Urban Tractor Farm Winery
Urban Tractor Farm Winery is a boutique craft winery located in the Vinemount Ridge appellation of the Niagara wine region. Founded by Gord and Paula Maretzki, who purchased their vintage farm in 2009, the winery represents their dream of leaving the big city for a simpler, yet hardworking life in the country. Their journey began with the arduous task of restoring and rejuvenating the neglected land, transforming it into a vibrant and ecologically balanced farm. Through dedicated restorative farming practices, they revitalized the soil, creating an ideal environment for cool-climate grape varietals.
In 2018, Urban Tractor Farm Winery planted its first blocks of vines: Seyval Blanc and Baco Noir. The first small harvest of Seyval Blanc in 2020 marked the start of their winery, using estate-grown grapes for their inaugural vintage. Alongside their estate-grown blocks, the Maretzkis partner with local growers to cultivate varietals well-suited to the region's climate, continuously exploring new varietals and wine styles with each vintage.
A Growing Business
Urban Tractor Farm Winery received a loan from the Fair Finance Fund to support their ambitious expansion plans. The loan will facilitate an increase in production capacity from 1,000 cases per year to 5,000 cases annually, anticipated to quintuple wine sales revenues and enable year-round operations. Additionally, the expansion will enhance wine-related tourism experiences, enriching the local community. The funds will also aid in developing an adjacent production space, converting the current production area into a year-round retail space, and constructing essential washroom facilities. Furthermore, an eco-conscious winery wastewater treatment system will be implemented through a constructed wetland, ensuring responsible resource management and ecological preservation.
Impact At A Glance
The economic impact of this loan for Urban Tractor Farm Winery, as well as their community, will be substantial. With funding from the loan, the company is expected to create over five new jobs while expanding or maintaining three existing positions. This growth will support over 20 regional suppliers, with increased purchases contributing to the local economy and winery sector. In total over the loan term, we except over $800,000 to be spent at regional suppliers! Moreover, the winery’s operations will recirculate over $3,750,000 in food sales back into Ontario’s economy, underlining its pivotal role in the region's economic landscape.
Socially and environmentally, the loan will have far-reaching benefits. The winery will enhance community building and engagement by offering year-round experiences and activities, transforming into a local hub where residents can relax and enjoy. This will improve community resilience by providing access to a wider range of wine-related experiences and local products. The commitment to responsible wastewater management through constructed wetlands will increase the winery’s climate resilience. These eco-friendly practices will not only treat winery wastewater but also create a natural habitat for wildlife, boosting biodiversity and counteracting urban development's effects.
Urban Tractor Farm Winery continues to invite the community to partake in the fruits of their labour and enjoy their unique, delicious wines. Through this expansion, they aim to deepen their impact on both the local economy and the environment, fostering a vibrant, sustainable future for their farm and community.
