Robert Bell's
Wines of Canada
Since 1992
Christine Coletta
And
Steve Lornie
Steve Lornie and Christine Coletta
Steve Lornie and Christina Coletta are proud owners of Haywire Winery and Garnet Valley Ranch Winery. Their wineries have been featured in top wine publications and praised for its minimal-intervention techniques and concrete fermentation program—one of the largest in North America . The wineries are under the banner know as Okanagan Crush Pad,
The wineries Purpose-built gravity-flow winery designed by Steve Lornie himself, leveraging his construction background to reduce mechanical intervention and energy use.
They are also known for their efforts to to expand Canada's wines abroad.
Christine's long-ranging career started in the hospitality industry where she spent several years holding management roles in Vancouver-based restaurants and hotels. She went on to work in restaurant construction development and oversaw the construction, marketing and management of several successful fine dining establishments.
Before entering the wine world, Steve Lornie had a long and successful career in the construction industry. He was involved in large-scale infrastructure and building projects across British Columbia, often in leadership roles.
Known for his business acumen and project management skills, Lornie brought a structured, systems-oriented mindset to the wine business, complementing Coletta’s marketing and branding expertise.
Steve Lornie played a pivotal role in introducing concrete egg-shaped fermentation tanks to the Canadian wine scene through his work at Okanagan Crush Pad. These tanks are a hallmark of the winery’s commitment to natural, low-intervention winemaking.
Lornie’s decision to invest in these tanks was considered bold at the time, but it helped position Okanagan Crush Pad as a leader in innovative, terroir-driven winemaking in Canada. Okanagan Crush Pad’s winery layout is a masterclass in how architecture can serve both sustainability and winemaking precision. Steve Lornie’s construction background was key to designing a facility that supports natural winemaking from the ground up—literally.
At age 15, she began working at a Denny’s restaurant in Vancouver. Christine's long-ranging career started in the hospitality industry where she spent several years holding management roles in Vancouver-based restaurants and hotels. She went on to work in restaurant construction development and oversaw the construction, marketing and management of several successful fine dining establishments. She has been referred to as the "Godmother of BC Wine"
From there, Christine formed Coletta Consultants Ltd. in 1986 and worked on several provincial and federal government initiatives, notably the creation and marketing of the hospitality industry training program “Serving it Right”. She also worked with the federal government on the Canadian International Conference Task Force.
She held the position of executive director to the then newly formed British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI) from 1990 to 1999. While at the BCWI, Christine's efforts put VQA wines on the map. She defined BC wine country by creating marketing and branding programs that built awareness for BC wines across Canada and in international markets. Years of experience with clients in Canada and around the world followed, and Christine was recognized at the 30th annual Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival where she was awarded the “Spirited Industry Professional” award for her industry contributions. In 2007 Christine created a partnership called Coletta & Associates Management Ltd. with long-time employees Leeann Froese and Julian Scholefield.
In 2011 Christine and her husband Steve Leonie established Okanagan Crush Pad in Summerland British Columbia A one stop shop for the wine industry in British Columbia. Their goal is to provide assistance every step of the way from the field to the marketplace. They also own HQ Wine + Spirits
In 2011 they also founded Haywire Winery. On occasion Christine can be found driving her tractor and tending the Pinot Gris at the family's 10 acre Switchback Vineyard.
2013 inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame (BCRHOF)
2018 named one of Western Living Top Ten Foodies
September 2018, Christine Coletta has been presented the Founders Award at the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. Coletta has been presented the award in recognition of her contributions to the BC wine industry.
Each year, as part of the LOVE HER gala in Vancouver, the Virginia Greene Award recognizes an individual whose outstanding contribution has led to the advancement of knowledge and research pertaining to ovarian cancer. The family ( Christine's) was present with the award 2019.
Christine has been honoured with the 2019 Trailblazer Award by the BC Chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier during the Where to Dine Awards celebration.
Named one of Wine Industry Advisor’s “Most Inspiring People” in 2020.
2020 Christine Coletta was awarded with the Leadership Award by the BC Food & Beverage.
She is a mother and grandmother. Her extended family includes a love of Great Pyrenees dogs.
If you enjoyed this website and want a way to support me, you can help by advertising on our web page. See our new wedding page.
Our blog
Wonders of Wine and Food
Home | About | Sitemap | Support |Facebook| Contact Us |©2026 Robert A Bell
Wines of Canada was developed and designed by Robert (Bob) Bell of Whi make or sell wine. Support is welcome as are suggestions and comments; should you see something that needs to be corrected please let us know.