Herbert is one of the collection of grape varieties known as Rogers' Hybrids, created by E.S. Rogers in the mid 1800s, 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. It was originally known as Rogers No. 44.