring dozens of authentic taquerias and Mexican restaurants. Ronin Farm & Restaurant serves farm-to-table cuisine at their restaurant in Historic Downtown Bryan.
Not to mention, Bryan is home to one of the oldest wineries in Texas.
Everybody loves their wine, and Texans are no exception.
Texas is the fourth-largest wine-producing state in the United States. Thanks to the area’s perfect climate to grow grapes, the Texas Hill Country is home to many wineries.
Messina Hof Winery & Resort planted its roots in Bryan back in 1977 at what is now their Estate Vineyard. Today, Messina Hof’s Bonarrigo family is known affectionately as the First Family of Texas Wine.
Messina Hof Winery merges Old World hospitality and New World ambiance with the potential of Texas grapes. Messina Hof is one of the most-award winning wineries in the state; it produces only 100% Texas Wines.
Grapes ripen early in the Texas heat. Summertime is here, and the winery is excited to come together as a family and celebrate Messina Hof’s 45th Annual Harvest Festival.
The Festival occurs four weeks in August and includes daytime and evening events that honor the harvest tradition of picking and stomping the same grapes that go into making Messina Hof’s award-winning Port.
Harvest Festival is a fun-filled time for the entire family. Located at the Messina Hof estate, guests will gather to enjoy wine tasting, local vendors, and artisans. Visitors can also participate in the famous grape stomp and more! Even if you’re not a wine enthusiast, everyone is welcome.
The Moonlit Harvest
Will occur on Friday, Aug. 5, 19 and 26 | 7:30–9:00 PM
Experience an evening of grape-picking and -stomping! You’ll receive a souvenir “Harvest Crew” t-shirt signed with your own purple footprints. Dinner will feature a fabulous Vineyard Cuisine buffet with a wide selection of Messina Hof wines for guests to enjoy.
The Daytime Harvest
Will occur on Saturday, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 | 7:30–10:30 AM
The daytime version of the Moonlight Harvest, above, you’ll pick and stomp grapes, and then receive a souvenir t-shirt signed with your purple footprints. After stomping, complete your day at the Estate with a tour and tasting experience. You can even upgrade your experience to include a Vineyard Cuisine Brunch Box and glass of wine.
Murder in Margaritaland: A Murder-Mystery Dinner
Currently this event is sold out
Enjoy a night of chaos, mayhem, and who-done-it during this murder mystery evening, where the suspect will mingle among the guests. You’ll be left trying to decipher between facts and falsehoods to determine who the guilty party is. It all ends with a delicious dinner to cap a fun evening. I’m betting that Messina Hof wines will play a significant role.
For more information about the harvest festival and ticket information, visit www.messinahof.com and www.destinationbryan.com.
