Herbert is one of the collection of grape varieties known as Rogers' Hybrids, created by Edward Staniford Rogers (of Salem, Massachusetts,) in the mid-19th century, and is the result of a cross of Carter, a selection of Vitis labrusca, and Black Hamburg (there are two varieties known by this name, but in this case it was probably Schiava Grossa), a selection of Vitis vinifera.

Herbert is female, and thus requires a second grape variety as a pollen source.

Even then, Herbert tends towards straggly, poorly filled clusters.

The black fruit ripens with Concord and keeps well.

Hedrick considered the quality, at its best, to rival that of its vinifera parent.