Award-Winning Wines at Messina Hof’s Newest Winery
On Saturday, April 1st the Greater Houston Chapter had a wine tasting event at Messina Hof’s newest winery, Harvest Green Winery and Kitchen in Richmond, Texas. The wines we had a chance to enjoy were Private Reserve Viognier, Private Reserve Semillon, Command Post Cabernet Sauvignon, Museum Collection, Private Reserve Petit Verdot, Private Reserve Petit Sirah, and Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port. Most of them were medal winners at the 2023 Houston Livestock and Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition.
In addition, Messina Hof’s Winery also won the top Texas Winery saddle for the second consecutive year.
The Petite Sirah and Verdot were double gold winners at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. All these wines were paired with hot and cold Hors d’ oeuvres and chocolate port brownies.
We were blessed with two guest pourers, Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo, who came to town just for this event. In addition, they provided each couple/person with a signed copy of their new murder mystery “ The Curse of Estacado “ which is being considered for a full length movie about the settlement of the High Plains and the Texas Wine Industry.
Paul gave us product information on each wine we tasted and shares with us his insight
on some of the distribution challenges facing the Texas wine industry in getting their wines on the shelves of the large grocers, wine stores and on the wine lists of Texas restaurants. Merrill talked about the tasting notes, wine pairings, as well as how to sniff wine.
The four-hour event was very enjoyable, informative, and fun. Many thanks to the Messina Hof’s staff for their service and Paul and Merrill for attending. Youmade us fill special.
