Here’s why we think a getaway at Messina Hof in Bryan, TX, is a good idea and a great experience.
Texas Travel Talk’s review of Messina Hof in Bryan, TX.
Central Texas has many notable destinations, and Bryan, TX, is one of them. Bryan is an excellent choice for a weekend road trip from major cities (Austin, Houston, Dallas). And Messina Hof Estate Winery is in the midst of it all.
Are you familiar with Messina Hof Winery? Not only do they offer award-winning wines, premium wines, and wines you can only get at their estate in Bryan, TX, but they set the scene of Texas wines and are the pioneers of the Texas wine industry.
The owners of Messina Hof came to Bryan, TX, in 1977 from Sicily to build what is today known as one of the best Texas wines. They made Bryan their home, planted their first vineyard, and named it after their family origins in Messina, Sicily, and Hof, Germany.
My friend and I were hosted at Messina Hof Villa B&B and dinner at Messina Hof Vintage House Restaurant. All opinions are my own.
Messina Hof’s of Texas
You can find Messina Hof wineries and tasting rooms in several towns in Texas. The one I go to is the Messina Hof in Grapevine. The one in Fredericksburg is part of the Texas Wine Trail in the Texas Hill Country. Their estate winery and vineyard is in Bryan, TX, and the newest location is in Richmond, TX (near The Woodlands and Sugar Land, TX).
But all grapes are grown in Bryan and made in the winery there. Sometimes, they get their grapes from the Texas High Plains in Lubbock, TX, where most of the grapes in Texas are grown.
Our Review of Messina Hof in Bryan, TX
A one or two-day getaway at Messina Hof Estate Winery is all you need to feel relaxed and refreshed. Whether you go there for the whole experience and have no intentions of leaving or to spend some time in town, too, you’re in for a treat.
My favorite part of our stay was walking on the path to the gazebo and feeding the turtles in the pond. I walked that path at least thrice and couldn’t get enough of watching those turtles come up to me for food (whether I had food or not). FYI, the tasting room has free food for the turtles; just ask them.
The Exquisite Messina Hof Estate Villa Bed & Breakfast
As you enter the foyer of the Villa, decorated in timeless heirlooms with beautiful stained glass windows and a gorgeous antique chandelier from the 20s hanging from the ceiling, you can’t help but think about the days of the past and what it was like to live in those days. There were many oohs and aahs from our mouths. There are 11 suites perfectly furnished with antiques depicting romance and historical icons such as Lancelot & Guinevere, Thomas Jefferson, and D’Artagnan.
You don’t have to spend a romantic getaway here to enjoy the beauty of it all, but it is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion with your spouse or partner.
When you stay at the Villa B&B, you get to enjoy all these perks:
- A private patio or balcony
- Large tubs
- A lovely breakfast each morning
- Wine & cheese plate in the Wine Bar
- Complimentary tour & tasting
- And many walks around the vineyard
- and more
Messina Hof Tasting Room in Bryan, TX
The entire estate is within walking distance, so you don’t need to get in your car to drive to any of these places. The tasting room is one of the original buildings on the estate and boasts an extensive wine selection. Among them are reserve premium wines and library wines only available at the winery. If you like wine accessories, they have some, too, along with gourmet foods and chocolate. Also, you do not have to stay at the Villa to enjoy the tasting room or the restaurant. Both are open to the public.
The Wine Bar inside the tasting room is an excellent place for an after-work glass of wine, maybe some light bites, and to mingle with friends.
Messina Hof Vintage House Restaurant in Bryan, TX
You will experience fine dining as we did with vineyard-style cuisine consisting of fresh herbs and vegetables harvested from the estate and local gardens. Whether celebrating a special occasion or visiting for the first time, the friendly staff will help make your time memorable.
The menu features all those foods we crave from upscale restaurants, and each course here is paired with a style of wine, creating the perfect wine and food experience. Our entrees consisted of steak cooked to our liking and the best-mashed potatoes we’ve ever tasted. The Cab went very well with our dinner.
The Vintage House Restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
Messina Hof Estate Winery and Vineyard
Here is a perfectly suggestive itinerary for a weekend at Messina Hof Estate Winery and Vineyard.
Make pre-reservations online at Messina Hof Villa B&B.
- Check in at the Villa B&B when you arrive to get your key.
- Walk around the property. Everything to do there is within walking distance.
- Make reservations for dinner at The Vintage House Restaurant.
Day two:
- Enjoy breakfast at the Villa B&B.
- Take a wine tour (make reservations the day you arrive). Enjoy a small wine tasting, which is included with the tour.
- Walk around the property. Be sure to grab a cup of pellets from the tasting room for the turtles, then walk around the pond to the gazebo.
- Enjoy the tasting room and have a wine tasting.
- Order a charcuterie board or light bites from the Wine Bar, or go into town for a more robust dinner. We went to Ronin in downtown Bryan.
- Take a late-night walk around the property and marvel at all the lights.
Day three:
- Enjoy a morning walk with a cup of coffee or hot tea in hand
- Eat a delicious breakfast at the Villa
- Check-out
It’s pretty simple, yet divine.
Don’t forget – you’ll get a lovely breakfast each morning. Breakfast consists of coffee and tea, fruit, cheese, yogurt, granola, and the best cranberry orange muffins I’ve ever had. That’s not all. You’ll want to save room for the hot plate, whether it be French toast, quiche, or something else. Those two are what we were served.
What We Did In Bryan
Esther and I took some time to explore the town of Bryan. We saw some lovely homes and a few places to go shopping (but they were closed). Before we left, I made reservations at Ronin’s for dinner. We enjoyed an appetizer of fried green tomatoes and okra and shared an entree.
But before that, we had a fantastic massage session at one of the spas in town. The town is minutes away from the estate.
So, when planning to visit Messina Hof in Bryan, TX, I hope these suggestions help.
Next Read: Texas’ Finest Wines And Wineries
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