Vancouver and Gulf Islands
In the heart of the Comox Valley, on a slope facing the Georgia Strait, 40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery crafts wines distinctly shaped by a windswept, sun-soaked microclimate. Named for the gale force winds that often strike the coast, 40 Knots embraces its unique microclimate, adorning its label with swallows that frequent the vineyard and depict home to a sailor. With wines like Whitecaps, Safe Haven, and Spindrift, the connection to the wind and sea is undeniable. 40 Knots was first established in 2005, by a retired Tug Boat Captain who hand planted over 48,000 vines on glacier till soil in a micro-climate hotter than its surrounding area and facing the Salish Sea. Root stock was brought in from the Champagne and Cote D'Beaune regions of France of Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay Noir. Additionally hybrids such as the French Pinot Auxerrois and German Siegerrebe and Schoenberger were planted. Owners Brenda Hetman-Craig, and Layne Robert Craig continue to nurture this terroir with environmentally ethical farming practices. 40 Knots employs the creative, innovative and esteemed Chief Wine Maker Matt Dumayne of Okanagan Crush pad. 40 Knots welcomes visitors to come and taste their wines in their cellar tasting lounge, tour the vineyard and cellar and picnic in the beautiful vineyard terrace.