Front to back, left to right: Al Wright, Vivian Wright, Nancy Toppan, Catherine Bass, Terry Gilberti, Mary Bryant, Pete Toppan, Ken Bass, Mike Gilberti and Roy Bryant
Ladies, front to back: Mary Bryant, Catherine Bass, Terry Gilberti, Nancy Toppan and Vivian Wright; men, front to back: Roy Bryant, Ken Bass, Mike Gilberti, Pete Toppan and Al Wright
Nancy Toppan
Grapevine has become known as the headquarters of the Texas wine tasting experience. It is home to a vibrant and growing urban wine trail, which features daily wine tastings and special events throughout the year. Texas is the fifth largest wine producing state in the U.S., and Grapevine has served as a trendsetter in wine culture and a leader in the Texas wine industry with award-winning festivals celebrating the fruit of the vine as well as wineries and winemakers for more than 25 years.
Catherine and Ken Bass planned an exciting wine expedition in September. “Heard It Through The Grapevine” members visited the Messina Hof Grapevine Winery at the Wallis Hotel in the heart of historic Grapevine. The urban winery joins a collection of wineries and tasting rooms throughout this charming suburban township.
Messina Hof Winery holds its own with a 200-year history of award winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction.
Melissa Hof is the leader in the establishment of the Texas Wine industry. Harvest Festivals are held annually at their wineries in both Bryan and Fredricksburg, TX.
During their visit to the Messina Hof Winery, the Grapeviners purchased a minimum of five tasting tokens each, sampling wines of choice from dry, semi-dry and semi-sweet red and white wines, Riesling, Port, Premium, Dessert, Sparkling or wine on tap. We all had a jubilant time talking and joking during our private tasting. Some fabulous wine was purchased by our tasters.
The group then made its way to the Café Italia Ristorante, a warm and inviting upscale restaurant serving authentic Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Since BYOB was permitted, we sampled our favorite wine purchases along with our zesty Italian dishes in the quaint Italy-inspired room the Basses had reserved. Mike toasted our delightful gathering of good friends sharing good times. A toast was made to Terry and Mike Gilberti celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary. We then all chimed in with anniversary dates ranging from seven to 50 years commemorated within the year.
Visit one of the winery tasting rooms located throughout the city. You’ll be glad you did.