Whether it’s a tour and wine tasting, dining or a longer stay at the bed and breakfast, Messina Hof Winery and Resort offers a romantic escape just 90 miles from Waco.

With its blend of sophistication and elegance, the resort is a nice option for a day trip or special weekend.

Lancelot room, Villa at Messina Hof

The vineyard, located in Bryan, was established in 1977 by Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo. Paul’s family traces its heritage back seven generations to Messina, Italy. Merrill’s family, meanwhile, originated in Hof, Germany.

The two traditions blended, and the 100-acre estate has offered some of Texas’ best wines. Its first vintage was released in 1983. Labels include Messina Hof and Paulo.

Wine making is a family tradition for the Bonarrigos, dating back several generations.

Messina Hof offers upscale dining in the Vintage House restaurant and an elegant place to relax and sip wine at the Winemaster’s Room wine bar. The restaurant features menus for lunch, dinner and a special Sunday selection. The Vintage House is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Its dinner schedule is 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (979) 778-9463, ext. 231.

The wine bar offers more than 50 selections. It is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Winemaster’s Room wine bar

Those inclined to stay a little longer can bask in the luxury of the Villa Bed and Breakfast. The 10 romantic suites include the following rooms: Lancelot & Guinevere, Romeo & Juliet, D’Artagnan, Camelot, Napoleon & Josephine, Thomas Jefferson, Antoinette, Messina, Hof and Venus.

Each room is furnished with European antiques, and offers its own unique charm and personality. Guests share a common living room with a fireplace. A complimentary wine and cheese social at 5 p.m. is included in an overnight stay. Also included is a full European style breakfast with champagne, served from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Extras available for an additional fee include a one hour in-room massage, chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of wine and a dozen roses. Also available is chocolate body paint or a seat at the Chef’s Table at Vintage House. This includes a five- or six-course meal matched with wine selections.

The guest center of the resort, built in the 19th century, was originally a convent. Today, it’s the centerpiece of the property.

Vintage House restaurant

Waterfalls off the Gazebo Garden on Lake Messina Hof provide a romantic spot for couples. It’s also a popular place for weddings.

A rose garden on the property is an elegant place for a stroll, and features 350 evergreen roses that Paul planted for Merrill.

Cost to tour the vineyard is $5, or $7 for a private tour arranged in advance. To book a private tour during business hours, a minimum of 10 people must participate. Private tours after hours may also be arranged for $12 per person, with a minimum of 20 people participating.

Tours last about an hour. Participants get a souvenir wine glass and have the opportunity to taste four wines.

Regular tours

• 1, 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• 11 a.m., 12:30, 2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

• 12:30, 2:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday.

Several wine appreciation classes are also offered throughout the year. Upcoming dates are Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 27, April 17 and May 29. Most classes include five to eight wines. Cost is $19.95 per person, and reservations must be made in advance. The classes are held at 3 p.m. on each of those dates.