Hernder Estate Winery

Hernder Estate Winery is a generations old family business in the heart of Niagara wine country.  Drive along the back roads of the beautiful Niagara region to experience the countryside that is a stunning precursor to an equally beautiful winery. 

The Winery

The covered bridge is a magnificent introduction to all that awaits you on this picturesque estate. And the only covered bridge in Niagara. Pass by the fountained pond and you arrive at the stone walled patios that lead to the gorgeous post and beam barn shaped structure housing the large winery shop and tasting room.

There is plenty of parking and the vineyards are right there awaiting your camera.  Give yourself some time to experience the whole place and do a flight tasting to experience the many quality VQA wines Hernder produces every year.

Covid precautions are well in place. You can spend time in the tented area enjoying your tasting and/or a choice of delicious flatbread pizzas with a glass of wine.  This was our choice.  There are vegan and gluten-free options too. Tables are far apart and a nice breeze blows through.

In better weather you may choose to sit on the patio and enjoy the outdoor ambiance with the vineyard as your backdrop.

Hernder is also known for its history as a wedding destination of choice, hosting over 125 receptions each year with a 500 guest capacity indoors (pre and post Covid of course).

The Wines

The Hernder family has a long history of agriculture and vitculture beginning with Gotfried Hernder’s arrival in Canada from Germany. Hernder’s first vintage in 1991 produced 7000 bottles of Vidal. Since then operations have expanded to include 25 varietals.

Some standout wines for me include the 2017 Baco Noir, the 2016 Cabernet Franc and the 2016 Vidal. Each with their own flavour profiles and all equally exquisite.

I have written a winemotion story review on the Baco Noir which you can find here. So let me tell you about the Cabernet Franc.

Cabernet Franc is a varietal that is either loved or hated, but Niagara’s cool climate allows this varietal to do very well here and Hernder has a practiced hand at making this varietal sing with joy.

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The 2016 Cabernet Franc that I enjoyed is a dark, almost opaque, red with a pink rim. On the nose notes of spiced plum, dark berries and tobacco give way to a round spiciness on the palate. Medium to high acidity gives this wine a mouth-watering feel with a long finish. Absolutely sumptuous!

All table wines are VQA assuring the best quality grapes are used from the winery’s 500 acres spread between St. Catharines and Beamsville in the Niagara Peninsula. You can find all wines and many other items at the large winery store. Don’t forget to pick up some ice wine chocolates. Yum!

Of course shopping is also available at the winery’s online site. See link below. And a new location at Fourth Avenue.

The Details

Address: 1607 Eighth Avenue Louth, St. Catharines, Ontario
Established: Growing grapes since the 1940s. First vintage 1991. Opened to the public 1993
Owners: The Hernder Family
Estate: Niagara Peninsula with vineyards throughout the sub-appellations offering a variety of micro-climates from St. Catharines to Beamsville.
Winemaker: Angela Kasimos
Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Baco Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Vidal, Chardonnay, and the list goes on… to include 25 varieties of grapes.
Seasonality: Open 7 days a week, year round.
Food on site: Yes
Tours and Tastings: Yes

Hernder is a destination winery with great wines offering excellent value. It has a beautiful ambiance in a stunning location. You could spend several hours enjoying your time here and tasting some great wines.

I’m heading over for some more purchases. I hope Dan the man has his muscles on to carry my box to my car again. Thank you Dan! And by the way, he also makes awesome flatbread pizza.

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Visit the Hernder Winery Site for more info: https://www.hernder.com/

To Shop Online visit: https://www.hernder.com/buy-wine-online/