History of Winery

Welcome to the oldest continuously running winery in Texas. Here at Val Verde Winery, we believe in family, tradition, and quality. Each of our award-winning wines is carefully hand-made in small quantities, using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. We invite you to visit us at the winery, and enjoy a complimentary tour and tasting. Take your favorite wines home and allow us to bring our traditions and quality to your celebrations for years to come!

Frank and Maria Qualia, founders

Frank and Maria Qualia and family, seven children

Frank’s son Louis and wife Kathleen

Unloading grapes, circa 1982

Frank Qualia on right, Louis Qualia on left with plow, early 1900s

Original winery building, early 1900s

Tommy Qualia in wine cellar, circa 1974

Tommy, left, with Louis, right

Val Verde Winery was established in 1883 by Italian immigrant Frank Qualia, who brought with him the family tradition of winemaking. When he arrived in Del Rio, he found Lenoir grapes flourishing under the warm Southwest Texas sun, and founded the winery. After his death in 1936, his youngest son, Louis Qualia, took over the vineyards, who in turn passed the winery to his youngest son, Thomas, in 1973.

Today, the winery is operated by fourth-generation vintner Michael Qualia, with the knowledge and experience that has been handed down for generations. Qualia respects the efforts and expertise that preceded him, and is dedicated to producing wines of excellent variety and quality. Many of his wines have gained the attention of serious wine connoisseurs, particularly his Don Luis Tawny Port, which has won medals from Texas to New York.

In 2008, Val Verde Winery completed its 125th year of continuous winemaking. It is the oldest bonded winery in the state of Texas, and was awarded the Land Heritage Award from the Department of Agriculture for single-family-ownership of the vineyards for over 100 years. Because of longevity and family pride, the Val Verde Winery is a landmark and an innovator in the growing Texas wine industry. Its survival is an inspiration to its future and the future of the industry in Texas.