At its Wednesday, February 19 meeting, Hamilton AM Club members heard the story of Gord Maretzki, co-owner of Urban Tractor Farm Winery and Studio, who is a man of many talents. In 2009, Gord and his wife, Paula, moved to a vintage farm in the Vinemount Ridge area of Niagara, seeking a simpler life. They restored the land using sustainable farming practices, and in 2018, they planted their first vines—Seyval Blanc and Baco Noir. By 2020, they harvested their first crop and began producing estate-grown wines, partnering with local growers to explore new grape varieties and wine styles with each vintage.
But Gord’s creativity doesn’t stop at winemaking. He is also an accomplished stained glass craftsman with years of experience. Not only has he mastered the craft, but he has also taught others and contributed his work to art galleries and helped with the restoration of historic stained glass windows. His deep knowledge, skill, and passion for stained glass shines through in every piece he creates; making it clear that his talents extend far beyond the winery. Whether designing intricate pieces or restoring timeless works, Gord's love for stained glass is as evident as his passion for winemaking.
Club members are invited to visit the winery and studio in Beamsville; it is about 40 minutes from Hamilton “on the bench”. The address is 3858 Konkle Road, Beamsville, ON
