Summerland, BC, July 26, 2023 — Okanagan Crush Pad Winery Ltd. is delighted to announce that it has entered a strategic partnership with Renaissance Wine Merchants Ltd. The agreement provides Renaissance the rights to represent Okanagan Crush Pad’s brands across Western Canada. Renaissance will integrate the winery’s existing sales operation, HQ Wine + Spirits, with its own team to grow its reach with new customers while bolstering its product offering to existing clientele. As part of the transaction, Renaissance has made a minority investment in Okanagan Crush Pad. 

Founder Christine Coletta expresses her utmost satisfaction with the partnership, affirming that it fully supports Okanagan Crush Pad’s ambitious growth plans. “Since 2014, we have owned and managed our own sales force to establish a close bond with our team, ensuring their direct engagement and passion for our signature brands: Haywire, Narrative, Free Form, and Garnet Valley Ranch. By welcoming Renaissance into our family, we ensure a continued intimate relationship with our sales team and foster a mutual reliance on growth and success.”

Director of Sales Andrew Raines will continue to be an employee of Okanagan Crush Pad, assuming all marketing responsibilities while overseeing both external and internal sales. Alongside General Manager Craig Pingle, Andrew will act as a brand ambassador, representing the winery in trade and public appearances.

Renaissance Wine Merchants is a leading importer and marketer of premium wines and spirits in Western Canada. “We warmly welcome members of Okanagan Crush Pad’s HQ Wine + Spirits to our company,” said Jason Denis, Renaissance’s General Manager. “Their remarkable success to date is what made this partnership so appealing. With this transaction, Renaissance immediately diversifies its portfolio while gaining a leadership position in the highly sought-after domestic wine category.”

The partnership between Okanagan Crush Pad and Renaissance Wine Merchants exemplifies the innovative thinking that both companies are renowned for, offering robust opportunities for growth.