Art Installation 2021 - 10th Winery Anniversary
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Okanagan Crush Pad Haywire

4.8
·229 reviews·Summerland, Canada

Experience unique, low-intervention wines at Haywire Winery, formerly Okanagan Crush Pad, known for concrete fermentation and a stylish tasting lounge...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Art Installation 2021 - 10th Winery Anniversary

Okanagan Crush Pad Haywire

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience unique, low-intervention wines at Haywire Winery, formerly Okanagan Crush Pad, known for concrete fermentation and a stylish tasting lounge.

4.8
(229 reviews)

"Great wine tasting experience with knowledgeable staff and delicious, unique wines."

Vertical photo
TIP

Ask About Wine Club Perks

Joining the wine club can waive tasting fees & offer discounts. Great value if you love their wines! :wine_glass:

Try the Narrative Gin

Many visitors rave about the botanical flavors of their gin. Worth a taste, even if you're a wine enthusiast! :ginandtonic:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Concrete Fermentation Experience

Concrete Fermentation Experience

Near the concrete vats

Learn about and taste wines fermented in concrete, a unique process explained by knowledgeable staff.

Narrative Cabernet Franc 2019

Narrative Cabernet Franc 2019

Tasting bar

A standout wine for many visitors, showcasing the quality of their low-intervention winemaking.

Narrative Gin Tasting

Narrative Gin Tasting

Tasting bar

Don't miss their botanical-rich gin, a delightful surprise for many visitors who end up buying bottles.

Modern Tasting Lounge

Modern Tasting Lounge

Main tasting area

Enjoy your wine in a beautifully designed, comfortable space with great seating for sipping and chatting.

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Planning Your Visit

Winery Name Change & Focus

Formerly Okanagan Crush Pad, this Summerland winery is now primarily known as Haywire. They focus on low-intervention wines, often fermented in concrete, offering a unique tasting experience. Plan for a relaxed visit, as they're open year-round.

Tasting Fees & Wine Club Perks

Tasting fees apply and are not waived with purchase, but joining the wine club can waive fees and offer discounts. Consider this if you plan to buy multiple bottles or visit frequently. Staff are knowledgeable and can guide your choices.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Staff are attentive and knowledgeable
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Events (e.g., Light Up the Vines)
Why
Festive atmosphere & unique offerings
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The good part is finally here! 🥂🍇 To celebrate winemaker Matt’s tenth vintage with Okanagan Crush Pad and our 12th crush, we popped a bottle of the 2013 Haywire Vintage Bub in the vines. 🥂 Cheers to the start of a successful harvest and many more to come! #harvest2022 #bcwine #swirlbc #winemaking #wine #summerland #bottleneckdrive #okanagan #okanaganwine #summerlandbc #summerlandbc #crush #wi...
okcrushpad
187 likes • 4.5K views

Ask About Wine Club Perks

Joining the wine club can waive tasting fees & offer discounts. Great value if you love their wines! :wine_glass:

Try the Narrative Gin

Many visitors rave about the botanical flavors of their gin. Worth a taste, even if you're a wine enthusiast! :ginandtonic:

Okanagan Crush Pad is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style! The winery invited @scottsueme to redo the art work on the exterior wall. We enjoyed lovely wine flights of Haywire & Narrative alongside delicious cheese and charcuterie. On now until tomorrow! 🍇🍷
uncorkbcwine
52 likes • 961 views
☀️: Ngl, I’m already thinking about summer, and one place you should visit has the word summer in it - it’s Summerland, BC! Home to the Okanagan Crush Pad at @haywirewine! Okanagan Crush Pad opened in 2011 and while they have. Labels like Haywire they also share and own wines under other labels such as Narrative, Free Form, and Bizou + Yukon. 🍷 Their renovated tasting lounge and patio is perfect ...
daniideluxe
0 likes • 3.2K views

Engage with Staff

The team is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to explain their unique winemaking processes. :speech_balloon:

Enjoy the Ambiance

The modern tasting lounge is designed for comfort. Relax, sip, and chat in a welcoming environment. :couch:

Our first stop in Summerland, BC was Haywire Winery. We last visited them several years ago as Okanagan Crush Pad and last year when we wanted to stop by we found out they were closed in order to build a new tasting room. After 14 years under the name Okanagan Crush Pad, the name was changed to Haywire, (producing Haywire , Freeform and Narrative Lines) and they opened this year with a newly const...
bcwinetasting
143 likes • 865 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask About Wine Club Perks

Joining the wine club can waive tasting fees & offer discounts. Great value if you love their wines! :wine_glass:

Try the Narrative Gin

Many visitors rave about the botanical flavors of their gin. Worth a taste, even if you're a wine enthusiast! :ginandtonic:

Engage with Staff

The team is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to explain their unique winemaking processes. :speech_balloon:

Enjoy the Ambiance

The modern tasting lounge is designed for comfort. Relax, sip, and chat in a welcoming environment. :couch:

Plan for Concrete Fermentation

Experience wines fermented in concrete, not oak. Staff can explain this unique process. :atom_symbol:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(229 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Haywire Winery for its welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and high-quality, low-intervention wines, particularly those fermented in concrete. The modern tasting lounge and unique offerings like their gin are also highlights. While tasting fees apply, many find the experience well worth it, with some opting to join the wine club for added benefits.

"Such a great experience at Haywire. Amazing conversations, great low intervention wine! Everyone made us feel very at home. Nice food pairing options too. Lovely design of the seating area. Highly recommend! Open basically all year."

Famili ar Wild (FamiliarWild)

"Great wine tasting experience at Haywire Winery today! We each had different flights and staff had good knowledge of their products which are fermented in concrete, not the usual oak barrels. They explained some of the processes to us, too, right at the concrete vats. Our favourite wine was the Narrative Cabernet Franc 2019. We also tasted their Narrative Gin and found it full of wonderful botanical flavours - so we had to buy 2 bottles. Highly recommend Haywire Winery if you’re in the Summerland area!"

Denise DeLeebeeck

"Not a unique taste of wine bur still high quality wines. It’s good for relaxing. Very welcoming stuff. Wine tasting cost you but is not waiving with purchase."

Arman

What People Like

Welcoming and knowledgeable staff
Unique low-intervention wines
Modern and comfortable tasting lounge

What People Dislike

Tasting fees not waived with purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Haywire Winery is located in Summerland, BC. From Kelowna, it's about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive south via Highway 97. Consider driving or booking a wine tour for convenient transportation. TikTok

Yes, there is typically ample parking available at Haywire Winery for visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! Many wine tour operators in the Okanagan Valley include Haywire Winery (formerly Okanagan Crush Pad) in their itineraries. This is a great option if you want to sample multiple wineries without worrying about driving. Instagram

For exploring multiple wineries in Summerland, driving is convenient, but booking a dedicated wine tour or using a taxi/rideshare service is recommended to ensure responsible enjoyment of wine tastings. Instagram

Public transport options to wineries in the Okanagan can be limited. It's generally recommended to drive, use a taxi/rideshare, or book a wine tour for the most convenient access to Haywire Winery. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While walk-ins are often accommodated, booking a tasting in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or for larger groups, to secure your preferred time slot. Reddit

Tasting fees apply at Haywire Winery and are not waived with wine purchases. However, joining their wine club can waive these fees and offer discounts on wine.,Reddit Reddit

Haywire Winery is generally open year-round, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

Yes, Haywire Winery often offers food pairing options, such as cheese and charcuterie boards, to complement your wine tasting experience. Reddit

You can typically visit the tasting lounge area to purchase wine by the glass or bottle without a formal tasting, but a tasting is recommended to experience their range. Reddit

🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining

Haywire Winery produces a range of low-intervention wines, including labels like Haywire, Narrative, Free Form, and Bizou + Yukon. They are known for unique fermentation methods.,Instagram Instagram

Haywire focuses on low-intervention winemaking, often fermenting wines in concrete vats rather than traditional oak barrels, which imparts a distinct character. Reddit

Yes, Haywire Winery also produces a highly-regarded Narrative Gin, which is often available for tasting alongside their wines. Reddit

Absolutely. You can purchase wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy at the winery or to take home. Reddit

Haywire Winery often offers curated food pairings such as cheese and charcuterie boards, and sometimes partners with local vendors for snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for photos, especially with the modern architecture and vineyard views. Consider golden hour for stunning shots. TikTok

Yes, the modern tasting lounge, vineyard surroundings, and unique concrete vats offer excellent photo opportunities. The exterior art installations are also popular. Instagram

Visitors describe the vibe as relaxed, welcoming, and sophisticated. The staff are friendly, and the ambiance is perfect for sipping wine and chatting. Reddit

With its beautiful setting, comfortable seating, and delicious wine, Haywire Winery is a wonderful choice for a romantic outing or a special occasion. Reddit

It's a must-visit for its delicious, low-intervention wines, unique concrete fermentation, friendly service, and stylish tasting lounge, offering a memorable Okanagan wine experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Haywire Winery is primarily an adult-focused wine destination, families can still enjoy a visit. The spacious and modern tasting lounge offers comfortable seating, and the outdoor areas can be pleasant. It's advisable to check if they have any specific family-friendly events or if bringing children is suitable during your planned visit. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Instagram

Focus on enjoying the beautiful surroundings and perhaps a non-alcoholic beverage if available. The staff are generally welcoming and can accommodate requests where possible. Remember that the primary focus is wine tasting, so keeping children entertained might require bringing along quiet activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Haywire Winery does have tasting fees, and these are not waived with wine purchases, which can add up. However, a smart strategy for budget-conscious visitors is to join the wine club. As mentioned by reviewers, this can waive tasting fees for your entire party and offer significant discounts on wine purchases, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to buy bottles. Reddit

Alternatively, consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays when the atmosphere is more relaxed, and you might receive more personalized attention. Sharing a tasting flight among a group can also help manage costs. Focus on enjoying the experience and perhaps purchasing one or two favorite bottles rather than a large quantity if budget is a primary concern. Reddit

🥂 Couples & Wine Enthusiasts

Haywire Winery is an ideal destination for couples and serious wine enthusiasts. The sophisticated and comfortable tasting lounge provides a perfect setting for a romantic afternoon or a focused exploration of unique wines. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about their craft and can offer in-depth insights into their low-intervention winemaking and concrete fermentation techniques. Reddit

Engage with the staff to discover hidden gems like the Narrative Cabernet Franc or the highly-praised Narrative Gin. Consider booking a tasting in advance to ensure a seamless experience. The opportunity to learn about and taste wines produced with such a distinct philosophy makes Haywire a truly rewarding visit for those who appreciate quality and innovation in wine. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution from Okanagan Crush Pad to Haywire

Haywire Winery has a significant history in the Okanagan Valley, initially known as Okanagan Crush Pad. This facility, established in 2011, was designed as a custom-crush winery, allowing various winemakers and labels to produce their wines on-site. Over the years, the focus has increasingly shifted towards their own proprietary labels, most notably Haywire. This evolution reflects a strategic move to highlight their distinct winemaking philosophy and brand identity.,Instagram Instagram

The rebranding to Haywire signifies a more concentrated vision, emphasizing their commitment to low-intervention winemaking and the unique terroir of the Okanagan. While they still offer services to other labels, the Haywire brand now takes center stage, showcasing their innovative approach to wine production. Visitors can expect a modern and stylish experience that reflects this refined focus. Instagram

This transition has allowed Haywire to cultivate a strong reputation for producing high-quality, distinctive wines. The winery's commitment to natural processes and the expression of fruit is evident in every bottle, making it a compelling destination for wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the conventional. Reddit

Exploring Haywire's Unique Winemaking Philosophy

At the heart of Haywire Winery's appeal is its dedication to low-intervention winemaking. This philosophy means minimizing human manipulation in the winemaking process, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and the vineyard to shine through. A key element of this approach is their use of concrete fermentation vessels. Unlike traditional oak barrels, concrete allows for a more neutral fermentation, preserving the purity of the fruit flavors and contributing to a wine's texture and structure without imparting oaky notes. Reddit

Visitors have the opportunity to witness these concrete vats firsthand and learn about the science and art behind this method. The knowledgeable staff at Haywire are adept at explaining the nuances of concrete fermentation and how it contributes to the unique profile of their wines, such as the highly praised Narrative Cabernet Franc. This transparency and educational aspect enhance the tasting experience, offering a deeper appreciation for the craft. Reddit

Beyond fermentation, Haywire's commitment extends to sustainable vineyard practices and minimal additions in the cellar. This holistic approach results in wines that are often described as pure, vibrant, and expressive of the Okanagan terroir. It's this dedication to authenticity and quality that makes Haywire a standout destination for those seeking a genuine taste of the region. Reddit

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