Herder Winery & Vineyards

Arguably, no winemaker knows the Similkameen terroir like California-born Lawrence Herder. In 2002, he and wife Sharon bought their first property in the Similkameen, planting it while Fresno-trained Lawrence worked at Okanagan wineries. Since then, he has planted at least four other vineyards in the Similkameen; bought grapes from numerous other vineyards and helped two other of the valley’s wineries get launched. This spring, he and Sharon will completely relocate Herder to a new vineyard that is one of the grandest locations in the entire valley.

Herder, who once operated a winery with a similar name in Paso Robles, chose to settle in the sun-baked Similkameen because he likes making big red wines. His flagship Bordeaux blend is Josephine (named for the artist who created the Carmenesque portrait for the label).

The 2006 vintage is an elegantly balanced wine, dark in colour and full on the palate. The aromas suggest plums, cherry jam, and vanilla with a touch of chocolate. The complex flavours include currants and dried cranberries, with notes of toasted oak. In the Similkameen, Merlot grapes mature with good firm tannins which, in this wine, give a structure that will reward the cellaring of this wine. 90 points.

Reviewed February 22, 2008 by John Schreiner.