As International Merlot Day rolls around each November 7, we at Haywire are thrilled to raise a glass to this classic varietal—a wine that’s truly come into its own here in the Okanagan Valley. At Haywire, we’re passionate about expressing the essence of our terroir, and we believe that our King Family Merlot 2022 is a beautiful example of how the Okanagan can shine on a global stage. Merlot has traveled a unique journey, from its celebrated origins in Bordeaux to its transformation into an iconic New World wine. Today, we’re excited to share our story of Merlot and how we’re crafting it with a “less is more” approach that celebrates the Okanagan’s natural beauty.

Merlot: From Bordeaux to the Okanagan Valley

Merlot’s story begins in Bordeaux, where it became beloved for its silky tannins, ripe fruit flavors, and approachable profile. But like any classic, Merlot’s legacy evolved and expanded. Our team at Haywire has always appreciated Merlot’s journey, even through the ups and downs, including its surprising dip in popularity after the 2004 film Sideways. The film humorously dismissed Merlot while championing Pinot Noir, shifting consumer interest overnight. But in the years that followed, Merlot’s reputation experienced a revival, thanks to winemakers around the world who continued to focus on quality and craftsmanship. Here in the Okanagan, we saw an opportunity to create a Merlot that feels authentic, grounded, and expressive of the unique terroir that defines our home.

What Makes Merlot Special—and Why We Love It at Haywire

For us, Merlot’s appeal lies in its versatility. Its flavors are broad, with layers of plum, black cherry, and subtle hints of chocolate and herbs that make it endlessly interesting and easy to enjoy. Merlot’s smooth tannins give it a softness on the palate that’s approachable for new wine lovers, while its depth and complexity provide a rewarding experience for long-time fans. This balance is what we strive to capture in every bottle.

In the Okanagan, our climate works its magic on Merlot. Our warm days and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen fully while preserving the fresh acidity that gives our Merlot a clean, vibrant profile. This balance between ripe fruit and lively structure is what makes Okanagan Merlot stand out—a fresh perspective on a classic varietal that we believe speaks to a modern wine lover.

Our Craft: Creating Haywire King Family Merlot 2022

Our King Family Merlot 2022 is a testament to everything we stand for at Haywire. Sourced from a single vineyard in Naramata, this Merlot is crafted from 40-year-old vines that yield concentrated, complex fruit. At Haywire, we’re all about working with nature rather than overpowering it, so our winemaking approach for this Merlot is intentionally gentle.

The grapes are fermented in our state-of-the-art concrete tanks, which allow for subtle oxygenation that softens the tannins without adding any flavors that might detract from the purity of the fruit. Twice-daily gentle punchdowns ensure that we capture the full flavor and structure of the grapes while maintaining a silky mouthfeel. For us, it’s about preserving the soul of the vineyard, allowing the wine to speak to its origins in every glass.

The result is a Merlot that’s bursting with dark, ripe blackberries, boysenberries, and a hint of savory leather. Each sip reveals layers of supple red fruit and a smooth, balanced texture, with an acidity that’s distinctly Okanagan. This is a Merlot that’s ready to drink now, but with a structure that will evolve beautifully with time.

Okanagan’s Terroir: A Unique Expression of Merlot

Merlot may be well-known around the world, but the Okanagan gives it a character all its own. The glacial soils, paired with our distinct microclimates, create an environment where Merlot can thrive with a balance of ripeness and structure. Unlike warmer regions, where Merlot can lean toward plush, bold flavors, our Okanagan Valley Merlot has a refreshing elegance.

Our King Family Merlot showcases this in spades, with its vibrant acidity and refined tannins. The cool nights help to maintain the grape’s natural acidity, which gives our Merlot a brightness and finesse that we believe captures the true essence of our region. This wine is a tribute to the Okanagan, crafted to express a fresh, terroir-driven take on Merlot that we hope wine lovers everywhere will enjoy.

Food Pairings to Bring Out the Best in Our Merlot

Our King Family Merlot’s balance of fruit, acidity, and silky texture makes it an exceptionally versatile wine for food pairing. For a classic match, consider pairing it with roasted meats like lamb or beef, which complement the wine’s fruitiness and structure. The wine’s vibrant acidity also plays beautifully with grilled vegetables or dishes featuring earthy flavors, like mushroom risotto.

Vegetarian or plant-based? This Merlot pairs wonderfully with hearty vegetable-based dishes. Try it with roasted eggplant or a lentil stew to highlight its savory notes. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more international, our Merlot is a fantastic choice for Italian-inspired fare, especially pasta with tomato-based sauces, which echo its bright acidity and supple fruit.

A Few Other Regions for Merlot (But the Okanagan is Our Favorite)

Merlot’s heritage in Bordeaux is unparalleled, and regions like Napa Valley and Chile have created their own unique styles. In Bordeaux, Merlot brings depth to blends, while Napa’s climate gives Merlot a lush, fruit-forward character. But here in the Okanagan, our focus is on balance and purity, allowing the grape to express itself fully without overpowering tannins or heavy oak.

With a terroir that’s unlike any other in the world, Okanagan Merlot has a freshness that’s simply unforgettable. Each bottle is a testament to the region’s potential and our dedication to low-intervention winemaking that lets the grape speak for itself. The result? A Merlot that feels both timeless and distinctly Okanagan.

Why We Believe in Merlot’s Comeback

Merlot has seen it all: worldwide fame, a surprising moment in the pop culture spotlight with Sideways, and a resurgence as people rediscovered its elegance and versatility. Here at Haywire, we believe in Merlot because of its adaptability and beauty. It’s a wine that’s enjoyed by both new wine lovers and seasoned aficionados, and we’re proud to create an expression of Merlot that is distinctly Okanagan.

Merlot’s depth, fruit, and smooth texture make it a wine for all occasions, and we’re honored to contribute to its story with our King Family Merlot. For us, this wine represents everything we value in winemaking: a deep respect for the land, a commitment to authenticity, and a belief in creating wines that are as approachable as they are complex.

Toasting to Merlot on International Merlot Day

So, as we celebrate International Merlot Day, we invite you to explore everything Merlot has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of classic Bordeaux, Napa’s bold versions, or looking to try a new perspective with an Okanagan Merlot, we hope you find something to love. For a taste of the Okanagan in every sip, we recommend our King Family Merlot 2022—a wine that’s as refreshing as it is layered, and a tribute to the beauty of our region.

Join us in raising a glass to Merlot today. Here’s to its resilience, its charm, and its ability to capture the heart of the Okanagan in each glass. Cheers to Merlot!