Val Verde Winery, Del Rio

Spanish missionaries performed the first mass in Texas at Del Rio's springs in 1635, christening the site San Felipe del Rio. Later, settlers built a network of irrigation ditches to take advantage of the abundant water supply.

One of these early residents was Frank Qualia. The Del Rio area reminded the Italian immigrant of his homeland, a land of vineyards and fine wineries. To produce wine for his friends, Qualia started his own winery,the first in Texas. It survived through Prohibition (producing sacramental and "medicinal" wines), and today the Val Verde Winery is operated by fifth generation vintner Frank Qualia. Stop by for free samples of excellent Texas wines and a tour of the historic facility.

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