Tucked just beyond Strathmore's backyards fences lies a vineyard most locals don't realize is one of the first estate wineries in Alberta, and last weekend it opened its gates to the public.
Field Stone Fruit Wines welcomed visitors to its 50-acre orchard on Aug. 16 and 17 as a part of the 13th annual Alberta Open Farm Days.
Guests toured the grounds, learned how fruit wine is made, and sipped samples, all just minutes from home.
"We took the opportunity to teach people and show [the process] right from the fruit and the harvest. Open Farm Days for us came in right at the end of our peak harvest season," said Laura Atherton, the winery's new owner.
The weekend marked the first Alberta Open Farm Days the winery experienced under new ownership.
"Without tourism, our business really doesn't exist," Atherton said, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity and support the province offered through the event. "Our winery doesn't work unless people come to visit us."
Despite being just a short drive away, Atherton said running a rural operation often comes with challenges, including being overlooked.
"We are hoping people know that we're here," she said. "The majority of the visitors that came out had never been out before and didn't know that we existed."
The owners plan to schedule events throughout the year to help keep the winery active outside of peak harvest season.
"We can do craft shows, paint nights, and different things that the community might be looking for year-round," Atherton said.
She also emphasized the perks of being located in a more rural environment.
"[The orchard] is not that far out of town, and we have the opportunity for that connection with nature."
Field Stone Fruit Wines is already looking ahead to the next Alberta Open Farm Days as another opportunity to show both local neighbours and out-of-town visitors what goes on behind the scenes at its hidden gem of an orchard.