There’s a winery about ten miles from Galloping Snail where you can pick grapes off the vine, stomp them with your bare feet, and — here’s the part people don’t expect — those grapes actually become wine. Real wine. Aged in oak barrels and eventually bottled as Messina Hof Estate Port.
That’s not a tourist gimmick. That’s Harvest Festival at Messina Hof, and it’s happening July 24th through August 15th.
If you’ve been meaning to check it out, the window is approaching. Here’s what you need to know:
About Messina Hof
Messina Hof has been making Texas wine on their 100-acre estate in Bryan since 1977. They’re one of the most decorated wineries in the state and one of the best reasons to be in the Brazos Valley in the summer. The Harvest Festival runs every weekend from July 24th through August 15th— and the Bryan location is right in your backyard.
Moonlit Harvest — Friday Evenings
July 24, 31 & August 7 | 6:30–9:30 PM | Tickets from $93
This is the full evening experience. Your ticket includes a hearty buffet dinner, wine tastings highlighting the harvest, a history and winemaking lesson straight from the team, and grape picking and stomping in the Estate Barrel House.
Three Friday evenings. Tickets sell out fast.
🔗 Register Here
Daytime Harvest — Saturday Mornings
July 25–August 15 | 9:00–11:30 AM | Tickets from $40
The Saturday morning version is a little more relaxed and completely family-friendly, kids passes a4e available.
Every Daytime Harvest includes grape picking and stomping, a guided vineyard and estate tour, wine tastings, and a stomp t-shirt to take home. Upgrade to the Harvest Plus Pass and wrap up your morning with a Vineyard Cuisine brunch buffet and sangria bar.
A great Saturday morning the whole crew can do together.
🔗 Register Here
Special Events – Mark Your Calendars
Beyond the weekly harvests, Messina Hof has a lineup of specialty evening dinners running 6:30–9:30 PM. Prices vary and these sell out quickly — grab your tickets early.
Magical Murder Mystery Dinner
Saturday, July 25 | A grand celebration takes a deadly turn.
🔗 Get Tickets
Cellar Tour & Dinner
Saturday, August 1 | An intimate evening with the winemakers, featuring an estate tour and cellar dining.
🔗 Get Tickets
Sizzle & Swirl: Beef
Saturday, August 8 | Three styles of beef, perfectly paired with Messina Hof wines.
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Murder in Maui
Friday, August 14 | Luau-themed murder mystery dinner. Leis encouraged.
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Grand Finale Gala: Southern Summer Sunset
Saturday, August 15 | The big send-off. A five-course dinner paired with a curated selection of Messina Hof’s finest, celebrating the season in style.
🔗 Get Tickets
Harvest season only comes around once a year, and this one wraps up August 22nd. Whether you catch a Friday evening under the vines or save the Grand Finale Gala for your last weekend in town, rest your shells with us and make a summer memory worth uncorking.