They had owned and run Rideau Music in Calgary for 25 years, but Marvin, whose parents were Saskatchewan farmers, always had a yearning to be back on the land.
Growing and harvesting berries are one thing, converting them into quality wines meant asking for help and they were fortunate to be able to obtain the services of expert Quebec winemaker Dominic Rivard to help them create 10 different wine combinations. Winemaker Marvin says, “This eliminates the need for manufacturing vast amounts of wine from fresh fruit all at once when harvested.” Depending upon the summer, that could mean up to 13,600 kilograms.Article content
She says selling at the markets gives the opportunity to chat with customers about her wines while offering tastings gives the best kind of immediate feedback. Speaking at the new Calgary Farmers’ Market West, she offered that she also enjoys the camaraderie of other vendors who have become colleagues, helping each other and buying from each other in support of the benefits and importance of buying local.