Hernder Winery: Rising From The Ashes

By Martine Mackenzie with Hernder Winery

“The passions that govern us are to grow the finest grapes, to produce superb wines, and to perpetually expand our horizons…better wines, improved varieties, and spectacular places to showcase them in; to share with new and old friends alike.” Hernder Winery

Hernder Winery holds an established spot in the viticulture history of the Niagara Region. Well into its third generation of grape growing, the Hernder family has transformed a love of viticulture into one of the largest family Estate winery operations in Canada.

A natural progression of events began after Gottfried Hernder emigrated from Germany to western Canada. In 1939, the family moved to the “Grapeview” area of St. Catharines, Ontario, to a mixed fruit farm that included acreage of indigenous grapes.

“Fred” Hernder’s boyhood chores would become the foundation for future skills. After the passing of his father, Fred purchased the family farm in 1968, and began the acquisition of others. His success was heralded when he was crowned as the youngest Niagara “GRAPE KING” in 1977. Forever the entrepreneur, Fred began selling not only grapes

& juice, but also winemaking supplies to the growing home market as well as wineries.

With the advent of the free trade agreement between the United States and Canada in 1988, local wine producers faced the very real threat of dramatically declining percentages of Ontario grape juice in Ontario wines to imported grapes. This prompted Fred to make two important decisions: to replant his acreage with classic Vitis Vinifera & French Hybrid varieties and also to purchase the Victorian cattle barn (circa 1867) on 8th Avenue Louth to launch his newest endeavor, that of his own winery.

The first vintage in 1991 consisted of 7,000 bottles of Vidal. Two years later, on September 17, 1993, Hernder Estate Wines officially opened to the public.

Since its humble beginnings, Hernder Estate Wines has expanded its operation five fold to presently producing more than 25 varieties of VQA wines from its 500 acres of land spread between St. Catharines and Beamsville. Since its very first international recognition in 1995, Hernder Estate Wines has gone on to achieve many more domestic and international awards adding special recognition to the Hernder legacy.

Hernder Winery became a “must see” destination which featured an entrance through Niagara’s only covered bridge, and stone walled patios surrounding the original post and beam structure. With this most picturesque setting, Hernder Estates became known as Ontario’s “Wedding Winery” with over 125 receptions held annually in rooms that hosted up to 500 in total indoors, with 150 accommodated on the two patios.

However, in March of 2022, tragedy struck! A fire destroyed a portion of the St. Catharines winery. The fire was contained to the original barn building and luckily, there was no damage to the warehouse or production facilities.

At the time, the Hernder barn had been host to the Mom Market Collective, a large consortium of women-owned small businesses that had taken up shop at the winery for a weekend of selling their unique wares to a never-ending crowd of arts and crafts connoisseurs. Luckily, the fire occurred during the night so there were only minimal injuries to some on the scene. However, all those vendors participating in the Mom Market lost all their handmade inventory.

Since that tragic day, Hernder Winery has begun its rise from the ashes in true phoenix form.

Two months after the devastating fire, in May of 2022, the Niagara winemaker hosted a musical for its return to business. The production, which had been in the planning for more than two years, was able to take place in an adjacent space at the winery that was spared by the fire.

While no one from the family-owned Hernder Estate Winery in St. Catharines has forgotten the devastating fire that gutted their banquet hall-barn at the end of March 2022, they continue to look ahead. In a Facebook post, Angel Hernder Fusarelli spoke on behalf of the family to say the local community’s “encouragement, loyalty and support was a huge driving force for us to lick our wounds and move on.”

Construction to rebuild was slated to begin this past summer, pending permits, as the family is eager to restore the banquet hall that before the fire saw three to four weddings every weekend.

“It was more than a barn, it was a family effort and a place where people came to taste wine, take photos, a location for their weddings, proms, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays and even celebrations of life.”

The Hernder family is ready to have some fun again. They had a very successful and fun packed spring and summer at the winery and the calendar of events continues to be filled with great entertainment. Check it out! And, of course, Hernder’s amazing wines are always available at its onsite store and online.

By Martine Mackenzie

Who doesn’t like a treasure hunt? Who doesn’t like the thrill of exploring for hidden gems and relic after relic. There is something to be said for exploring the past through tangible items like antiques. The Niagara Region is most certainly a haven for vintage enthusiasts and antique hunters alike as it offers so many amazing vintage shops that cater to just about everyone.

As the summer tourist season dies down, Niagara’s antique shop owners can often be found offering great discounts on their wares to entice locals and visitors alike into popping into their humble abodes during the fall and winter seasons. Of course, supporting locally owned and operated businesses is always at the forefront of ensuring that Niagara’s small businesses continue to thrive in this economy. The establishments that you will read about in this story will give you that local feel and vibe as the shopkeepers/owners are engaging and passionate about the stories behind each and every one of their items. You are sure to receive a truly personalized experience regardless of whether you are an experienced antique collector or just someone looking for that one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or as a gift for that someone special. oldemporium.com bartletthouseantiques.ca

Old Emporium Antiques & Collectibles, also known as “Niagara’s Most Interesting Store,” can be found on Victoria Avenue, in part of old downtown Niagara Falls. To say that what you will unearth here is cool, is an understatement. Old Emporium’s fascinating stock takes you into the world of the weird and wonderful. It features vintage Harley Davidson memorabilia, Theodore Ziegler artwork, a collection from the ancient TV show, “That’s Incredible,” and the pièce de résistance, the Evel Knievel Snake River Sky Cycle Exhibit. Definitely worth popping into this place!

With over 25 years of quality antique collecting, Bartlett House of Antiques can boast in both its work and its shop. Each piece that enters the shop has been hand-picked and carefully curated with great pride. The treasures found within, often European, are distinctive pieces of the past with the focus on antique furniture, especially fine examples of constructed oak, mahogany, and walnut.

Lundy’s Lane Antique Mall

Lundy’s Lane Antique Mall, at 6853 Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, is a gateway to a world of vintage treasures, antiques, and collectibles. Here, you will find an impressive array of pieces from over 30 unique vendors that are showcased across three expansive floors. There are unique pieces, big and small, which can cater to any taste or budget out there. It’s worth a visit just to see the vintage curiosities and enticing variety of collectibles. There’s lots to look at and buy!

Retro Mike’s Antiques

A visit to Retro Mike’s Antiques will get you exactly what you are thinking – a trip back into the 1960s and early 1970s. Here you will find a world of Mid-Century Modern elegance. Retro Mike’s offers an extensive collection of furniture, lighting, wall art, and home accessories. You can elevate your living space and transport it back in time with sleek and stylish pieces of kitchenalia, glass, china, and vinyl. Retro Mike’s also has quite a selection of toys and games and an impressive range of sports memorabilia. He also hosts an extensive selection of retro barware for anyone looking to add a Mad Men vibe to their entertaining.

niagaracoinandcollectibles.com

Welcome to Niagara Coin & Collectibles, your ultimate destination for a diverse array of collectibles. Their extensive collection includes coins, paper money, precious bullion, exquisite jewelry, vintage watches, antique cameras, military relics, sports cards, and memorabilia, along with historic artifacts. If you find yourself in Niagara Falls, Canada, don’t miss the chance to visit their store on Victoria Avenue and explore their treasure trove of collectibles and discover unique items that will captivate collectors of all kinds.

lakeshoreantiques.ca

Nestled in the heart of wine country, just a stone’s throw from historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, lies Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures. Established in 1996 within the former Tobe’s Seed Limited warehouse (once belonging to the John H Tobe Firm from 1954 to 1966), this charming establishment houses 16 dedicated dealers. Within the welcoming space, you’ll uncover a diverse array of antiques and vintage treasures that span the ages. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual explorer, there’s something here to pique your curiosity and capture your imagination. Visit the place and embark on a journey through time, discovering unique pieces that hold rich stories and enduring appeal.

Welcome to The White Whale antique store, a haven for all things vintage and retro. Conveniently situated at 4544 Queen Street downtown Niagara Falls this shop is a treasure trove of nostalgia. Step inside to explore a diverse collection of retro and collectible items, ranging from classic vinyl records, video games, and comic books to vintage furniture and clothing. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, a comic book aficionado, or a collector of unique treasures, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. The White Whale is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 noon until 5 pm. The White Whale awaits your visit, ready to immerse you in a world of vintage wonder.