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Thanksgiving Pairings for Everything

November 18, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving isn’t just primetime for turkey, it’s time for wine, too! With so many dishes to enjoy in one meal, here’s a guide for winin’ and dinin’ for Thanksgiving Pairings from Messina Hof.

It’s not everyday that you get invited (again) for a private wine tasting with the owners of the most-awarded winery in Texas, so when it happens, you say yes (again.)

Pulling up to the Main Street in Grapevine, I was all smiles (and a little bit of anxiety) to spend the afternoon with my mom getting to know Paul and Karen Bonarrigo, the other half-owners of Messina Hof. The couple hails from the 40-year-old Messina Hof legacy began by Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo in Bryan, Texas, which has expanded to produce 130,000 gallons per year and the leader in the Texas wine industry. Paul also is the president-elect of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), so to say this “pairing” knows wine is an understatement.

However, about two seconds together, as the first ounce hit the bottom of the glass, it seemed like four old friends were catching up as we enjoyed several of the newly released wines. But that’s exactly the best way to describe Messina Hof – and it’s line up of more than 90 wines from 30 varietals – you can taste the family and tradition that has made it the name it is today. And each taste we enjoyed took on a new taste, but with a familiar feeling you just wanted to continue to enjoy.

So just in time for Thanksgiving, an event heralded for spending time with great food, great friends, and great family, there’s no better winemaker than Messina Hof to help you pair with the dishes you’ll have around the table. From turkey, to green bean casserole, and even your cranberry sauce, there’s Texas’ own Messina Hof to pair perfectly.

Thanksgiving Pairings

Holiday foods are usually bigger than life – big flavors, heavy textures, rich ingredients, and lots of herbs and spices. Those complex dishes make for dynamic wine pairings that can flex in different directions. Plus, your guests will have different palates and will enjoy different elements of dishes. So, have multiple wines available for sampling.

ROASTED TURKEY

Gewürztraminer

Dry Riesling

Tempranillo

FRIED TURKEY

Sparkling Brut

Pinot Grigio

Pinot Noir

BROWN SUGAR GLAZED TURKEY

Gewürztraminer

Beau

Dry Riesling

STUFFING

Chardonnay

Merlot

Sagrantino

CRANBERRY SAUCE

Grenache Rosé

Viognier

Pinot Noir

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

Sauvignon Blanc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Primitivo

PECAN PIE

Tawny Port

Solera Sherry

Paulo Port

PUMPKIN PIE

Sparkling Moscato

Angel Riesling, Late Harvest

Port

COLOR CODE:

Dry White or Rosé

Semi-Sweet/Dry Wine

Dry Red

Dessert Wine

In a Winc: Why Friends Are Still Important

August 30, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Think that life is too full to fit in a little time with your friends? It is. Friends are still important even when you’re a big kid.

Thank you to Winc for reminding me that every day is worth toasting to and sponsoring this post.

Parents (especially mamas) make a lot of sacrifices when you have kids. (Pause for the eye roll and “you can say that again response.”)

One of the biggest ones I never realized I’d totally throw to the bottom of my “must do” list was my friends.

I value my friends dearly and am incredibly lucky that many of my bestest friends are actually ones from my childhood – like since I was 2 years old. These are the ones that knew me when Cabbage Patch Kids were the closest thing to kids I had and would stay on my neon phone for hours to talk about absolutely nothing. They also would be the ones that when a boyfriend broke my heart or I wanted to talk about how my parents made me mad, they were there to listen to it all.

Then as I’ve been able to work at a few places along the way, I’ve made more than co-workers but friends that understood those crazy work stories and could giggle when we reminisced about conference craziness and how boss’s obsession with chicken poppers. Then of course there were the mama friends I’ve made that didn’t know the pre-mama me, but knew exactly when I needed help and brought over Tylenol (and Starbucks) when I needed it most.

I still cherish those memories and their friendship but things like a husband, 2 kids, work and all that other crap got in the way of me being a good friend.

Mostly because I let it.

Somewhere along the way I let those valuable bonds be replaced by babies, bosses, and other bullsh@t.

Thankfully in my old age I’ve started to notice that I’ve taken it (and them) for granted. Unfortunately I’ve also noticed, that I’m not alone.

A lot of ladies I’ve talked to lately somewhere went wrong in their pursuit of being perfect (but so far from it.)

We forgot that friendships are not something you do when it’s convenient, or just when it’s a birthday or a baby shower, or when you get divorced.

It is a human need to socialize and be with people to remind you of your best (and worst.)

As an adult WE are in charge of what we do with our time. And minute by minute, we need those friends to be a better us.

While we can’t backtrack, we can start making those friend moments a priority even when you don’t think you have the time.

1. So the next time you’re in the car, pick up the phone and call a friend. Forget Facebook and Instagram – call her.

2. Sitting in a meeting and can’t make a call? Text her and remind your friend that you think she’s awesome (she’ll appreciate it, always.)

3. Need to recharge your friendship? Ask her to coffee even if that’s just a trip to Starbucks.

4. Write her a letter (yes, people still have addresses and enjoy a handwritten note.)

5. Ask her (or even ask the whole crew over) to come over for a glass (or a bottle) of wine. If she can’t join you, send her a bottle then ask her for a Facetime and drink wine together. (Even if you don’t know what she’s drink, Winc can handle it.)

Need more ideas? No, you don’t. Friends don’t value you for what you do (isn’t that why they’re your friends), they value you because you love them and because they love you.

Need more friends? Yes, you do. There’s no such thing as too many REAL friends. So thank your old ones and if you need to make new ones, do it. Say hi, quit being quiet in the line, or smile at someone.

Need more time? No, you don’t. You probably found time to stop for Starbucks this morning or sign up for one of those Clean Up Your House Challenges you saw on Facebook. If you have time to clean out your makeup drawer, you already have time for her.

And no they won’t always be there. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and so is each valuable relationship. They can be over in a winc.

Raise a glass and toast to friends. (Need a good one? These will make you giggle.)

How do you keep your friends your friends?

Summer Sippin: Frozen Rose Slushie (Frosé)

May 24, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 5 Comments

Counting down to summer in 3, 2, 1…One taste of this frosé (that’s fancy for frozen rose slushie), you’ll be ready to for the lazy days cooling off next to the pool or at least enjoy dreaming about it.

Thanks to Total Wine & More® in Allen for kicking off the summer right with this sponsored post.

Total Wine & More® its new doors in Allen with a grand opening party, it was time to call in the troops for an evening without the kids and with the girls.

If you’ve never to a Total Wine (aka America’s Wine Superstore), the typical store has 8,000 different wines from every wine-producing region in the world, including more than 2,000 wines not available in any other store and more than 2,000 beers. Plus they do sampling, tastings and classes to educated you and help you to appreciate your wine much more. Tonight’s event included delicious apps, cheese pairings, tastings from favorite makers (Conundrum and Moet!), etchings, games, and lots of laughs. Plus it was another wonderful opportunity to browse the huge selection of wines, whiskeys and other spirits that line the many aisle of Total Wine & More®.

Most the time we are so busy we grab just the names and tastes we know, but this really grabbed my attention for finding a new wine for the summer.

Being a huge fan of rosé, I was drawn to this beautiful pink display. So of course, this Rose from Brin de Rose caught my attention, too with it’s beautiful packaging and the notes of pepper, floral notes, and that price! I walked out with several bottles ready to take on the summer head on!

Headed home in the car, I had remembered chatting with a friend a few weeks ago about planning for the summer to spend more time “taking it all in” slowly and savoring the simpleness of all our experiences. The sound of my daughter giggling when she laughs, the aroma of the earth after it rains, the taste of summer when you sip a rose…these were the things we wanted to make sure we enjoyed.

Somewhere in the conversation, the idea of a frozen rosé popped into our heads. We thought we were geniuses! We had created the best idea since sliced bread. Until of course, I Googled it and found out that we weren’t so smart since half the world had popped up with the same idea. However, the recipes we found for something so simple seemed to take too long (who wants to wait for frozen wine ice cubes) or seemed a little too boring (rose and ice.) We wanted something bright, fresh and like the taste of summer.

Challenge accepted.

Our Frozen Rosée Slushy or the fancy name, Frosé, adds all the best parts of summer with berries and lemons blended with rosé, St-Germaine, honey and ice. The St-Germain is a French liqueur made with Elderflower which is a flower that tastes like like honey and basically the taste of summer and pairs famously with lemons. I was thinking this combination was the perfect pairing for my summer adult slushy, slushee or whatever you want to call it.

I love when good ideas come together…and then you put them into the blender.

And with almost no prep, you have the perfect taste of summer. Cold, in a glass, and ready to be sipped, savored, and enjoyed. Just like summer. If you plan to have

Summer Frozen Rosé Slushee (Frosé)

Author: Autumn Reo of mamachallenge.com

Print Recipe

Description

Savor summer with this summer sipper perfect for staying cool with those hot, sultry days!

Ingredients

Scale

1 bottle of Rosé
1/4 cup St-Germaine (add more if you love Elderflower as much as I do!)
2 cups frozen strawberries (unsweetened)
2–3 tablespoons honey (local honey is always best!)
1–2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in the blender, adding ice slowly until preferred consistency.

Notes

I like a drier Rosé. You can choose a sweeter blend and omit/reduce honey for your taste.)
This recipe makes a pitcher at a time. Half this recipe for 2-3 glasses of wine (just right for you and your friend.)

Visit the Total Wine & More® in Allen, Texas at 190 Stacy Road in Allen, Texas or any of the other locations closest to you.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Total Wine & More. The opinions and text are all mine.

The Magic of The Wand: Wine Without the Hangover

November 10, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

Ever regretted the next day after a few glasses of celebratory wine? Cinderella, it’s not a dream…The Wand is your key to wine without the hangover.

I could tell you some stories about wine…

I could tell you a lot of stories of good wine I’ve enjoyed, bad wines I’ve still enjoyed, and several mornings I regretted every part of enjoyment from the night before. #hangover

Actually one of my favorite stories is one where I *may* have consumed more than my share of muscat on an empty stomach at an etiquette dinner I was hosting in college and proceeded to spend the next 48 hours rolled up next to the toilet. #classy

With a pounding headache, I vowed the morning, on the cold, vinyl floor of that one-bedroom, beat-down condo I would NEVER EVER EVER do that again.

Thankfully, over the years, I’ve come to appreciate wine much more. I’ve invested in classes, read books, and done my homework. From trips to Napa, Temecula, and Texas Hill Country, I’ve been able to understand about how it’s grown, how it’s made, and even pick up the little nuisances between certain blends, varieties, etc.

But even in all my Wine U education doesn’t mean I haven’t avoided some next-day aftermath.

So this time when I headed to Texas Hill Country, recently called “The New or Next Napa” and the second most-visited wine region in the country, I took a new magic friend with me…The Wand™ by PureWine.

Around three inches long and flat like a bookmark, The Wand absorbs the histamines and sulfite preservatives from your glass of wine just before you drink it, helping to alleviate the unfavorable reactions many wine lovers suffer from, like headaches, congestion and skin rashes. The process also rapidly aerates your wine, maximizing its full flavor potential.

So at each winery I visited I slid out my new friend and waved The Wand:

How it works

Place The Wand™ in one glass of red or white wine (6oz.)

• Swirl and soak at least 3 minutes

• Remove The Wand and discard

• Savor every sip!

Now of course you want to know – did it work?

I had a really, really good time in Fredericksburg, but the only issues I had was being really tired from my lack of sleep the next day.

…No redness, no hangover, and no Benadryl.

And because its made by a DFW local, designed by long-time health wildcatter and engineer David Meadows, I love it even more.

So with the holidays around the corner and so many opportunities to appreciate wine, why would you risk the aftermath of what can happen the next morning when you have work, taking the kids to school, and so many other obligations – so put The Wand to work.

Now if we can just learn how to make that pumpkin a Tesla…

You can buy The Wand online in 8-packs or a box of 24.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Night Out

May 7, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Calvin Klein. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #IC #euphoria4moms

I don’t intentionally mean not to make time for date night, it just happens. We’ll it actually doesn’t happen and that’s the problem.

We both know that it’s important to spend time together away from the kids to concentrate on celebrating parts of our marriage. But it seems so counterintuitive that the thing that is supposed to be a treat – something to look forward to that doesn’t require me to cook, clean or work, but instead have a good time, shouldn’t be so much work to make it happen. Finding the time, a babysitter, what to wear, what to do, where to go, and making sure things are good for the kids, etc. is a lot to coordinate and that’s just to get out the door. But I made a commitment that this time we wouldn’t let it just pass by on the calendar, we would go, experience something new, put on some and do it when we never go out – a weekday.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we would celebrate with a night on the town to FINALLY go to one of the “bucket list” restaurants we had been eyeing, Clark Food & Wood Co. And I would make it a point to dress up, wear something new, instead of something I had owned for years, and feel good about myself – you know, like you would have done when you first started dating and a date was a really big deal.

Ironically, when I went to look for a dress at, I was surrounded by young girls, having their makeup done, their hair done and beautiful dresses…it was prom season and I was smack dab in the middle of the beauty portion. However, it kinda added to my preparation period to and now I also wanted to make our night memorable, too. While our evening didn’t call for sequins, I wanted something when I slipped it on it made me feel alluring, sexy and make my husband drool – just a little. A few sprays of euphoria Calvin Klein, with its exotic florals and hints of mahogany wood, was exactly the right touch to make this day the “every day special occasion.”

The night at Clark Food and Wine Co. on Lower Greenville was ideal with the perfect patio temperature to enjoy eating outdoors and taking our time to exploring the menu that’s designed for sharing. Starting with craft cocktails including roasted bone marrow with truffle, grilled Texas Bobwhite quail, and a mind-blowing charcuterie with a rabbit and pork pate that I couldn’t stop eating and a buttermilk bleu cheese with honeycomb combo that could be dessert within itself.

We tried things we don’t normally eat and best of all, there were even options for those are gluten-sensitive so we didn’t have to make big exceptions to the dining experience. Kinda like a song, the evening was right, the food was right and the delicious Sangiovese we enjoyed down to the last drop made the night one for the books. While we bit into the bites of housemade picked and caper berries, we actually had the opportunity to talk about things that weren’t work or kid related, but us – the ones we met when we first met and decided to create a family together.

[Tweet “Celebrate #MothersDay w/ a Night Out! @Dillards, @clarkfoodwineco & #euphoria4moms #IC #ad”]

While I’ll love the Mother’s Day cards the kids will give me on Sunday with the breakfast of Pop Tarts they’ll make, this Mother’s Day it was nice to celebrate a night out with the other part of me that made me a mother…my husband.

Make your Mother’s Day mean more when euphoria Calvin Klein. Now through Mother’s Day, purchase a large spray from the euphoria Calvin Klein fragrance collection at and receive a complimentary live orchid.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Foodies

May 4, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 26 Comments

Have you ever gotten something for Mother’s Day that was a nice gift, but didn’t exactly make you jump for joy when it came as a gift that supposed to show love and appreciate for all you do? Although a vacuum or a new washer and dryer are items you might need, sometimes you just want something you like, right?

For a foodie mama, I have a few ideas for you to send to your husband with an email that says “I want this” or buy for yourself and let your family know “this is my Mother’s Day gift.”

Personalized Wine Glasses and Cutting Board Set
I love this gift set I actually got this gift for MY mama (shh!) This beautiful set includes four personalized wine glasses and a beautiful bamboo cutting board, also personalized. With several design options for the cutting board and wine glass design, you can create a classy set she’ll be happy to use!

Dinner and a Movie of the Month Club
Every month Mom gets a gourmet pasta dinner you can prepare for her in just minutes along with a Redbox movie card so you can have family movie night!

Breakfast of the Month Club
Make Mom smile each month with breakfast in bed! She’ll get a different gourmet breakfast you can prepare in no time!

Variety of the Month Club
Can’t figure out which one works best for mom? Combine any of the 38 different gourmet gift of the month clubs into one that’s customized just for Mom! Wine, Cheese, Olive Oil, Chocolate, BACON- the possibilities are endless.

Still looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day?

Holiday Wine Picks for Everyone at Every Price Point

December 19, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

For most of us, a gifted bottle of wine will cover our bases with everyone from our girlfriends, co-workers, teachers and family members. However, don’t just go pick a wine based on its cute label or name or gift just want you like to drink. Consider the flavor profile based on that person’s personality as well as the price point your pocket book can handle.

Photo Credit

Rather than make it difficult to choose the “perfect” bottle of wine, consider “visiting” a region like Sonoma County when gifting. One of the premier wine regions in the world, Sonoma County is home to more than 400 wineries and after a recent media event where I learned more about the region, it’s really an untapped area as compared to it’s more notable neighbor, Napa. And it will make you look really smart about your wine skills!

Price Point: $25.00 or less
For the dog walkers, doctors and teachers that impact everyday life, the following wines offer big flavor with a moderate price tag and are great additions to any holiday table:

Gundlach Bundschu 2013 Sonoma Coast, Estate DRY Gewurztraminer – $19.99
Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Aromas of allspice, jasmine and citrus burst from the bottle upon cork removal of the Estate DRY Gewurztraminer. The wine offers tastes of pink grapefruit, white nectarine, navel orange, lychee and star fruit. Recommended as an alternative white wine for those who want to try something other than chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, this wine pairs well with Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Available for purchase online at www.gunbun.com and at select retail stores across the country.

Merisi Pinot Gris 2013 – $24.00
Merisi Wines
With gentle flavors of peach and umami, the Merisi Pinot Gris 2013 offers body and complexity while sitting lightly on the palate and finishing crisp and dry. Filled with aromas of pineapple, sea fennel, white flowers and key lime, the additional barrel aging gives this wine enough complexity and body to hold up to a meal (think turkey), perfect for those white wine drinkers around the holidays. With only 147 cases produced annually, it makes for a rare find.

2013 Taft Street Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $25.00
Taft Street Winery
This 2013 Pinot Noir pairs very soft, mature tannins with amazing ripe fruit flavors. Aromas of ripe plum, cola and cherry tobacco lead into flavors of black cherry, blueberry, and mocha. Nicely integrated French Oak flavors add to the complexity of this Russian River Valley wine. This silky and seductive pinot pairs best with seafood. Available for purchase online at www.taftstreetwinery.com and at select retail stores across the country.

2012 Smoke & Mirrors Red Blend SRP – $25.00
Jeff Cohn Cellars
The Smoke & Mirrors Red Blend has a youthful, vibrant aroma. There are deep layers of Herbs de Provence, cream soda, and violets, quickly followed by a bright vivacious acidity that splashes across the palate. For holiday meals, this wine’s up front red fruit and underlying herbaceous spice pair well with turkey, cranberry sauce and sage infused stuffing. The blend is comprised of 39% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 8% Alicante Bouschet, 4% Petite Sirah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Mourvèdre including 40% whole cluster fermentation.

Price Point: $26.00-$50.00
Co-workers, significant other’s parents and neighbors will all be equally satisfied and wooed when being served or gifted the following wines. Each carries more than enough charm to impress without breaking the bank.

2012 Estate Malbec Zanzi Curve Vines – $28.00
J. Rickards Winery
The complex blend of fruity and spicy flavors delivered by this new-world style Malbec lends itself well to pairing with main courses and brisk winter evenings near the fireplace. A juicy California take on this popular varietal, the blend is comprised of 98% Malbec, 2% Petite Sirah, Alexander Valley. The wine is aged for 15 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Available for purchase online at www.jrwines.com and at select retail stores throughout Sonoma County.

2013 Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay – $32.00
Duckhorn Vineyards
Displaying all of the layered complexity and lush concentration that make great Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley so sought-after, this enticing wine has gorgeous aromas of peach, nectarine, Fuji apple, citrus blossom and honeysuckle. The wine’s freshness also makes it a fantastic food wine, capable of pairing with the most diverse holiday fare. Available for purchase online at www.duckhorn.com and at select retail stores across the country.

2010 Splt Rock Cabernet Sauvignon –$35.00
Viluko Vineyards
This European-styled wine boasts a lovely label and showcases the vineyard’s connection to the land and to family. This wine offers tastes of vibrant red fruits and minerality as well as Cassis, juniper and a hint of citrus peel. It has excellent acidity and food flexibility. .

2012 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir – $45.00
Gary Farrell Winery
The 2012 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir exudes enticing aromas of fresh strawberries, wild cherry preserves, cinnamon and nutmeg, which give way to an intriguing combination of oyster mushrooms, cola, cedar and an elderberry reduction glaze. With bright acidity and decadent fruit, this focused and elegant wine is enveloped by caressing soft-grained tannins and displays a pleasant, lingering finish. A beautiful expression of the varietal and of the appellation’s unique terroir, this blend captures the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. Available for purchase online at www.garyfarrellwinery.com and at select retail stores across the country.

Price Point: $51.00+
For anyone looking to make a lasting impression with their bosses and clients this holiday season, the following wines say sophistication, class and ‘thank you for not emailing me too many times over the weekend.

2012 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley –$55.00
Gary Farrell Winery
This explosive, juicy wine boasts heady aromas of Kirsch, cardamom, sour cherry chutney, violet petals and boysenberry. Complex and savory, a plethora of earthy and dark fruit flavors emerge on the palate, reminiscent of leather, huckleberry, black cherry and bay leaf. The full-bodied, bold and zesty texture is rich and satisfying, while the bright acidity creates a long, juicy finish. This wine is perfect for food pairing over the holidays with notes of fall spices, dark fruits, and earthy and savory qualities match seasonal dishes. Available for purchase online at www.garyfarrellwinery.com and at select national retail stores.

2012 Pinot Noir, Bow Tie Vineyard – $75.00
J Vineyards & Winery
This wine features intense floral, black fruit and dried herb aromas. Flavors range from black cherry, blackberry and tea leaf to caramel and bittersweet chocolate, enhanced by a rich mouthfeel, firm tannins and youthful acidity. This wine pairs well with slow-cooked, hearty dishes like that of a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Available for purchase online at www.jwine.com/.

2010 Kate’s & B’s Cabernet Sauvignon – $75.00
Medlock Ames
From individual estate blocks reflective of classic Bordeaux territory, the 2010 Kate’s & B’s Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of red plums, blackberry, mocha, smoky bacon, a hint of olive, and plushness that works with the firm finish. Winery Founders Chris “Medlock” James and Ames Morison, named this wine after their wives, Bradley and Kate. All grapes used are grown in certified-organic vineyards at the solar-powered winery. Available for purchase online at www.medlockames.com.

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Holiday Gift & Glass Set – $100.00
Silver Oak
The Silver Oak 2010 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon included in this gift set is a vibrant, elegant expression of this classic appellation from a cooler vintage. It has a deep garnet color and an enticing aroma of cassis liqueur, blueberry coulis, tobacco, tarragon and roasting coffee. The seamless palate starts with a berry-laden attack, follows with a full-bodied mid-palate, and ends with a long, savory finish with fine-grained, well-integrated tannins. One of the most popular holiday items, the package is inclusive of two Silver Oak wine glasses safely encased in a classic wood gift box.

Messina Hof Grows to Grapevine with New Urban Winery in Fall 2014

August 5, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

My French manicure may still have a purple hue, but a return to the salon is completely worth the trade for my incredible evening trek to Messina Hof for the Moonlight Harvest kickoff 2014 on Friday, Aug. 1.

While I have enjoyed sipping wine in Napa Valley, Tuscany, and recently around Grapevine, I had never been to Messina Hof. Unfortunately I also had never had the privilege of stomping grapes, part of the evening’s agenda, as well as several other surprises in store for the media and special guests from Austin, Houston and DFW that met at the Bryan winery.

I was in for more than a memorable evening, but actually history in the making for the winery that released its first vintage in 1983.

The Harvest Festival celebrated its 37^th year with its traditional picking, blessing and stomping of the grapes, but this year with a very big announcement made by the family and Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate (seen below): Messina Hof is set to open its third location with an urban winery at the Wallis Hotel in historic Grapevine, Texas.

The idea of unity flowed throughout the evening just like the relationship between the award-winning winery and a community dedicated to the future of Texas wines. With the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo (see the adorable gentlemen with the undeniable style below) dating back six generations to Messina, Sicily and Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originating from Hof, Germany, together the couple has pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

Enjoying a wine tasting on the way to the winery, upon arrival, we learned a little about the history of the vineyard and how to properly eye the “Big Kahuna” and select the right grapes for cutting from the vine. Then all the guests took their turn stomping the cold, juicy fruit between their toes before being “breaking bread” for a delicious feast featuring wine, cheese, and some of the best mushroom soup rich with Messina Hof wine.

While we all have to wait for Messina Hof to come to town, you still have the rest of August to experience the Annual Harvest Festival at the Bryan winery each weekend in August and followed by the 2nd Annual Harvest Festival at the Fredericksburg winery the last weekend of August.

The annual event celebrates the bounty of the vineyard, in a public harvest setting similar to European harvesting practices of centuries past. Patrons, friends and family near and far congregate in the pursuit of grape picking, stomping and wine tasting/dining. Eight specialty dinners punctuate these four weeks on the grounds of the winery and the only Four-Diamond resort in the Brazos Valley, the Villa Bed and Breakfast.

Get your tickets now for the Harvest Festival at Messina Hof and view the schedule here.

Perfect Pairing: Girls’ Night Out with Grapevine Wine Tours

June 24, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

When a trip to Napa isn’t in the schedule or the budget, but you really need to get away to do something fun with the girls, I highly recommend Grapevine Wine Tours. I experienced the fun of the Grapevine Wine Tour complimentary for purposes of this review. I enjoyed every moment of it and I had no idea it was just a few minutes from home!

Only a few short miles from the DFW Airport, many people are astonished at all the fun things to do inn Grapevine, Texas. One of my favorite places, there’s lots to do for visitors to Dallas-Fort Worth as well as the locals who live here. I’ve been here for more than a decade and had never heard of the Grapevine Wine Tours. With a name like Grapevine, you know that wine is part of the recipe for fun, so I was eager to hop aboard the GWT bus and see how the experience stacked up – especially next to my own Napa Valley experience.

The wine tour bus was clean, comfortable and full of hospitality as we met with our lovely tour guide, a cold bottle of water and a little bit of history before we came to our first destination for the evening: Homestead Winery.

Close to the Main Street downtown area, you’ll find Homestead. I’ve been to this area a million times (no lie) and had never seen this adorable restored home that housed our first tasting.

Raising our first glass of the evening, we were able to enjoy pours of several varieties from Homestead’s own wines produced and bottled in Ivanhoe, Texas. While I enjoyed several samples, the one I love the most was actually our first glass, the Bois’ d Arc, a medium-bodied red table wine.

I liked it so much I purchased a bottle as well to take home to enjoy. However, the crowd pleaser was definitely a chocolate wine that had several of the girls making purchases before boarding the bus for our next destination: Delaney Vineyards.

I had actually been to Delaney Vineyards before as it’s a landmark for several beautiful Grapevine events like the Vineyard 5K Run in September, but I had never had a chance to tour the facility and the grounds.

Delaney has been in production since 1996 and the Grapevine winery, along with its main vineyard in Lamesa, Texas, have been producing several award-winning Texas wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.

Honestly, after going through my photos from the evening, I had a hard time distinguishing my vineyard photos from Napa and the ones I took in Grapevine. As we walked the grounds we learned more about the wine-making process, from the vine, to the barrel and to my wine glass as well as the history of Delaney Vineyards.

Of course, no vineyard tour would be complete without a tasting! So we sat down to enjoy a few samples and catch up for a little while before boarding the bus for our last stop.

As part of our tour, we selected two wineries and dinner . However, depending on your needs and time of day preference, you choose to do a lunch tour; either four hour tour includes three wine tastings in Grapevine. However, if you find yourself in Dallas, they actually have a Dallas wine tour there as well!

Our last stop before heading back after was the main course of the evening; a three-course private dinner at Winewood Grill and another tasting opportunity. After such a great evening of hanging out with the girls, experiencing such beautiful scenery, and of course, savoring the wine, I knew I’d be doing this again the next time the girls were looking for something fun to do!

Ranging from $79.50 for lunch – $89.50 for dinner, the Grapevine Wine Tours operate twice daily. Perfect for girls’ night out, date night or just a great way to experience Grapevine, the GWT are an excellent options for any itinerary for the adults and can be experienced again and again.

Book your Grapevine Wine Tours online or by calling 817.259.WINE!

Toast to Summer with Free Car Show for Dad, Acting Camp for Kids and White Wine for Moms

June 6, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

To-Do Thursdays:

I can’t believe the summer is already in gear and it’s just June 6. Half our summer is scheduled and I’m still writing March on my documents!

So rather than resist the change, embrace it with a little bit of something that everyone will love this season starting off with Dad!

Remember Father’s Day is near, so send him (or join him) on Saturday, June 8 for the Glory Days Classic Car Show in Fort Worth on Camp Bowie.

While school is out, the kids must play (and give mom a break!) So consider some a unique day camp like this one for your budding actor or actresses in Addison. (Watch out Selena Gomez!)

Mommy needs a little time to celebrate the summer too, so round up the girls or make a date for the Summer White Wine Festival at FnG Eats in Keller. Chef Bob Stephenson, whom I have the pleasure of working to promote his creative cuisine is offering a big deal for only $40 to sample six wines and several noshes sure to tickle your taste buds!)

Salud to Summer!