Winkler, Manitoba, officially has its first craft brewery taproom open for business. Heritage Farms Brewing Company, founded by Johnny Trinke, is blending a deep family farming history with a passion for approachable craft beer, marking a significant new chapter for the local beverage scene. The taproom is now pouring, with a grand opening celebration planned for June 27.
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Key Takeaways:
- Heritage Farms Brewing is the first craft brewery taproom in Winkler, Manitoba.
- Founded by Johnny Trinke, the brewery connects family farming legacy with craft beer.
- The philosophy is “grain to glass,” emphasizing local sourcing and community support.
- Signature beers are designed to be approachable and affordable for local tastes.
- The taproom aims to be a community gathering space.
Heritage Farms Brewing: Rooted in Local Legacy
Heritage Farms Brewing is more than just a new place to grab a beer; it’s a business built on generations of local history. Founder Johnny Trinke comes from a family farm that has been in the Winkler area since 1878. This deep connection to the land and the community is central to the brewery’s identity.
“I’m the sixth generation John Trinke on our farm,” Trinke shared. “Heritage Farms Brewing pays homage not only to our own farm, but to all the hardworking family farms in the area.” This heritage informs their approach, aiming to create a brand that resonates with the region’s agricultural roots.
From Farm History to Craft Beer
Trinke’s journey into brewing began long before the taproom doors opened. His passion for craft beer developed over years, culminating in formal study. “When I lived in England, I took a traditional alcoholic beverages course, which really deepened my understanding of brewing,” he explained, calling it a turning point. This blend of historical knowledge and technical skill underpins the brewery’s operations.
Why Local Matters
A core tenet of Heritage Farms Brewing is the “grain to glass” concept, with a strong emphasis on local sourcing. While they currently source some ingredients externally, the goal is to eventually integrate their own farm’s produce. This commitment extends beyond ingredients to their suppliers for everything from merchandise to signage, prioritizing local businesses in Winkler and the surrounding area.
“We believe that every dollar spent locally has a multiplying effect on the community,” Trinke stated. This philosophy isn’t just good for business; it reinforces their identity as a truly local entity committed to supporting the economy around them.
Exterior view of Heritage Farms Brewing taproom in Winkler, Manitoba.
The Beer Lineup: Approachable & Affordable
The beers at Heritage Farms Brewing are crafted with the local palate in mind. Their flagship lineup is designed for approachability and affordability, steering clear of overly complex or trendy flavor profiles.
The core offerings include the Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale, Harvest Pale Ale, and Hired Hand Brown Ale. These names themselves reflect the agricultural context and target audience. “We wanted beers that speak to people here in southern Manitoba — farmers and everyday hard-working folks,” Trinke said. The Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale has already emerged as a favorite, becoming their best-seller across the province and available at locations like Boston Pizza in Morden.
Selection of craft beer bottles from Heritage Farms Brewing.
The Taproom Experience: More Than Just Beer
Located in the basement of the former Twisters building at 400 Memorial Drive, the new taproom shares space with Dos Banderas Restaurant. Trinke envisions the taproom as a vibrant community hub, describing it as a “sports bar for farmers, blue collar workers, and everyday people.”
The space is designed to be welcoming for a variety of occasions, from watching sports games like the Jets to hosting anniversary dinners. The aim is to create a comfortable gathering spot where families, friends, and coworkers can connect over locally brewed beer.
Grand Opening Details
To celebrate the official launch, Heritage Farms Brewing is holding a grand opening event on June 27. The celebration will feature live music, outdoor games, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and special food pricing throughout the weekend. This event provides an opportunity for the community to explore the new space and sample the local brews.
The Future Vision
Looking ahead, Johnny Trinke has ambitious plans that further solidify the “grain to glass” vision. He hopes to eventually grow some of the brewery’s key ingredients, such as malt barley and hops, on the family farm located just miles away.
“We want people to know that the beer they’re drinking was brewed right here. That’s rare. And that’s what makes it special,” Trinke emphasized. This step would not only enhance the local connection but also offer greater control over the brewing process and ingredients.
A glass of Heritage Farms beer next to barley stalks, representing grain-to-glass brewing.
Ultimately, the mission of Heritage Farms Brewing extends beyond brewing quality beer. It’s about building a brand that the community of Winkler can truly embrace and be proud of. “We want to be Winkler’s beer. A beer that truly belongs to the community,” Trinke concluded.
This new taproom marks a significant addition to Winkler’s local business landscape, offering a taste of local history and community spirit in every glass.
