Eatdrink Waterloo & Wellington #3 October/November 2018

38 |October/November 2018 eatdrink.ca |@eatdrinkmag
Wine
Pioneers of “Huron Shores”
Alton Farms Estate Winery in Lambton County
by GARY KILLOPS
Looking for a day trip close to
home? Alton Farms Estate
Winery, located at 5547
Aberarder Line, Plympton-
Wyoming is just about an hour west of
London.
Marc Alton and Anne Kurtz-
Alton, who own and operate the
vineyard, recently celebrated the fifth
anniversary of the winery. The Altons
purchased the 90-acre property in 2005
and soon after planted a test acre of fifteen
different varietals to see what they could grow
best on the property.
They proved wrong the naysayers who said
it would be too cold for grapes to grow and for
vines to survive the cold winters, and went
on to became Lambton County’s first winery.
Together with Dark Horse Estate Winery and
Maelstrom Winery in neighboring Huron
County an Ontario wine region is forming,
unofficially called “Huron Shores”.
“From the beginning we have always been
committed to sustainability both in the
vineyard and the winery,” Anne explains. “We
try not to waste anything. We compost the
pruned vines in the spring, and the grape
skins and seeds after harvest. We also have a
herd of Shetland sheep and 15 lambs who eat
the ground cover between the rows of
vine and fertilize the soil.”
As is the case for most vineyards in
southern Ontario, too much moisture
from rain and humidity can be a concern.
Marc, who is both the winemaker and
vineyard manager, keeps a close watch
on the climate and will only use the most
sustainable products when there is a
need to spray in the vineyard.
A geo-engineer and marine geologist
by profession, Marc is a self-taught
winemaker and grape grower. He is
learning, adapting, and challenging
traditional winemaking practices and
is willing to
experiment with unusual blends that are both
interesting and unique.
In 2013 the winery opened to the public
in a century-old wooden drive shed on the
property. “It’s been a labour of love,” says
Anne. “As our budget allows we look to make
improvements to the winery and in the
vineyard.” This year the tasting room and
retail store were moved to the renovated
basement of the family home, offering a
striking wooden tasting bar with superior
lighting and welcoming ambience. The winery
offers a flight of three wines for $5. The tasting
fee is waived with wine purchase. In addition
to wine, the retail store has glassware, gift
baskets, and wine accessories for sale.
Other recent additions to the winery
Anne Kurtz-Alton with some of the vital vineyard workers