Messina Hof

Messina Hof
Location	Bryan, Texas, United States

Messina Hof is a Texas-based winery that was founded by Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo in 1977,^[1] making it the third oldest winery in the state.^[2] The winery's name is derived from Messina, Sicily, and Hof, Germany, from where the families of Paul and Merril Bonarrigo originate.^[1]

Overview

Messina Hof produces 250,000 US gallons (950,000 l) of wine which is distributed over ten states and four countries from their vineyard which covers more than 250 acres (100 ha) at over 3,700 feet (1,100 m) in elevation. The vineyard grows Black Spanish, Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese grapes which are all suited to the local climate, which is similar to the European wine making region of Burgundy.^[2]

Label

The label of Messina Hof's Tex-Zin wine was designed by Texan artist Emma Stark, and depicted children in a vineyard. The piece was criticized because of the shape of a "fold in the middle child's clothing". The fold would be covered by vine leaves in later productions of the wine.^[3]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Singer, Michelle (July 24, 2006). "Jack's Journal: Texas Wine Harvest". CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/24/earlyshow/series/americanvacation/main1828461.shtml. Retrieved 23 November 2009. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Wooten, Casey (May 9, 2008). "Face to Face with...". Houston Business Journal. http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/05/12/story13.html. Retrieved 24 November 2009. 
3. ^ May, Peter (2006). Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape: Odd Wines from Around the World. Quirk Books. pp. 202–203. ISBN 9781594740992. http://books.google.com/books?id=Qfa--dt0UlcC&lpg=PA9&ots=EsrXNiiRU-&dq=%22messina%20hof%22%20medal&lr=&pg=PA202#v=onepage&q=&f=false.  A reproduction of the offending label is on page 203