Chris Fodor has filled a surprising gap in Calgary’s vibrant culinary landscape by establishing City & Country Urban Winery + Event Venue, the city’s first and only urban winery. Driven by a passion for wine and community, Fodor and his wife Karen identified a disconnect in a city known for its appreciation of local, artisanal products—Calgarians had nowhere to experience winemaking firsthand without travelling to traditional wine regions. “It struck me as odd that a city with such a vibrant culinary scene… didn’t have a dedicated space where people could experience the winemaking process,” explains Fodor.
What is your business called and what does it do?
City & Country Urban Winery + Event Venue
What made you want to do this work?
My love for wine & people.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
The initial spark for the business was my & my wife Karen’s passion for wine & the noticeable absence of urban or craft wineries right here in Calgary. It struck me as odd that a city with such a vibrant culinary scene and a growing appreciation for local, artisanal products didn’t have a dedicated space where people could experience the winemaking process firsthand, sample unique small-batch wines, and connect with the craft behind the bottle without having to venture out to more traditional wine regions.
I envisioned a place that would bridge that gap – a winery right within the city limits, offering a different kind of wine experience. It wasn’t just about selling wine; it was about creating an immersive environment where Calgarians could learn about grape varietals, winemaking techniques, and the passion that goes into each glass. It was about fostering a community around wine, offering a unique destination for locals and visitors alike, and adding a new dimension to Calgary’s urban landscape. So, the core problem I aimed to solve was this very lack of a local, accessible craft winery experience within the city.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
All kinds of Calgary wine drinkers, from new to experienced!
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell wine & events to customers both retail & wholesale.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
There is no other urban winery in Calgary.
What is the best part about what you do?
Making & talking about wine…
Our philosophy centres on the belief that exceptional wine begins with exceptional grapes. We meticulously source our grapes, prioritizing relationships with growers who share our commitment to quality and sustainable practices. Depending on the specific wine we’re aiming to create, we might select grapes from the Okanagan Valley for their bright fruit characteristics, or perhaps seek out unique varietals from smaller vineyards that offer a particular expression of terroir, in places as far away as South Africa.
In the winery, our approach blends traditional techniques with a mindful adoption of modern advancements. For some of our wines, we might opt for wild yeast fermentation to enhance complexity and a sense of place, while for others, we might carefully select specific yeast strains to achieve a desired flavour profile. We believe in minimal intervention during certain stages to allow the natural character of the grapes to shine through, while in other cases, we might employ specific ageing techniques with oak, carefully chosen for their origin and toast level, to add layers of nuance and structure.
Ultimately, our goal is to craft wines that are not just enjoyable to drink, but that also tell a story – a story of the land, the vintage, and our passion for the art of winemaking. We strive for a balance of fruit, acidity, and structure, with a distinct character that reflects our unique approach and the quality of the ingredients we’ve so carefully selected. Each wine is a reflection of our dedication to capturing the essence of the grapes and transforming them into something truly special.”
What is the worst part?
The Sales process.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
It’s easy to make wine, hard to sell wine.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Skunkworks Distillery
