Hinterbrook Estate Winery
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: Enjoy a visit to this working winery where you are likely to meet one of the owners in the tasting room. You will discover Phil and Charlotte Nickel striving to produce quality wines and working to preserve the environment.
Approaching the Hinterbrook Winery tasting room in Niagara-on-the-Lake located behind the family home, visitors will see signs with “Our wines are driven by the sun; we are driven by quality.”
Visitors to Hinterbrook Winery will discover a friendly welcome in a recently built facility. Phil and Charlotte Nickel opened Hinterbrook Winery to the public in May 2011 with four wines. In 2012 they have more than 15 wines available. In addition to Hinterbrook wines, the winery offers a Charcuterie and Cheese Plate.
The winery was named Hinterbrook because a stream runs behind the property; hinter means beyond and brook is for stream.
The focus at Hinterbrook Winery is on quality wines and being environmentally friendly. It is an almost zero carbon winery using solar power and geothermal energy. In addition, they collect rainwater and use an ozone generator for sterilization.
History of Hinterbrook Estate Winery
The land the winery sits on was once homesteaded by the Servos family. Captain Daniel Servos served with the Butler’s Rangers in the American Revolutionary War. Captain John Dease Servos was raised on this property and served the first Regiment of the Lincoln Militia. The winery produces a wine, Regimental Red, with a commemorative label dedicated to the Canadian history of the War of 1812. From the purchase of each bottle one dollar is donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
When his father purchased the farm in 1963, it had been a fruit farm. Phil grew up on the farm and was use to the hard farm work. The farm is now the location of Hinterbrook vineyards and winery. In 1988 Phil purchased the property from his father. Ten years later Phil planted grapevines.
Phil experimented with making wine. He learned a lot but put the idea on hold for several years. As their children grew up, the discussion of the winery was once again entertained. Phil’s son, Andrew, was interested in the marketing component of the winery. A winemaker was hired and the winery was built.
Phil noted that the first whites were well received and eventually the red wines became available. Many consumers return to the winery. The tasting room is to the right of the entrance. The winery is to the left. Several sizes of stainless steel tanks line the walls of the winery. A separate barrel aging room holds barrels stacked three high.
Environmentally Friendly
Hinterbrook has a large set of solar panels in addition to a geothermal system. Together they meet the electrical needs and heating and cooling needs of the winery and the tasting room.
Vineyards
The vineyards, with 29 acres, have Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris. The soil in the vineyards is fertile and vines are planted four feet apart. Grapes harvested from the Hinterbrook vineyards are used in the winery and sold to Peller Estates Winery.
Hinterbrook produces 3,000 cases and hopes to increase production to 10,000 cases. Currently they sell out of their wines.
White Wines
Pinot Grigio 2011 was dry and fruity with a touch of minerality. This is a good wine to pair with food. Suggested pairings included prosciutto and melon, crab cakes and fried chicken. Rosé with an orange/red color was made from Cabernet Franc. The wine had a red berry fruit aroma and a taste of strawberries and red raspberries. The finish was crisp and fruity. Franc Blanc 2011 was a light peach colored wine with yellow stone fruit nuances. The finish was crisp and fruity.
Red Wines
Pinot Noir 2010 was a ruby color. The aroma and taste offered red fruit notes especially red cherry. The crisp finish had tannins and cherry nuances. Merlot 2010 was a ruby color, with dark fruit notes. The finish was crisp with mild tannins.
Events at Hinterbrook
Occasionally, events take place at the winery. Past events that have taken place at the winery included Chef @ The Market, Hinterbrook Taste and Buy Event and a Backyard BBQ.
When visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, discover Hinterbrook Winery. Be sure to ask about the Hinterbrook’s donation of one dollar for every purchase of Regimental Red donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Hinterbrook Estate Winery
1181 Lakeshore Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Canada, L0S 1J0
GPS: N43º 14.964’ W79º 08.131’
September 2012
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