Industry
3
Val Verde Winery is known as Texas' oldest bonded winery and the only survivor of about 25 once operated in the state. It was founded by Frank Qualia, who came in 1881 to Del Rio, then a town of 200, from Milan, Italy. In 1883 he married Mary Franke. Their children were John, Chris, Margaret, Charles, Mary, Louis, and Jeanne. The Qualias and their neighbors planted vineyards and made wine in the old country tradition. The original winery, still in use, is kept cool by 18-inch adobe walls. Louis Qualia and his wife Kathleen use Spanish Lenoir and Herbemont grapes in making 2000 gallons of wine yearly.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Del Rio, Texas · United States
