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The Vintage House
Categories: Restaurants Arts & Entertainment Wineries Food Wineries Restaurants, Wineries [Edit]
Messina Hof Winery4545 Old Reliance Rd
Bryan, TX 77808
(979) 778-9463
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for The Vintage House
12 reviews in English
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Review from LESLIE C.
Houston, TX
10/12/2009
This was my first experience going to a Winery and it was great!
First we did the tour and wine tasting, then shopped in the retail shop some. The tour guide, Travis, was very friendly and knowledgeable and the retail shop has everything from wine ( duh ) to knick-knacks for the kitchen, cheese, crackers & spreads, wine accessories, truffles and cook books and more!
It was raining so we didnt actually get to go walk thru the vineyards but it was ok...we could still look.
The Villa ( Bed & Breakfast ) was really cute. I had tried to get a room there but it was last minute and booked. But we still walked thru it and go to see the Romeo & Juliet room. Each room is romantically themed and is decorated for a different time period. There is alot of history in the decorations and furniture and its very quiet and peaceful.
Finally we ate at lunch lunch/brunch at The Vintage House. The service was so-so...not really that great but it was fine.
The food was delicious! We didnt drink any wine b/c we had just finished tasting about 20 wines and we had a 2 hour drive back to Houston. I got a Chicken Pasta dish which was sooooo yummy and my boyfriend got a Seafood Canneloni dish and he loved it as well.
We shared the Banannas Foster dessert, which they make table-side.
Its reasonably priced and definitley a perfect spot for a special occasion.
They did say there are many weddings, rehearsals and receptions that take place there.
The owner, Paul Bonarrigo, even made a couple appearances. :)
If you love wine and food that is made with wine definitely try this place! -
Review from David M.
Bryan, TX
12/20/2011
We toured the winery and then came to lunch here. The food was not worth the expense and the service was slow, despite there being no one else at the restaurant. I ordered a salmon dish and it was excessively salty and dry. A friend ordered the filet mignon and it came out grizzly and fatty. We called it back in but the second steak was no better. The other dishes friends ordered were not as bad but not outstanding either. Messina Hof should stick to what it does best - winemaking.
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Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
8/2/2010
My grandfather booked this for his and my grandmother's 60th wedding anniversary. It's what they wanted and no one will argue. We had been to Messina Hoff Vineyards several times, but never eaten in the Vintage House. Needless to say I won't be back.
They seemed confused from when we first walked in asking where our party of 15 would go. Then the waitress taking care of us was ditzy and unsure of everything. After I ordered my glass of wine it took about 20 minutes to get it and then almost finish that before getting to the food.
I had a smoked turkey sandwich. It was gross. The thing was dripping grease. The reason I ordered a sandwich was to avoid this. The fruit wasn't ripe.
The wine, as always, is good if you like fruity ones. The scenery of the vineyard is lovely. The owner is always around for a laugh - but for something that's supposedly "fancy" eats in these parts....not so much. -
Review from Sarah B.
Galveston, TX
10/27/2008
I'm pretty harsh on Texas wineries, but Messina was a good experience...especially after the effects of the tasting began to kick in. We caught a piece of a tour, which was very informative for the 5 minutes we were there. But the allure of the tasting room was just too great, so we sauntered inside and hit-up their large tasting list.
Messina is usually peddling several varieties, but we hit up the reserve list, as these are limited release if released at all. The tasting attendant was very friendly and informative without being intrusive. She let us try a lot of extras and when we decided to by a case, she waived $20 of tasting fees and threw in an extra complimentary tasting glass.
Behind the tasting room, the wine bar was hosting a German wine class and looked VERY inviting. The Vintage house restaurant had floor-to-ceiling windows facing the vineyard and a balcony overlooking the grounds. There is also a bed and breakfast that offers wine and cheese tastings nightly. -
Review from Cory O.
Houston, TX
12/14/2007
This ranking would be much higher if they worked a little bit harder at helping out with event coordination. Messina Hoff was at the top of our list for wedding venues when we first got engaged and we set up an appointment to see the grounds and get a price quote. Not only was the girl incredibly horrible at "selling" us this joint (we were a total shoo in for this venue!), but she never returned any phone calls when we never received the promised information for price quotes.
I've been on several other occasions where the service has been much better. The meals there are fabulous and you have a variety of wines to choose from. The table service is impeccable and if you get there early, you can take tours of the vineyards or by the barrels. It can get very busy during special events (i.e. graduation), so you need to make reservations well in advance.
They also have an online store that is worth checking out. We decided to do truffles for co-workers and they had very reasonable prices and they arrives in two days flat (we live in Houston).
I do know a few people who got married here recently who seemed very pleased with what they got, so perhaps they've upped the service in that area. It would be a beautiful location for any type of party and they have plenty of cabanas to lodge your guests. -
Review from Albert N.
11/21/2008 1 photo
I'm far from a wine snob, but I believe that Messina Hof is the best winemaker in Texas. Paul really knows his stuff, and it shows; his wines are deceptively complex yet remain accessible and enjoyable to the casual oenophile.
My favorites are the Pinot Grigio, the Shiraz, the Gewurtztraminer, and the Paulo Port.
After you finish the wine tour, you can make a weekend out of it by staying at the on-site Bed & Breakfast, and dine at the Vintage House restaurant.
Who knew that College Station had this much to offer?Listed in: Date Places - Houston
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Review from Greg D.
College Station, TX
1/16/2009
Being born and raised in the California Central Valley, actually right next door to Ernest and Julio Gallo (the people themselves / Modesto) and then picking up a wine taste and hobby later in life, I really thought that the only top notch wines came from California. Honestly.
I blind tasted some Messina Hoff Cab and Merlot at a Car and Yacht show in Kemah a few years back, and thought someone was trying to pull my leg, claiming that this grape juice was made in Texas.
After touring Messina Hoff, taking a few flights including some of the older vintages, I now stand up tall and proud for Texan wine, just trying to tell others that might inquire that yes it is true... Texas does produce excellent wines, Messina Hoff being, in my opinion, the echelon.
While we have not eaten at the Vintage House or stayed at the quarters (which look lovely and we plan to do that), we took a taste flight a few times and that alone is fully deserving of 5 star.
Looking for the best wine and best wine/vacation stop in Texas? You have just found it.
AAA+++ -
Review from Kirby W.
Houston, TX
7/22/2009
My family and I celebrated my college graduation from Texas A&M at The Vintage House.
Although the wait staff was sub par, the food was delicious. They sat us next to floor to ceiling windows which looked out over the vineyard. The overall ambiance was very relaxing but also lively and upbeat.
The owner of the winery, Paul Bonarrigo, greeted us at our table and later visited us during our tour. Mr. Bonarrigo is a delight and made my family and I feel very welcome.
Overall the experience was topnotch and I would recommend The Vintage House to anyone looking for a fun and satisfying outing while in Bryan/College Station.Listed in: Off the Beaten Path
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Review from Libby B.
Austin, TX
1/6/2010
We went to The Vintage House for our annual family fancy dinner, and, while I wanted to love it, it just wasn't as awesome for the price point as it should be.
What didn't work?
The atmosphere in the restaurant is pretty sterile, at least the back room where we were in. VERY bright lights for an evening meal, and the room acoustics made it where we could hear everyone's conversations. Far from an intimate family meal, it almost felt more like a cafeteria.
Also, the food was not great. While all the dishes were decent, nothing was "I want to lick the plate but I'm trying to be classy so I won't good." For the expense, I expect AWESOME food instead of decent food.
Additionally, the bananas foster was alcoholic to the point of making one cringe. I'm not sure if our waitress was having an off night, but she definitely did not burn off the booze -- every bite of the sauce tasted like a shot.
What worked?
The cheese plate was very good, and the wines were delicious.
Overall, I think this place would work better as a brunch or lunch option rather than a special-occasion dinner. I don't know if we will be heading back, as the price point is high enough to where I would expect something truly wonderful! -
Review from M P.
Brooklyn, NY
8/22/2010
My experience at Messina Hof was a few years ago but I remember mostly that the food was good (we all enjoyed each others meals and especially the dessert), the view of the vines was fantastic, and the afternoon light made everyone look great in the photos. I'd return again for another meal in a heartbeat.
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Review from Rannie R.
Bryan, TX
Updated - 9/12/2008
I just commented on the event side, but I wanted to let everyone know about their gorgeous wine bar that they have on property! I am not sure of the times that it is open, but it is such a cool place to hang out.
They have a tapas bar along with the wine bar, a large tv, great music, and twice now that I have been in there, there have been some gentleman that just pick up and play music. It is quite entertaining!
Its a very trendy, nice alternative to other bars around town. ENJOY!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/12/2008
FABULOUS! I have tried there before to plan my eldest sons wedding, and the coordinator, I believe… Read more »
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Review from Shah S.
College Station, TX
11/28/2009
Messina Hoff totally surprised me. I was highly skeptical about both the food and wine. I was totally blown away. Vintage House is an excellent restaurant - great food with reasonable service. The wines are actually quite good and very affordable. In particular the Pinot Grigio was excellent. Unique place to try for lunch if you are on a budget and great place for dinner if you are out on a date.
