to your health

Houston's largest winery debuts with sprawling bar, patio, and restaurant

Messina Hof Harvest Green winery and kitchen

Messina Hof has opened its Harvest Green facility.

Courtesy of Messina Hof

The Houston-area's largest winery has opened for business. Texas winemaker Messina Hof's new facility in Richmond's Harvest Green community is now serving oenophiles and diners.

Originally announced in 2019, Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen joins Messina Hof's facilities in Bryan, Grapevine, and Fredericksburg. The new facility represents the latest evolution of Messina Hof's expansion. It features an expansive tasting room with an 83-foot wine bar, a full-service restaurant, covered patio, and two private tasting rooms.

In addition, Messina Hof will produce wine from onsite vineyards. The company has moved all of its direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping operations to Harvest Green.

“The expansion of our business with the addition of Messina Hof Harvest Green Winery & Kitchen is a continuation of our vision to innovate and grow Texas wine,” said Messina Hof CEO and winemaker, Paul M. Bonarrigo, in a statement. “We look forward to inviting new guests and familiar faces alike into our doors and to our tables to experience our top-notch hospitality and signature Texas wine.”

The winery's restaurant serves dishes that utilize both wine as well as herbs and produce grown at Harvest Green's farm. For example, the Italian-inspired menu includes dishes such as Petite Sirah-poached pear salad and pork chop with fig agrodulce. In addition, an imported, wood-fired oven will be used to create Neapolitan-style pizzas.

All told, the winery will employ 100 people. The restaurant is led by general manager Michael Miller and executive chef Corey Bowers.

Throughout February, the winery will be in soft opening mode with special events for Harvest Green residents and members of Messina Hof's wine club. Hours will be: Monday and Tuesday 4-9 pm; Wednesday and Thursday 11 am–9 pm; Friday 11 am–10 pm; Saturday 10 am–10 pm; and Sunday 10 am–8 pm. Regular restaurant and tasting hours will begin after the grand opening in late February.

“With our onsite farm and vineyard, Harvest Green is an ideal choice for this newest Messina Hof venture," Harvest Green general manager Jerry Ulke added. "They are a very welcome addition, and their beautiful winery and exquisite wines will greatly enhance our resident lifestyle.”

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

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to your health

Houston's largest winery debuts with sprawling bar, patio, and restaurant

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blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome
Get Houston intel delivered daily.