In the industrial landscape of Manchester, where the streets feel quiet and rows of production companies stretch down the block, a small sign reading “Winery” stands out. White brick walls look neat and almost innocent against the gritty surroundings of old buildings covered with graffiti across the railroad. “The artists don’t bring [the graffiti] over here,” says Chris Fodor, owner of City & Country Winery. “But I wouldn’t mind.”
When asked why he opened an urban winery in Calgary, Fodor answers, “I was crazy. It was ego.” Having worked in hospitality and BC wineries for years, he saw the rise of craft breweries and distilleries in Alberta. “I thought to myself, ‘I know the business well enough, I can have grapes shipped. Let’s go for it.” He and his wife Karen launched City & Country in 2019, combining his passion for wine with her background in natural health.
Inside, the space is airy and industrial, but far from cold, thanks to installations of wine bottles and colourful art on the walls. The winemaking area is open, offering curious guests a behind-the-scenes look at how each bottle comes to life.
That openness extends beyond the wine tanks. “We’re doing direct marketing, putting a face on [the business],” says Fodor. “We’re walking around to businesses in the neighbourhood just to say hi. We want them to know they can pop by anytime, have lunch, listen to music, see some art.”
City & Country sits in an area filled mostly with production businesses. But Chris sees it as the kind of place where creativity naturally starts to thrive. “When you go to cities, there is always that industrial area where the artists are, or the funky restaurant is,” he says. “I think that’s what’s happening in the Manchester area. It’s nice to be part of it.”
Art and music were always part of the vision. “Wine is art,” Fodor says. “Everyone interprets it differently … the taste, the look, the feel. It’s the same with painting or music.” From the beginning, the winery hosted local artists on its walls. But since connecting with Steve Rogers, the collaboration evolved into something more ambitious.
An idea sparked when Rogers, a graphic designer and artist, hosted an exhibit inside the winery. “It’s a wonderful place to put your art,” he says. “And I really enjoy hanging with Chris. We’ve become friends.” That friendship — and a desire to showcase more local talent — led to a bold idea: taking a shipping container and turning it into an art and music hub. Initially, Rogers hoped to carry on the legacy of The Blues Can in Inglewood, which was closing its original Inglewood location at the time.
Now, the container sits on the patio of City & Country Winery, stamped with the name “Rumblecan.” And it’s more spacious than you’d think, filled with patio tables and chairs just waiting for an audience.
The name “Rumblecan” is layered. Its most literal nod is to the train tracks — you can feel the low rattle of freight trains as they roll through Manchester. But it’s also an homage to Rumble, a 2017 documentary about Indigenous musicians who shaped rock history. “I learned so much about musicians who nobody really knew but who inspired all different genres of music,” says Rogers.
“I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the space,” Rogers continues. “City & Country Winery is just a cool place to relax, hear some local music, explore the area, and take in some art.”
He says the goal is to create a venue that bridges gaps, feels accessible, and makes people want to return. All artists, young or old, experienced or emerging, are welcome.
The music lineup at Rumblecan is eclectic, with programming that ranges from bluegrass afternoons and reggae nights to guest DJ sets. “We want to open it up to whatever. If someone’s having fun out there, we’re going to have fun,” Rogers says.
Rumblecan is also open to emerging talent. “I like to give an 18-year-old a chance to show their stuff,” says Rogers. “People just need a little bit of confidence.” Booking is informal for artists and musicians alike — just talk to Rogers. “You never know who’s going to come through your door. It could be the next Bob Dylan.”
Rogers enthusiastically spoke about the upcoming summer program: concert photography, guitar-inspired sculptures, and artistic interpretations of iconic songs, and that’s just the beginning. “I’m really excited about the exhibit in July,” he says. “It’s going to be a big challenge. I’m creating interpretations of songs, some of them political. But it’s nice to rock it. It’s nice to make people question things.”
Fodor and Rogers hope to build on the spirit of local festivals like the East Town Get Down, where dozens of venues along International Avenue host live bands. Inspired by that model, they’re envisioning a walkable event that connects Rumblecan with nearby venues. “There are so many breweries around here,” Rogers says. “We’d love for people to grab a glass of wine here, then walk down the street to see another band.”
“It’s an awakening,” says Fodor. “I had this vision … I’m calling it ‘City and Country Urban Winery 2.0.’ Yeah, we’re finally there.”
“I think we’re both very fortunate that we can live our passions,” says Rogers. “He’s got wine, and I’ve got art [and] music — and now we combine it.”
It’s fascinating to see a shipping container transformed into a stage. Invented initially to move goods across oceans, containers revolutionized global trade. But here, in a quiet corner of Calgary’s industrial area, one now carries something far less tangible and more human: music, stories, and a sense of community. It’s a reminder that art can thrive anywhere, as long as someone dares to make space for it.
Visit the Rumblecan at 544 38a Ave. S.E. and online at cityandcountrywinery.com and rumblecan.com.
Plan Your Visit
Address: 544 38a Ave. S.E.
Hours: Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking sitch: Free, and on-site.
Drink Tip: Try the tasting flight — three wines handpicked by the winemaker.
Art: Monthly exhibits are curated by Steve Rogers, from concert photography to sculpture
Events: May 31 opening (Honey Eyed, Sun Stokes John Rutherford Trio), June 7 show (Erin Ross Trio), June photo exhibit (“Rebel Yell”), July photo exhibit (“Interpretation”)
