While Okanagan wineries are well known to BC wine lovers, wine tourism tends to be focused on the four to five months leading up to summer and into the fall. During the rest of the year, they rely heavily on locals to support them and support them, we do.
As a way to acknowledge this support, Summerland’s Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Winery have developed a ‘Certified Local’ program as a way to show their appreciation.
Now fifteen years old, Haywire has become a Summerland favourite among locals and visitors alike. They take a little different approach to winemaking at Haywire, “Concrete tanks are the perfect vessel for the style of wine we aim to make. The central Okanagan area is the ideal place for cool climate varieties such as pinot noir, gamay, pinot gris and chardonnay. We don’t rush the winemaking process using low intervention methods to create fruit-forward wines with a fuller textured mid-palate and a finish that goes on and on.”
“As a team, we all place a high value on sustainability and land stewardship. It should be no surprise that our Estate Vineyards, overseen by Haywire’s Viticulturist, Duncan Billing are entirely organic. Both Estate Vineyards are in Summerland, with Switchback Vineyard located on the Haywire property and Garnet Valley Ranch at the North end of Summerland.”
When you visit the winery, you will find three distinct labels.
Haywire
Under the Haywire label, they have 18 offerings including vineyard-specific Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rosé, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and even aged sparkling wines.
Narrative
“Narrative is a collection of wines that tells the story of what is most exciting about the Okanagan Valley: geological and climatic diversity in a wine region that spans 120km from north to south. Using grapes from various vineyards throughout the valley, winemaker Kat D’Costa is able to share more diverse varieties and flavours each year.
There are 11 wines under this label which include, Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, a premium red blend Non-Fiction, and a delicate pink sparkling wine named XC Method.
Free Form
The Free Form brand appeared in 2017 with the tag ‘wine shaped by nature’.
“Created in pursuit of “wines of place”, this series celebrates the inherent difference and pleasure of each vintage. Each wine is one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated.
Free Form wines are made from organic grapes, native yeast and free of additives. These wines are left to find their own course under the watchful eye of winemaker Matt Dumayne. Wines are fermented in concrete tanks or clay amphorae. Extended skin contact is used, followed by a gentle pressing and further rest before bottling (free of rough handling and commercial additives, and little to no sulfites).”
Haywire offers 6 wines under the Free Form label.
The Certified Local program is exclusively for Okanagan residents. Simply visit their website and sign up. It’s that easy. With your card, you qualify for:
- Complimentary flash tastings for you and up to three guests in the lounge or patio
- A 10% discount on any product at any time (and if you shop like me, that adds up).
- Early notices about special events
- And if you join the Haywire Wine Club, a special gift with your second shipment
This offer is available from March 15th to June 15th and September 15th to December 15th, which are perfect times to enjoy more leisurely tastings.
Has this grabbed your attention? Then go to the link and sign up.
Here are some notes on their latest releases.
Haywire Switchback Vineyard 2021 Pinot Gris
$29.99
100% organically grown Pinot Gris, whole cluster pressed and naturally fermented before aging in concrete tanks all of which helps to ensure that the terroir shines through. You’re not going to mistake this distinctive wine for another Pinot Gris. Very food friendly. Straw coloured with medium-minus intensity. The nose displays aromas of minerality, Fuji apple, lime, tropical fruit, a hint of salinity, delicate perfume and chopped nuts. Good balance with medium-plus body. The flavours echo the nose followed by a medium-plus dry finish. You can taste the terroir in this wine. Serve with pan-fried halibut, crab cakes or shrimp Creole.
90 Points
Haywire 2021 Gamay Rose
$26.29
“This 100% Gamay wine was whole cluster pressed to concrete, foudre and stainless-steel vessels for natural fermentation then aged in tank for seven months to build palate weight.”
Ripe cherry red with medium-minus intensity. Red fruit dominates the nose especially cranberry, raspberry, cherries, strawberries, and orange zest along with a touch of bramble. Good balance with a creamy, medium-plus body. A fruit-forward palate with tasty flavours following the nose. A medium-plus finish. This is a lovely beach/patio wine or serve with Thai food or Singapore noodles.
89 Points
Narrative 2021 Rosé
$20.99
Upon first taste, this Pinot Noir-based rosé seemed to show a nod to Provence’s elegance. Cherry red with medium-minus intensity. The nose shows aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry, cream and honeysuckle. Very good balance with good mouthfeel. The flavours echo the nose along with cinnamon, stewed plums, and vanilla. A medium-long finish. Serve with salmon (all ways), shrimp, or a summer salad with strawberries and feta.
92 Points
And if you are a wine lover, then you are likely a foodie as well. Check out this link for some, “Easy to prepare recipes that pair perfectly with your favourite wines!” I can’t wait to check out the ’Prawns and Pasta’ recipe.
I’m Certified Local, are you?
(All photos, except as noted – Sam Hauck)
