Winemaker Matt Dumayne made it onto a top 10 list, though not for the wines he makes at Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland.
This time, Dumayne has been named one of Western Living’s 2017 Top 10 Foodies of the year. The shortlist shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming Western-Canada-based food and drink enthusiasts.
“In his off-work time, Matt is very passionate about cooking and approaches it as he does winemaking. He loves nothing more than preparing feasts for friends and coworkers, and is very deserving in this award,” said Crush Pad co-owner Christine Coletta. “Our team is very proud of him and we send congratulations to all the other foodie finalists representing Western Canada.”
Dumayne, originally from New Zealand, moved to the Okanagan Valley in 2011, joining Okanagan Crush Pad in 2012 where he oversees production as chief winemaker and has been instrumental in the evolution of their Haywire and Narrative wines, championing natural winemaking practices.
He also oversees the winemaking for the winery’s custom-crush winemaking clients, helping new small lot producers to get their start, including Coolshanagh and Mirabel Vineyards.
Okanagan Crush Pad wines are made using organically farmed grapes in state-of-the-art concrete tanks, using native yeasts and minimal intervention. It is Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush winery facility, located on the 10-acre Switchback Vineyard in Summerland and owned by Coletta and Steve Lornie. Their vision is to make wines that celebrate purity and simplicity, and aim to lead the next evolution of Okanagan wine.