A new winery could be coming to central Alberta.
Red Deer County’s municipal planning commission conditionally approved an application on Tuesday to operate a winery at a 160-acre rural property, 15 km northwest of Innisfail.
Proponents Don and Yvonne Feitsma say in their application they plan to grow grapes, make and sell wine and offer winery tours when they are up and running.
The winery would operate out of an existing building on the farm site. It will be run by two residential employees and up to five other staff will be added during summer months, according to the county planning report.
Reached for comment, Don said on Tuesday the project was in the early stages and he did not want to provide any more information yet.
The applicants must meet 20 conditions, including approval from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis.
Mayor Jim Wood was pleased with the proposal, which will help increase diversification in the rural area.
Wood said the winery would be the second in central Alberta.
Delidais Estate Winery is located near Elnora and offers a wide variety of wines based on black currents, cherries, chokecherries, saskatoons, apples, and rhubarb.