Paul is a tried-and-true Texan. He grew up working alongside his parents, the founders of Messina Hof, in the Estate vineyard and now dedicates his time to crafting award-winning Texas wines as a seventh-generation winemaker.

In 2005, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from The United States Naval Academy and was commissioned as a United States Marine Corps Officer where he served on Active Duty. Paul served two deployments to combat zones in Iraq as an Operations Officer over Al Anbar Province for the Second Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) as well as an overseas assignment in Nigeria.

After serving, Paul returned to Messina Hof and worked as Operations Manager from 2010 to 2012 where he managed all aspects of sales and operations. He took over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Winemaker in 2012, and since that time, Messina Hof has more than doubled in size and has expanded to four winery locations in Texas.

In 2013, he received a certificate of Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He has earned the Level 3 Award from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). He was also awarded the title of Master Knight from the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine in recognition of his dedication to Texas wine.

Paul served on the board of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), and he was elected in 2018 to be the President of TWGGA and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. He oversaw all aspects of marketing, sales, and legislative support of Texas wine both at the state and national level. From 2014 to 2018 he served on the Experience Bryan College Station Board of Directors, and he currently serves on the Texas Department of Agriculture Wine Advisory Council, guiding state funding and support of the Texas wine industry.

Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo

Winemaker

At Messina Hof, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional Texas wine. Our passion is sharing these wines with others through experiences of Old-World hospitality, delicious Vineyard Cuisine, and warm customer service. We hope, through a shared love of wine, to bring people into our Family and inspire others to share our wine with their families.

Messina Hof Winery

Texas, United States

Winemakers

Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo

Winemaker