Paul & Karen Bonarrigo
Winemaker, Messina Hof Winery
Messina Hof Winery & Resort, a Texas vineyard established in 1977 by Paul VI and Merrill Bonarrigo, is rooted in the union of two family heritages. Winemaker Paul V. Bonarrigo's family dates back seven generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill's family is from Hof, Germany.
Paul and Merrill have one son named Paul (also known as Paul VII), and he has grown up working in the vineyard and studying his father's winemaking. In 2006, Paul VII and his wife Karen married at Messina Hof Winery and Resort on a beautiful March afternoon under the gazebo in the vineyard. Paul and Karen met while Paul was attending the United States Naval Academy and Karen was studying at The George Washington University. After commissioning from the Academy, Paul VII served in the United States Marine Corps for five years. Today Paul and Karen work side by side at Messina Hof continuing the legacy and creating their own new frontiers.
Paul VII currently oversees operational duties at Messina Hof Winery and Resort, while also participating in the winemaking process, creating Father and Son Cuvees with Paul VI. Karen focuses on Human Resources and general administration of the winery.