Winkler's first craft brewery taproom is officially pouring.
After hitting shelves across Manitoba last fall, Heritage Farms Brewing Company is preparing for a grand opening celebration on June 27 at its new taproom in Winkler. Founded by Johnny Trinke, the brewery blends a love of craft beer with a deep-rooted family legacy in agriculture.
“I’m the sixth generation John Trinke on our farm, which has been in our family since 1878,” said Trinke. “Heritage Farms Brewing pays homage not only to our own farm, but to all the hardworking family farms in the area.”
While Heritage Farms Brewing is new, the dream behind it has been fermenting for years.
“I’ve always had a passion for craft beer,” said Trinke. “When I lived in England, I took a traditional alcoholic beverages course, which really deepened my understanding of brewing. That was a turning point for me.”
Heritage Farms Brewing is built on the concept of "grain to glass", where local sourcing is central to the brand’s philosophy.
“We prioritize local suppliers whenever possible. If we’re doing merch, we go to Prairie Sky Promotions in Winkler. If we need signage, we use Steeltree,” explained Trinke. “We believe that every dollar spent locally has a multiplying effect on the community.”
The brewery’s flagship lineup includes the Farmer’s Daughter Blonde Ale, Harvest Pale Ale, and Hired Hand Brown Ale, all crafted with approachability and affordability in mind.
“A lot of craft beers try to be flashy with ingredients like cardamom or lavender. But we wanted beers that speak to people here in southern Manitoba — farmers and everyday hard-working folks,” said Trinke. “The Farmer’s Daughter has been especially well received. It’s our best-seller across the province and is already on tap at Boston Pizza in Morden.”
The new taproom, located in the basement of the old Twisters building at 400 Memorial Drive, will serve as a community hub, sharing a building with Dos Banderas Restaurant. Trinke described the space as a “sports bar for farmers, blue collar workers, and everyday people” — a place where families, friends, and coworkers can gather for everything from Jets games to anniversary dinners.
The grand opening will include live music, outdoor games, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and special food pricing throughout the weekend.
As Trinke looks ahead, he hopes to someday grow some of the brewery’s ingredients such as malt barley and hops just a few miles away, on the family farm.
“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.”
Heritage Farms Brewing’s mission is about more than just craft beer – it’s about creating a brand Winkler can be proud of.
“We want to be Winkler’s beer. A beer that truly belongs to the community,” said Trinke.
