Heinrichshaus Vineyard and Winery

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 02, 2017

Norton Wine Review: Heinrichshaus' small winery proprietor insists that Cynthiana grapes were a sport of Norton grapes and his wines are "true" Cynthiana. Eighty-six year old Heinrich Grohe will even show you the pictured differences between the growing habits of the grape clusters. Supposedly there is not any controversy about the Cynthiana/Norton grape any more, . . . . . . . . . . or is it? In any case, this one man operation clicks and provides a superior Missouri Cynthiana ($15), a classic Chambourcin ($10), a Prairie Rouge of which he will not tell you the blend ($12) plus stunning, very reasonably priced examples of Chardonel, Vidal Blanc, Traminette and Vignoles. You may get lost trying to find the little sign to this location, but you will be glad you made the effort upon arrival. Out of over 140 Norton vineyards that we have visited in seventeen states, this stands as one of the top five in our list of Norton successes. No wonder Paul Roberts, who wrote the ©1999 From this hill, my hand, Cynthiana's Wine, referenced Heinrichshaus Winery not only for its contributions to the resurgent interests in the Norton grape, but to the development in Missouri's contemporary wine industry. Why not send Heinrich a birthday card (10/06/1930) thanking him for his contributions to a life of promoting good wines!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Nov 05, 2011

Favorite Wine: 2006 Cynthiana

I second the Norton Wine Travelers. Heinrichshaus also makes a fantastic, bold Chambourcin. In fact, the owner was declared the King of Chambourcin by one of his regular patrons; he has the certificate to prove it. If you go during cold weather, he'll stock the wood burning stove for you. Heinrichshaus Winery has been around for 35 years and continues to thrive with a large customer base--he ships wine, but doesn't sell it in stores. Stop by the St. James Visitor Center at the I-44 exit for a map--and drive slowly because the sign is a tiny little white board on a mailbox. Great wines, he doesn't waste his time with sweet wines. He's serving his 07 Cynthiana, a steal at 14.50. Also, the Public House in Rolla sells his Prairie Rouge by the glass.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Aug 23, 2011

Favorite Wine: Chambourcin

When you visit Heinrichshaus you will not find a big fancy sign to welcome you. You won’t be impressed by groomed grounds or a fancy giftshop. None of that. What you’ll find instead is that Heinrich Grohe is a gem of a man, a native European of French and German upbringing, an experienced winemaker, an historian of two continents, an artist. and a treasure. When you visit this farm winery, you’re not visiting a commercial enterprise so much as you’re visiting the passion and lifelong journey of this man. Limited selection but every wine was a winner. I think his Chambourcin may be the best Chambourcin I have ever had (a solid 4 stars). I liked his blend called Prairie Rouge very much. He smiled with a twinkle in his eye as he told me it’s the winemaker’s secret when I inquired as to what the components of the blend might be. The Cynthiana was right on mark with a true signature of what we term the Arkansas style of the variety. Of all the reds on display, it was the only one that probably would have benefited with a little more time to breathe. Everything else was very smooth. The Chardonnel, the Traminette and the Vignoles were all very nice but as usual we liked the reds best. The Chardonnel was nice in our opinion. Heinrich told us he first started making wines in the US in 1958. I asked him what made him first start making wines and he said he simply wanted to be able to drink wines that taste good. Well sir, that you have done and done mighty well. Thank you for sharing yourself, your vast knowledge and your wines with us.