Val Verde Winery

Known as Texas' oldest bonded winery; only survivor of about 25 once operated in the state. Founded by Frank Qualia, who came in 1882 to Del Rio (then a town of 200) from Milan, Italy. In 1883 he married Mary Frank. Their children were John, Chris, Margaret, Charles, Mary Louis, and Jeanne. The Qualias and neighbors planted vineyards and made wine in old country tradition. Original winery, still in use, is kept cool by 18-inch adobe walls. Louis Qualia and wife Kathleen use Spanish Lenoir and Herbemont grapes in making 2000 gallons of wine yearly. (1971)

Val Verde Winery is a historical marker in Del Rio, Val Verde County, dedicated in 1971. It is one of 61 historical markers documented in Val Verde County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 78 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3477, -100.8950 near Del Rio. The nearest cataloged historic site is Mason-Foster House (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Judge Roy Bean Grave, Whitehead Memorial Museum, and Cassinelli Gin, House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5465005627. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.