Since its debut in 2014, the Narrative portfolio has been a key part of Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland, BC. Under the talented eye of chief winemaker Matt Dumayne, these wines are crafted with minimal intervention.
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Flavour: The Art of Cool-Climate Winemaking
The grapes for Narrative wines are sourced from local growers throughout the Okanagan Valley, resulting in a diverse collection of wines that celebrate the region. Signature wines include Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and a rich red blend aptly named Non-Fiction. The XC Method sparkling wine and rosé add further dimension to this cool-climate collection, showcasing the Okanagan’s potential for aromatic whites and structured reds. In addition to these wines, the Narrative lineup include craft spirits. In 2016, the team launched the 12 Botanicals Gin, and in the following years came a Fortified wine and a Narrative Brandy, and now lucky spirit aficionados can try a limited edition Absinthe.
Meet the Team: Kat D’Costa’s Blend of Passion and Sustainability
Enhancing the vision of the Narrative portfolio is winemaker and sustainability officer Kat D’Costa. With a background spanning 15 years in the restaurant industry, Kat transitioned to winemaking eight years ago, bringing a passion for learning and a diverse skill set to her role. Since joining the winery in 2021, she has been instrumental in managing the Narrative wine lineup, ensuring cellar operations run seamlessly.
Kat’s dedication extends beyond winemaking to championing sustainability initiatives. As the sustainability officer, she spearheads the winery’s collaboration with International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) focusing on reducing carbon emissions through innovative practices. Her leadership reflects the team’s commitment to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the winery’s operations remain aligned with the values of responsible viticulture.
Graffiti Meets Geometrics: The Bold Look of Narrative
The artistry of Narrative is not limited to its wines. Vancouver-based artist Scott Sueme designed a graffiti-style mural for Okanagan Crush Pad in 2011, and the winery’s designers created bold geometric label designs inspired by this work. The patterns, with contrasting colours and intersecting shapes, reflect the dynamic nature of the Okanagan landscape and embody the modern spirit of the wines. These striking visuals received a refresh in recent years, highlighting the evolution of the Narrative brand.
With the team’s commitment to sustainable practices, innovative winemaking, and artistic expression, the Narrative lineup embodies the essence of the Okanagan: its short, intense growing seasons, cold winters, and the dedicated team that make these remarkable wines.
A Toast to Local: Celebrating BC’s Exceptional Beverages
As the ‘BC Sips to Support’ series on small businesses making beverages comes to an end, we hope these stories have highlighted the importance of supporting local and showcasing the exceptional products our region has to offer. Each featured brand embodies a commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Raise a glass to the remarkable creations of BC—cheers!
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.
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