Haywire Winery, formerly known as Okanagan Crush Pad, has taken its well-earned place in the spotlight, embracing bold new branding in 2023. Situated in Summerland, BC, on the scenic Switchback Organic Vineyard, Haywire Winery offers a contemporary tasting lounge with year-round table-side service and stunning views of Okanagan Lake. This space is the heart of a winery deeply committed to sustainability, organic farming, and producing wines that embody the vibrant terroir of the Okanagan.
Transforming An Orchard
The story of Haywire Winery began in 2005 when founders Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie purchased a non-productive orchard and transformed it into Switchback Organic Vineyard. What started as a small, experimental wine project grew into one of the most celebrated wine producers in BC. The name “Haywire” is a nod to the chaos and determination that defined their early years, a spirit that remains at the core of their winemaking philosophy.
Unique Tanks
At Haywire, the star of the show is their innovative use of concrete fermentation tanks, which have been central to their minimalist winemaking approach since 2011. Concrete’s porous surface allows for micro-oxygenation, creating vibrant, fruit-forward wines with depth and character. Their portfolio features cool-climate varietals such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris—crafted with minimal intervention, in order to let the vineyard’s unique qualities shine.
Tasting & Educating
Visitors to Haywire are invited to immerse themselves in the experience. Whether it is savouring a glass of wine amidst the art-inspired tasting lounge or learning about organic viticulture and regenerative farming practices, Haywire’s approach is as much about education as it is about enjoyment. The team’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond the vineyard, with initiatives like promoting biodiversity through insect-friendly gardens, using compost and organic fertilizers, and supporting endangered pollinators like wild bees and monarch butterflies.
While Haywire has claimed its place as a leader in BC’s wine scene, it is also part of a larger vision. As the flagship winery for Okanagan Crush Pad, it shares its home with other celebrated labels like Free Form and Narrative. Each offers a unique interpretation of the Okanagan’s potential, reflecting the region’s diverse landscape.
For those seeking a premium tasting experience and a deeper connection to the land, Haywire Winery offers a journey into the heart of BC’s wine culture—one sip at a time.
Up Next: Garnet Valley Ranch
Up next in this series, we will take a closer look at Garnet Valley Ranch Winery, another loved spot from the Okanagan Crush Pad family. This winery seamlessly blends cutting-edge viticulture with the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Stay tuned as we uncover the story of this exceptional vineyard and its wines.
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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Author Profile
- ‘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
