Kat D’Costa, Winemaker and sustainability officer at Okanagan Crush brings a wealth of experience to the wine industry. She transitioned from a 15-year career in the restaurant sector in 2015. She has taken on various roles in Naramata, including Tasting Room and Wine Club Manager, Assistant Winemaker, and viticulturist, always driven by a passion for learning and growth. Since joining Okanagan Crush Pad in the spring of 2021, Kat has focused on managing the Narrative wine portfolio, ensuring the smooth operation of the cellar, and engaging in guest interactions and vineyard work. As Sustainability Officer, Kat leads winery initiatives, particularly its collaboration with International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). She is committed to reducing carbon emissions through innovative practices in the winery and vineyard, reflecting her deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Media Inquiries Kat@okanagancrushpad.com | https://okanagancrushpad.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your winery brand?
Innovation in winemaking – especially in a context as tradition-rich as wine – involves navigating complex dynamics. It requires a willingness to challenge the status quo, educate the market, and sometimes make difficult choices that prioritize the planet over short-term ease or acceptance. This journey isn’t easy, but it’s a core part of what makes Haywire unique. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just a part of our brand—it’s a fundamental aspect of who we are and what we believe the future of winemaking should be.
One of our most significant challenges has been overcoming traditional views of what wine should be while remaining steadfast in our pursuit of sustainable winemaking innovations. The world of wine is steeped in history, with long-established practices and expectations that define how wine is made, packaged, and perceived. However, as we push the boundaries of sustainability, we’ve had to balance respecting these traditions with our commitment to environmental stewardship.
One of our most innovative choices has been the use of concrete fermentation vessels instead of traditional barrels or stainless-steel tanks. This decision was driven by our desire to create wines that are not only distinctive but also produced more sustainably. Concrete allows for natural temperature regulation, reducing the need for energy-intensive climate control, and it imparts a unique texture and minerality to the wine, which we believe reflects the true essence of our terroir.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained. Sky’s the limit!
If I could set an ambitious goal for our workplace, it would be to make Garnet Valley Ranch fully biodynamic, organic, and as self-sustaining as possible. We’re already well on that path, but I envision having the resources to take it to a greater level. Bringing animals back to the ranch to create a closed-loop farming system would require a larger, dedicated team, all passionate about the art of sustainable farming. The goal would be to create a vineyard that not only produces top-quality grapes year after year but also thrives as a holistic, living ecosystem.
Garnet Valley Ranch is uniquely positioned for this, with no neighboring farms interfering with our ability to go completely organic—something rare in this region. With endless resources—money, staffing, and expertise—I would build something truly big and amazing: a fully sustainable habitat that reflects our commitment to regenerative agriculture and produces exceptional wine while enhancing the land around us. The Outlook would continue to serve as a place where people can come and explore what this kind of farming looks like firsthand. Visitors could experience the beauty and sustainability of the vineyard while enjoying the wine made from the very land they’re walking on, giving them a deeper connection to the process and the product.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
Our Garnet Valley Chardonnay is, in my mind, the best representation of both our winemaking style and brand. This cool-climate Chardonnay is a true expression of the diverse and unique terroir pockets found at Garnet Valley Ranch. Grown in soils rich with limestone and gravel, the Chardonnay vines flourish in this environment. The wine is fermented and aged in concrete vessels, which enhances its minerality and preserves the delicate flavors rather than masking them. The result is a wine that embodies the precision and character we aim for, highlighting the distinctiveness of our vineyard and our commitment to crafting wines that truly reflect their origins.
Bonus Question – Why Winemaking?
I’ve chosen winemaking as a career because it perfectly blends my passion for nature, sustainability, and craftsmanship in a way that few other fields can. It allows me to engage deeply with the land, challenge traditional methods, and explore innovative, sustainable practices that align with my values. I’m driven by the desire to create something meaningful—not just exceptional wines, but a lasting positive impact on the environment. I believe winemaking can show that sustainable farming produces both great products and a healthier ecosystem, merging art, science, and environmental stewardship in a way that feels truly fulfilling.