In 2018, the team at Okanagan Crush Pad winery in Summerland, BC, launched a brand called Free Form, in conjunction with the winery earning organic certification for its cellar. This dedication to responsible stewardship is further underscored by Okanagan Crush Pad’s membership in the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA), a global coalition dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of wine production.
Earth-Friendly and Additive-Free: Winemaking That Lets Nature Lead
Free Form wines epitomize earth-friendly winemaking. They are made using organic grapes and native yeasts, are free of additives, and are left to find their own course in the cellar, all under the watchful eye of chief winemaker Matt Dumayne. As directed by Dumayne and the winemaking team, Free Form wines are fermented in concrete tanks, clay amphorae or large barrels. Extended skin contact is used, followed by a gentle pressing and further rest before bottling. The wines are free of rough handling, commercial additives and little to no sulphites.
Grapes That Speak: A Lineup Rooted in Organic Origins
Made from grapes grown on the 320-acre Garnet Valley Ranch, which is certified organic and home to 65 acres of meticulously maintained vineyards, the Free Form lineup includes Vin Gris, a Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, a Cabernet Franc Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each Free Form wine offers a unique snapshot of the land, time, and conditions of its creation, making every vintage distinct.
Art Meets Nature: The Story Behind Free Form’s Stunning Labels
Speaking of distinct, the inspiration for the Free Form label art was taken from the unique features of the land, where low hills and oblong lakes were formed by glacial retreat over nine thousand years ago. Vancouver artist Scott Sueme was called in to capture the raw beauty of this area for the label art. The results are simplistic abstract landscapes symbolic of the Okanagan. Each wine carries its own artwork, with a small fingerprint pattern worked into the design, signifying the team’s low-impact farming and hands-off approach to winemaking. Free Form wine labels are printed on a revolutionary paper made from stone (that the Town Hall Brands design team was proud to introduce to the winery team). Free Form wines are the first in Canada to use these stone papers, which use no trees or water in the production process.
This lineup of wines is truly rooted in its origins. These are not wines shaped by human intervention but rather expressions of the land, showcasing the balance and beauty that the Okanagan Valley offers. Each sip carries the story of a place, a moment, and a vision for sustainable winegrowing.
Up Next: Narrative
Next in the series, we continue our journey with Okanagan Crush Pad by exploring the innovative Narrative wines, a brand that showcases the artistry of winemaking in the Okanagan Valley. Stay tuned for the full story.
BC Sips to Support
‘BC Sips to Support’ is an 8-part series celebrating BC producers creating outstanding beverages, each with its own unique story, flavours, and impact on the community. Compiled by Town Hall Brands, a marketing and branding agency with a passion for promoting quality products, this series aims to shine a light on some of the best BC distilleries, wineries, and makers they work with within our region. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore locally crafted beverages, each feature will introduce you to a brand committed to quality, creativity, and connection.
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- ‘BC Sips to Support’, an 8-part series celebrating BC producers creating outstanding beverages, each with its own unique story, flavours, and impact on the community. Compiled by Town Hall Brands, a marketing and branding agency with a passion for promoting quality products, this series aims to shine a light on some of the best BC distilleries, wineries, and makers they work within our region. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning to explore locally crafted beverages, each feature will introduce you to a brand committed to quality, creativity, and connection.
Latest entries
BC Sips to SupportJanuary 2, 2025‘BC Sips to Support’ Narrative Wines Are Telling the Okanagan’s Boldest Stories
BC Sips to SupportDecember 26, 2024‘BC Sips to Support’ Free Form Wines Are Breaking All the Rules (Sustainably, of Course)
BC Sips to SupportDecember 18, 2024BC Sips to Support’ Garnet Valley Ranch is Raising the Bar on Sustainable Sipping
BC Sips to SupportDecember 11, 2024‘BC Sips to Support’ How Haywire Winery Went from Orchard Chaos to Concrete Cool
