Salvatore Bruno

THE ORIGINATOR

In 1902, Rocco Bruno took his sons Joseph and Salvatore ("Sam") on a boat from Palermo, Sicily, to America. Upon returning to Sicily, Rocco could not return to the States. The boys worked railroads, coal mines, sawmills, oil fields and refineries before settling in Southeast Texas. Sam's passions were family and the tradition of making the raisin wine he brought from Sicily, ready for family and friends during the holidays. He taught his sons Nick and Joe his winemaking skills before passing in 1963.

Shawn & Misha Bruno

OWNERS AND TORCHBEARERS

Grandson of Salvatore Bruno, Shawn was passed the torch, and learned from his uncles Joe and Nick how to make wine with his wife Misha. In the investigatory process of creating a business, Shawn and Misha discovered that an old Texas statute declared making and marketing of wines from dried fruit (like raisins) illegal. Shawn and his brother Rocky lobbied to change the laws, and in 1999, the Texas State Legislature lifted dried fruit from the list of prohibited items from which to make wine.

In early 2000, Shawn and Misha began building their boutique winery in historic Sour Lake, and the first wines were produced and sold in the summer of 2001.

OUR WINERY

Our wines are blended from Salvatore Bruno’s original recipes established in the rolling hills of Salaparuta, Sicily, circa 1889, and our winery is dedicated to his memory and love of family and tradition he represents.

We invite you to visit our winery where we offer tours and tastings by appointment. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to seeing you in historic Sour Lake, Texas.

Our winery can be rented for your special event.  Whether it's a wedding or family reunion or just a great party we can help.  We recently completed a new 30' x 40' covered pavilion which is great for outdoor events.  Contact Shawn Bruno at 409-963-8235 to discuss.