Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association appoint special committee focused on: Agri-tourism Development and Wine Marketing Integration

Houston (June 11, 2009) -- Merrill Bonarrigo, co-founder of Messina Hof Winery and Resort in Bryan, Texas, is proud to announce her participation in the 2009 Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) Special Committee: Agri-tourism Development and Wine Marketing ntegration.

The TWGGA committee members, consisting of representatives from all existing wine trails and other select TWGGA members will review established and developing wine trails across the state, in addition to assessing the level of other agri-tourism activities, which exist on a statewide basis. Members will identify key states that have successful programs and summarize their critical success factors, while working with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to conceptualize a regional identity branding program for Texas.

Members of the committee will also develop an agri-tourism development plan with statewide wine trails and sub-trails as the centerpiece, while exploring public/private funding opportunities both on the State and Federal level. At that time, the committee will then report findings, progress, and recommendations to the TWGGA Board of Directors.

The committee will meet in Austin, Texas at the TDA at times determined by committee chairman and owner of Texoma Winery, Bob White, but on a quarterly basis, at minimum.

“I think we have a perfect combination of industry experts and I believe we’re all on the same page when it comes to our determination and commitment toward reaching TWGGA goals. The committee will be incredibly advantageous to both individual and collective successes, and it’s an added bonus we’ll be able to conduct a more detailed approach in promoting and marketing Texas wine and the industry itself,” said Merrill Bonarrigo.

As of March 6, 2009, the committee members to serve are:

Committee Appointments

Appointee	Winery/Vineyard	Wine Trail Affiliation
Bob White, Chairman*	Texoma Winery	Munson Wine Trail
Gary Elliot, Vice Chair*	Driftwood Vineyards	Hill Country Wine Trail
Katy Bothum*		Hill Country (Exec. Director)
Gary Gilstrap*	Texas Hills Vineyard	Fredericksburg Wine Road 290
Karen Johnson*	Alamosa Wine Cellars	Way Out Wineries Road Trips
Les Constable*	Brushy Creek Vineyards	Cross Timbers Wine Trail
Roxanne Meyer*	Lone Oak Winery	Cross Timbers Wine Trail
Gina Puente-Brancato	La Buena Vita Vineyards	Grapevine Wine Trail
Pat Brennan*	Brennan Vineyards	Way Out Wineries Road Trips
Merrill Bonarrigo*	Messina Hof Winery & Resort	Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail

About Messina Hof Winery and Resort

Messina Hof Winery and Resort was established in 1977 by Co-Founders Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. Messina Hof was founded on family values, romance and tradition. Messina Hof is the leader in the establishment of the Texas wine industry and ranks as one of the fastest growing, most award-winning wineries in the state.

Four time winner of the “Top Texas Wine” at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Messina Hof wines are handcrafted at the winery, located in Bryan, Texas. Messina Hof Winery and Resort also boast on their 100 acre property the Vintage House Restaurant, origin of Vineyard Cuisine Cook Book, the Villa, which was voted “Most Romantic Bed and Breakfast in the USA” and the Wine Master’s Room Wine Bar, voted best wine by the glass in the Brazos Valley.

For more information on Messina Hof Winery and Resort, please visit www.MessinaHof.com.