Hernder Estate Wines

Infobox Winery
winery_name = Hernder Estate Wines
winery_
location_city = St. Catharines, Ontario
location_country = Canada
appellation = Niagara Peninsula
former_name =
other_labels= The Hernder Picasso Foundation
year_founded = 1988 (1989)
first_vintage = 1991
key_people = Fred Hernder, Doug Hernder, Lydia Tomek
parent_company = n/a
cases_per_year =
signature_wine = Riesling, Iced Fruit Wines
varietal1 = Vidal
varietal2 = Marechal Foch
varietal3 = Baco Noir
varietal4 = Pinot Gris
varietal5 = Chardonnay
varietal6 = Gewürztraminer
varietal7 = Cabernet Sauvignon
varietal8 = Merlot
varietal9 = Cabernet Franc
varietal10 = Fruit wine
other_product1= Grape seed oil
other_product2= Vinegar
other_product3=
other_product4=
other_product5=
homepage=
distribution
tasting=

History

The Hernder family is in its third generation of viticulture and is one of the largest family Estate winery operations in Canada. Gottfried Hernder emigrated from Germany to Western Canada. In 1939, the family moved to St. Catharines, Ontario, to a mixed fruit farm that included acreage of indigenous grapes. After the passing of his father, Fred Hernder purchased the family farm in 1968, and began the acquisition of others. Fred Hernder began selling grapes, juice, and winemaking supplies to the growing home market as well as wineries.

In the late 1980’s Fred Hernder replanted his acreage with classic Vitis Vinifera & French Hybrid varieties. This launched Hernder Estate Wines. The first vintage in 1991 consisted of 7,000 bottles of Vidal. On September 17, 1993, Hernder Estate Wines officially opened to the public. [ http://www.hernder.com/information/index.cfm?RecordID=5 ]

Current Production

Hernder Estate Wines presently produces more than 25 varieties of V.Q.A. (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines from its 500 acres of land spread between St. Catharines and Beamsville. Current plantings focus on traditional Vitis Vinifera varieties including Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Gris. Other varieties include varieties suited to cool climate such as Vidal, Baco Noir and Maréchel Foch. Hernder Estate Wines also produces Fruit Wines & Iced Fruit Wines, utilizing Ontario fruits. All Hernder table wines are produced from 100% Ontario grapes, and all have attained the V.Q.A. status. [http://www.hernder.com/information/index.cfm?RecordID=5]

Awards

Hernder Estate Wines has won multiple awards from competitions such as Toronto Wine and Cheese Show; Ottawa Wine & Food Show; Chardonnay du Monde; Ontario Wine Awards; All-Canadian Wine Championship; Intervin 2003; and Canadian Wine Awards. [http://www.hernder.com/wines/WineAwards.cfm] [http://www.towineandcheese.com/wineCompetitionResults.php] [http://www.chardonnay-du-monde.com/wod/WebObjects/Result.woa/wa/res?mod=pays&c=CANADA&y=2005&co=CdM&m=*&lang=AG] [http://www.ontariowineawards.ca/2005winners.htm] [http://www.canadianwinetrail.com/en/awardWinners/2008-trophy.html] [http://www.canadianwineawards.ca/2007_results.php] Herdner's riesling is its most decorated variety, although several other varieties have also earned accolades.

External links

* [http://www.hernder.com/ Hernder Estate Wines]

References