If you’re a regular visitor to Ontario’s wine country, you’ve likely set eyes on the large and picturesque Victorian-era barn at Hernder Estate near St. Catharines.

Unfortunately, the barn is gone. After standing for more than 150 years and being owned by the Hernder family since 1988, the barn along with the wine store and banquet halls it housed were lost to a devastating fire on the night of March 26.

No one was seriously injured and foul play has been ruled out, but the relief from that information only frees up emotional room to be pained by the loss of an icon. 

Winery staff have stated on social media that they don’t know what’s next. Until they do, one of the best ways to show support for Hernder Estate is to purchase their wines. Their satellite retail location at Harvest Barn, at 1179 Fourth Street in St. Catharines, has a wide complement of product in stock. The online store is also open, though it would be reasonable to expect delays in shipping.

We paid the Harvest Barn a visit to pick up a couple of bottles and show our support, and we hope you’ll do the same.

Hernder Estate 2017 Merlot
Twenty Valley, Ontario (VQA)
$18.15

We chose the 2017 Merlot because it was the longest-aged red we saw on the shelf at Harvest Barn, a fact that rewards through the slight brick red colour evident in the pour. The aroma introduces itself with strawberry and cinnamon, which transitions into a fresh and very light yet more complex medley of ripe berries and spices on the palate. This, like most Hernder wines, carries VQA status. Swing by Upper Canada Cheese in Jordan on your way home, and you’ve got yourself one delightful, entirely locally sourced wine and cheese combination. Score: 7/10.

Hernder Estate 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Twenty Valley, Ontario (VQA)
$13.15

Ontario whites on older vines often deliver high quality at a reasonable price, and this Sauvignon blanc is a great example. Bend its light straw colour toward your nose and you’ll be greeted by notes of lemon and grapefruit alongside a hint of honey. Those same citrusy and lightly sweetened flavours mix with passion fruit on the palate to create a pleasant tartness that’s easy-drinking and not overly acidic. Try this with a light seafood dish like scallops seared in browned butter on a tangy fruit salsa. Score: 8/10.

Steph is a successful, established freelance writer and has been a wine aficionado for more than two decades. Connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.
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