RICHMOND, Texas — Wine lovers, rejoice! The largest winery in the region is coming to Richmond.
Messina Hof Wine Cellars, Inc. announced plans to open its fourth location in the Harvest Green community next year. It will feature a vineyard with a tasting room and farm to table restaurant.
It’s not the only winery in Richmond, as it’s already home to one with another on the way. Richmond is also home to a couple of craft breweries and has some residents hoping Richmond could become a mini version of Fredericksburg.
The first to open was Braman Winery and Brewery located off FM 359.
“We are the first brewery and winery under one roof,” said Brian Odom, head brewmaster. “A lot of people love it. They always say best of both worlds, because one person wants beer, the other one usually wants wine.”
Customer Alison Crocker agrees.
“I love wine, and my husband loves beer, so it’s a great way for us to be able to go out and enjoy a nice date night," she said.
Braman features live music and food trucks every Friday and Saturday. It’s also family and pet friendly (pets are only allowed outside, and kids can visit until 6 p.m.).
“We are like a little hidden gem,” Odom said.
Three miles away, also on FM 359 in Richmond, there’s a craft brewery, Fulbrook Ale Works.
“(We’re a) veteran-owned brewery,” said owner Jeff Hajovsky. ”We make a lot of beer. It’s a great family-friendly atmosphere. Dog friendly, kid friendly...we have our own playground.”
Fulbrook’s beer can be found in 70 locations. Come April 1, it will also be expanding into the wine business.
“To appease the other half of Richmond, Texas. We got half here that are wine lovers," Hajovsky said.
Both Hajovsky and Odom said they welcome the new winery and see it as a positive for the community.
“Not just us and not just they will benefit from it,” Odom said, “but all of the restaurants and the local businesses around here, too.”
“Any small business that the community can come and hang out in, it’s just going to grow more community,” Hajovsky said.
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