In Summerland, BC, Haywire Winery, has emerged as a standout name in the wine industry, marking its 15th year with a reputation for quality, innovation, and approachability. The story of Haywire is a journey of transformation, from grass roots beginnings to a leading producer of cool-climate wines in both Canada and Europe. This evolution is rooted in a philosophy that champions the natural expression of grapes and their environment, setting Haywire apart in a crowded field.

The vision for Haywire was realised by co-founders Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie, who unknowingly embarked on this venture when they first planted a 10 acre vineyard they named Switchback. After a lot of trial and error and unrelenting dedication, their “AHa” moment came when the vines yielded a tiny crop, enough for 168 cases. The entrepreneurial spirit in both Christine and Steve took over and Haywire wines, the “wine with personality”, was launched. 

As Haywire grew, so did the team. The founders, self-starters who neither appreciate being micromanaged nor enjoy micromanaging others, gathered together a diverse group of resourceful and passionate individuals. These team members are leaders in their respective areas, whether in the vineyards, the tasting room, or the office. Each person plays a crucial role in advancing Haywire, aligning their efforts with the company’s objectives. This collective endeavour is a testament to the strength of teamwork and shared goals in the pursuit of creating exceptional wine.

Chief Winemaker Matt Dumayne is at the forefront of Haywire’s winemaking approach, utilising concrete vessels and natural yeasts to minimise intervention. What many consumers aren’t aware of is the fact that additives can be used in winemaking; everything from sugar, acid, colouring, texture, grain alcohol, egg whites, and more. There are no labelling requirements for wine, so consumers have to act on blind faith that the winery is producing wine as simply and purely as possible. While this isn’t always the case across the industry, Haywire stands as an exception, committed to producing wine in its most natural form.

From its inception, the winery has embraced sustainable practices. This commitment to environmental stewardship is a fundamental part of Haywire’s identity. As vineyards around the world face the mounting challenges of climate change, the importance of Haywire’s efforts to lower its carbon footprint and engage in sustainable farming has never been greater.

These efforts include water conservation, energy efficiency, and promoting biodiversity in the vineyard. A viticulture model by specialist Pedro Parra is practised at Haywire. The goal is to optimise vineyard performance by deeply exploring the terroir to discover the variables that affect vine growth, grape ripening, plant health, and longevity. This is precisely why they use compost and seaweed as fertiliser, which helps nourish the vines and build soil. 

At Switchback, the little vineyard where it all began, chickens and ducks roam freely, providing fresh eggs and natural insect control, along with daily wake-up calls. Perhaps the most adorable yet hardest workers are the three Great Pyrenees fluff balls—Yukon, Bizou, and Bellamey—who take their job of patrolling the vineyards very seriously, keeping deer, coyotes, and bears at bay to protect the vines.

The winery’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives are not going unnoticed. A significant milestone for Haywire in its sustainability efforts is becoming the first Canadian winery to join and achieve silver status in the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). This accomplishment underscores their commitment to environmental protection through their farming and winemaking practices.

This utmost respect for the land positions Haywire as a leader in environmental stewardship within the wine industry, a status that all wineries, big and small, would be wise to take note of. An ambitious goal of Haywire is to reduce their carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. Given their tenacity for getting the job done, we’re confident they’ll meet this challenge.

From a practical standpoint, the growing concern over climate change presents a tangible threat to the winery’s operations. Haywire faces the challenge of extreme weather conditions, a near-annual occurrence in the region now. In the Okanagan, devastating forest fires have become a regular summer event, bringing with them heavy smoke that has a cascading impact. This environmental situation adversely affects tourism, as visitors are deterred by the prospect of ash falling on them during what should be a pleasant weekend of sunshine, lakes, and wine tasting.

Yet, Haywire remains committed to tackling these challenges, maintaining resilience and a flexible approach to winemaking. Despite the obstacles, the winery’s team of innovators ensures they can pivot as needed, emerging even stronger after each difficulty. This perseverance is greatly appreciated by their loyal fans, both locally and around the globe, who continue to support the winery and their lineup of diverse cold-weather wines. These fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to taste new vintages in the exceptional Haywire tasting room, which is open year-round.

This space is where guests truly get to experience Haywire’s approach to winemaking: personal, welcoming, and deeply connected to the vineyard’s surroundings. Here, they can sample fabulous wines, including one of the founders’ favourites, the Switchback Pinot Gris—the first wine Haywire released and a consistent bestseller. The principle that “the customer comes first” is not just a motto but a practice at Haywire, a fact supported by online reviews that proclaim it “The best wine experience we have ever had!” Once again, Haywire demonstrates its commitment to excellence, not just in the quality of their wines but in the memorable experiences they offer to every visitor.

Haywire’s influence extends beyond the tasting room, reaching deep into the fabric of the Okanagan community, especially within Summerland, bolstering the region’s status as a premier wine destination. The winery actively cultivates camaraderie and collaboration through partnerships, events, and a significant presence in the local wine scene. 

They’ll be the first to praise peers like Summerhill Pyramid Winery and Kalala Organic Winery for their organic practices, Fitzpatrick Family Winery for their sparkling wine program, and Solvero Winery and Garnet Valley Ranch for their contributions to making Garnet Valley a tourism hotspot. Coming from a background of running businesses in Vancouver, the founders especially value the supportive and encouraging atmosphere of the Okanagan. This stark contrast to the bureaucratic hurdles they previously faced underscores their appreciation for the community’s role in their success. 

Looking to the future, Haywire is set for more growth and innovation. Emphasising their ongoing commitment to discovering new, greener practices, the winery is eagerly anticipating the next chapter in its journey. 

This leap from a quaint vineyard to a recognized industry powerhouse by two dreamers (and doers) is a narrative steeped in vision, ambition, and a profound respect for nature. It resonates not just with wine enthusiasts but also with anyone who values relentless dedication to craftsmanship, resilience, and environmental impact. With its solid commitment to quality and a knack for pioneering in eco-friendly winemaking, Haywire is poised to maintain its influential stance in the Canadian wine industry for the foreseeable future.

NEW For 2024 is the Haywire Certified Local Club 

This initiative offers Okanagan residents exclusive benefits, encouraging locals to explore the beauty of wine country with cost-effective staycations.