Ernst grew up in South Africa and completed his winemaking studies at the Elsenburg Agricultural School outside the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. After completing his final year, he worked as winemaker at a winery called Amani in the Stellenbosch region under the guidance of Rod Easthope, a New Zealand winemaker. He also spent two harvests in the cooler Walker Bay region with his brother Hannes and consulted on a few smaller projects.

Ernst wanted to experience a California harvest and took a job in the Sierra Foothills at Renwood Winery in 2003. He spent two years working in this warmer climate—learning a lot about managing higher pH wines and riper flavors. Having come from a cool climate region, he longed to make more balanced wines from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In 2005 Ernst explored Santa Barbara County and fell in love with it. The Mediterranean climate shares many similarities with that of the Western Cape. Diverse soils and microclimates within the county make it a region with endless possibilities. Ernst worked at Firestone Vineyards for three years, which proved to be a great learning experience. Storm Wines was started with 6 barrels in 2006. In 2016 Ernst was approached by Drew Duncan to make the wines for Donnachadh Estate form their Organic vineyard. 

 Ernst continues to make wines in a classic style that captures both vintage and site.