The Okanagan Crush Pad’s Haywire Free Form White of 2016 has made Decanter magazine’s Most Exciting Wines of 2018 list, placing in the top 10 with a score of 94 points.

In the January 2019 issue, Decanter’s experts from around the world named the top 50 bottles under £60 (about $100 Cdn) that impressed them most this year, with Oz Clarke calling the Haywire an “astonishing Canadian Sauvignon Blanc.”

The winery, while no stranger to the UK wine circles, is excited to have these kudos.

“We are so proud of our team, in particular the work of our chief winemaker Matt Dumayne and growers Terry Waters and Cathy Banks,” said winery owner Christine Coletta. “Our mission is to have Okanagan wines stand proudly next to a global selection of respected brands. This recognition shows us we are well on our way to demonstrating that our region can compete on the world stage.”

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The focus at Okanagan Crush Pad is on authenticity and quality. Free Form wines are made using organic grapes, native yeast, extended skin contact, are free of commercial additives, have little to no sulphites added and are unfiltered.

“We found the best way to achieve authenticity of place is to not manipulate or add anything to wine, including oak influence,” Dumayne said. “While you need to give up some modern conveniences, with a highly-skilled team with global viticulture and winemaking experience, you can get it right.”

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Coletta credits consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini and terroir consultant Pedro Parra for their guiding influence.

“Their vision for what the Okanagan is capable of has driven our work.”

While the 2016 Haywire Free Form White is now sold out, customers seeking to experience Free Form wines can visit okanagancrushpad.com.

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