Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/590181
7 8 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | N o v - D e c 2 015 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m n a departure truly radical among Brit- ish Columbia's 250 wineries, barrels have been replaced entirely by con- crete cooperage at Summerland-based Okanagan Crush Pad Winery. It is perhaps the most dramatic example of how this 6-year-old producer is innovating. Its vineyards also have organic certi- f i c a t i o n . C h r i s t i n e Coletta, who owns the winery with hus- band Steve Lornie, suggests the entire O k a n a g a n V a l l e y c o u l d g o o r g a n i c . Biodynamic practices are being explored with the help of inter- national consultants. As part of a wine style that express- e s t e r r o i r, O C P i s BY JOHN SCHREINER emerging as a leader in making so-called "natural wines." And as a custom crush incubator, OCP has successfully launched a dozen other wineries in four years. " We a r e e x p e r i- menting and push- ing and living out on the edge," Coletta said. "What we are trying to do is break into some new ter- ritory. I feel there is a point to be made that there is a differ- ent path to be forged for the Okanagan – one that focuses on s t y l e , n o t v a r i e t a l , and celebrates our 'Okanaganess.' The style is natural, pure and simple. And we c a n p r o u d l y s t o p trying to copy Bor- d e a u x , B u r g u n d y, Napa, Alsace, etc." Okanagan Crush Pad continues to be a regional groundbreaker In addition to producing its own wines, Okanagan Crush Pad offers custom crush services. Innovation in Okanagan + British Columbia's Okana- gan Crush Pad is an innova- tor in the region. + The winery sets itself apart with all-concrete winemak- ing, organic and Biodynam- ic vineyard practices and "natural wines." + OCP attributes its success to the input of a trio of inter- national consultants. + The winery is also a custom crush incubator. AT A GLANCE