With Grateful Hearts: Thank You for helping us live a tradition

As we look back on 2025, the very first thing we feel is gratitude — for you. It’s your friendly, smiling faces that make what we do so meaningful. We’ve had the joy of meeting your friends and families, watching annual traditions unfold, celebrating best-friend outings, welcoming new babies, and honouring loved ones we’ve had to say goodbye to. We’ve shared laughs, and yes, even a few tears. These moments are the heart of 40 Knots, and we are deeply thankful you choose to share them with us.

2025 gave us many reasons to celebrate. In February, we proudly launched our Knotty Ciders at the winery and took them on the road to major Vancouver events. The response was incredible, introducing our ciders to a new demographic of happy, traditional cider lovers — and earning Gold medals and 90+ scores alongside some of the country’s most respected producers.

From the vineyard, 2025 was nothing short of exceptional. Consistency best defines the growing season: steady heat units exceeding 1200 GDD, minimal rainfall paired with excellent soil moisture, and even veraison across most varietals. Compared to 2024, harvest was more uniform, and while yields were average, fruit quality was among the best we’ve seen in our 12 years of vineyard operations — beautifully balanced sugars, acidity, and flavour concentration.

There were pleasant surprises across the vineyard. Pinot Gris exceeded expectations for ripeness, while a slightly lower-yielding Chardonnay rewarded us with enhanced quality. Schonburger and Siegerrebe shone for the third consecutive year, and our three Pinot Noir clones hit their target yields with full ripeness and zero disease pressure. Aside from a brief period of wildfire smoke in surrounding regions, which we carefully managed through vigilant canopy work and monitoring, the vineyard remained healthy and resilient. Harvest came early, clean, and efficient — completed over just six pre-dawn days, preserving fruit integrity and freshness.

We marked the end of harvest with the launch of our first Vines & Tides Dinner, in collaboration with the BC Shellfish Growers Association. Celebrating our wines alongside the bounty of the ocean felt perfectly fitting for the Comox Peninsula, and we’re thrilled this will now become an annual tradition.

Beyond the vineyard, 2025 was full of life. We hosted the Canadian Culinary Team, welcomed beautiful couples celebrating their weddings, supported many non-profits, and saw Wine Wednesdays return with some big names in music — with even more exciting talent coming in 2026. We introduced enhancements to our wine clubs, hosted Georgia Straight Jazz and the Vancouver Island Symphony, celebrated Mother’s Day with our annual Hat Show, held markets, fundraisers, Christmas parties, and continued as the home of Comox Valley Rotary Club meetings.

We took 40 Knots on the road too — running bars at the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards, Canada Day in Lewis Park, and Ribfest. Along the way, we were honoured with numerous 90+ scores from renowned wine writers, and Gold medals across all our ciders.

Behind it all is our incredible crew. We watched team members head off to university, travel the world, and step into new chapters, while welcoming new faces to the family. What unites everyone here is simple: genuine joy when you walk through our doors.

On a personal note, this year included a granddaughter’s graduation, saying goodbye to a father, learning a little more about fishing, and beginning to plan what comes next. We’re grateful to our friends and family who continue to visit, support, and cheer us on.

So, what does 2026 hold? As the saying goes, “How do you make God laugh? Tell Him you have a plan.” We may not know exactly what’s ahead, but we do know this: we’re excited, we’re grateful, and we’re committed to making the very best of it — with you.

From Layne and I, thank you for being part of our story. We truly couldn’t do this without you, and we can’t wait to share what comes next.

In July of 2014, we embarked on the journey of 40 Knots with a simple intention: to return to our roots. Traditional farming, hands-on winemaking, family at the centre, and a deep respect for the land and community around us. Tradition has always mattered to us — it’s what grounds us, guides us, and reminds us why we started in the first place.

As we celebrate the Christmas season with our own family traditions, we’re reminded that traditions are living things. Some are passed down, some are shared, and sometimes we joyfully add a new one to the repertoire. We are especially intrigued by Feuerzangenbowle.

The 40 Weirdest Christmas Traditions Around the World

Catalonia, Spain – Children beat a smiling log called Caga Tió until it “poops” out presents.

Austria – Krampus, the horned demon, punishes naughty children with chains, sticks, or carries them off in a sack.

Norway – Hide your brooms on Christmas Eve to stop witches and evil spirits from stealing them.

Iceland – The Yule Cat eats anyone who hasn’t received new clothes for Christmas.

Sweden – The Tomte, a mischievous gnome, can play tricks or reward families who leave him porridge.

Venezuela – Streets close so people can roller-skate to early-morning church services.

Japan – Some regions hang “fake poop” ornaments for luck and fertility.

Norway – Julebukk: villagers dress in scary masks and go door-to-door demanding treats or performing pranks.

Sweden – The giant straw goat (Gävle Goat) is erected yearly; locals try to burn it down.

Finland – People dress as Santa Claus to surprise strangers with gifts in a reverse haunted-house style.

Germany – Hanging chains, sticks, and frightening masks outside homes to scare away evil spirits.

Ukraine – Trees decorated with spiderweb ornaments to bring good luck.

South Africa – Fried caterpillars are considered a delicacy.

Italy (Sicily) – Families stage “witch invasions” with scary costumes before Santa arrives.

Slovakia & Czech Republic – Throwing shoes over your shoulder; the direction determines marriage fortune.

Philippines – Massive parols (star-shaped lanterns) light up towns; some require cranes to lift.

Poland – Churches host live animals during Christmas masses, including roaming sheep and goats.

Romania – Men dress as terrifying monsters and chase villagers to drive out evil before Christmas.

France (Provence) – Families hide naughty clay figurines (santons) in the nativity set for kids to find.

Mexico – Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, often with playful food fights.

Estonia – Some families perform elaborate snow rituals and mask parades to welcome Christmas.

Lithuania – Some celebrate with pig sacrifices as a symbol of prosperity and luck.

Germany (Oberammergau) – The “Perchten” parade features men dressed in terrifying masks, rattling chains through towns.

Belarus – People dress as devils and chase “sinners” to symbolize purification and good luck.

Spain (Basque Country) – Olentzero, a coal-eating gnome, delivers gifts; sometimes he’s drunk and a little terrifying.

Iceland – 13 Yule Lads, pranksters who leave gifts—or rotten potatoes for misbehaving children—visit in the 13 days before Christmas.

Germany (Bavaria) – Feuerzangenbowle: a flaming rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire over mulled wine for luck.

Slovenia – People dress as “Kresniki” (fire-wielding spirits) to chase away evil.

Norway – Nisse leave little threats if you forget to leave porridge—sometimes knocking on doors with sticks.

Ukraine – Some rural areas wear animal masks during caroling to scare off bad spirits.

Italy (Naples) – Nativity scenes include bizarre characters like witches, skeletons, and criminals.

Poland – In some regions, people whip each other with branches for health and good fortune.

Croatia – Some villages perform the “Badnjak” ritual: burning an oak tree branch to bring luck.

Spain (Catalonia, again) – People put small figurines of poo (caganers) in nativity scenes for fertility and prosperity.

Norway – Julebukking: adults dress as ghosts and goblins to scare neighbors and get treats.

Belgium – Kerstman (Santa’s dark cousin) and his helpers sometimes punish naughty children with bundles of sticks.

Switzerland – In some villages, men dress as scary devils and parade through streets making terrifying noises.

Austria (Styria) – People wear horned masks and carry whips to scare away winter spirits.

Latvia – A ritual called “Ziemassvētki” includes dressing as animals to chase off evil forces.

Italy (Sardinia) – Some towns have live wild goat parades, believed to cleanse the village and bring luck

For the love of Pinot

One of Layne’s favorite things is chatting with wine writers and critics—and if you know Layne, he talks about wine with the same passion he brings to fishing, which is a lot! Recently, he connected with wine writer Matt Tinney, who embarked on the delicious and fascinating journey of tasting BC Pinot Noirs from all regions.  Although Matt short-listed to 15 wines, 40 Knots was honored to have two of our Pinot Noirs make the cut.

So what’s the big deal to wineries about their Pinot Noir? Some say it’s the benchmark by which a winemaker and winery measure themselves. And what is 40 Knots best known for? You guessed it—Pinot Noir.  You can find it in 40 Knots Pinot Noir Coastal, Pinot Noir Classic, White Pinot Noir, Rosé and of course, our Spindrift and Soleil Rosé.  And we are getting close to releasing our 2024 Pinot Noir - stay tuned!  It is delicious.

BC Pinot is gaining worldwide attention, and 40 Knots is playing its part. Vancouver Island’s Comox Peninsula offers unique growing conditions that give our Pinot its distinctive character—cool coastal breezes, mineral-rich soils, and a gently sloping vineyard. Across BC, each region imparts its own nuances to Pinot, and tasting across these areas is a journey in itself.

After tasting 40 Knots, Matt was quick to pick up the phone so he and Layne could geek out on Pinots.  I was quickly lost in the conversation once their discussion went to oxygenation at different altitudes.

Fancy yourself a Pinot lover? Check out his story and fall in love with Pinots across British Columbia.  

READ

Grab one of these bottles.  Pinots never last long at 40 Knots.

Click on the bottle to get more details and see our scores.

Try our French Traditional Sparkling made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

And this one is exclusive to Wine Club Members, our White Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir without skin contact, small batch:

 

The Personal Story behind

Why is 40 Knots Green?  We often get asked by other businesses why we went down this path.  We get asked if it is expensive.  If it is worth it.  And so I thought we would share with you why we are Green.

At 40 Knots Winery, our story begins with a question from the most honest critic we could ever imagine—our daughter. In 2014, as we shared our dream of starting a winery, her very first words were, “You are going to be a green winery, right?” She was an adult at the time, but already thinking like a guardian, and with her own tiny grandchildren who believed in sustainability as much as she did. It wasn’t just a sweet moment—it was a challenge. Of course, sustainability was always our intention, but suddenly, we had a multi-generational reminder holding us accountable, someone whose pride and vision mattered more than anyone else’s. From that moment, our commitment to environmental responsibility became personal.

Since opening our doors, we have never stopped learning and improving. Sustainability isn’t just a label at 40 Knots; it’s embedded in every decision we make. From vineyard management to production practices, we work closely with experts who audit our processes regularly. These audits are more than a checklist—they are opportunities to learn, to refine, and to ensure that every bottle of wine we produce aligns with the highest standards of environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

It’s true, audits require effort. There are detailed reports, site visits, and constant attention to processes—but the value far outweighs the work. Each audit strengthens our operations, reinforces our commitment, and gives our customers confidence that the wine they enjoy is crafted with integrity. We know that every sustainable choice we make enhances the quality of our wine and the health of our community.

Our journey has also been one of education and sharing. Every step of the way, we strive to inspire our customers and partners to consider sustainability not as an obligation, but as an opportunity. By integrating green practices into every facet of our winery—from energy use to water management and waste reduction—we demonstrate that environmental responsibility and business success are not mutually exclusive.

More than a winery, 40 Knots is a family endeavor built on values, pride, and the desire to make a positive impact. Our daughter’s words—and the tiny guardians watching over her—continue to remind us of why we started: to create something she, her grandchildren, and all of us can be proud of. And as we grow and evolve, our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and quality remains unwavering.

Every bottle from 40 Knots Winery carries a story: of a family, of a vineyard nurtured with care, and of a dedication to doing better every day. For us, being a green winery isn’t just a mission—it’s our legacy.

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Did you know we’re certified by BC Green Business?  Our commitment is recognized by leading sustainability organizations.

As a BC Green Business member, we undergo annual audits that verify aspects of our environmental and sustainability practices. These evaluations help us track progress and identify opportunities to make continuous improvements toward our goals, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable purchasing. Through BC Green Business, we are part of a network of 250+ businesses across British Columbia working together to create meaningful environmental and social impact.

We are also Biosphere Certified.

Biosphere is a global certification program for sustainability, managed by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI). It guides businesses—especially in tourism, hospitality, and recreation—toward environmentally, socially, and economically responsible practices. Biosphere sets standards, verifies actions, and recognizes organizations that minimize environmental impact, support local communities, and promote sustainable development.

It’s widely respected and provides a framework for continuous improvement in sustainability, allowing businesses to measure, report, and communicate their efforts credibly.

We are also Green Step Platinum Certified.

Green Step is a Canadian sustainability certification program focused on tourism and hospitality businesses. It evaluates environmental, social, and economic practices and encourages continuous improvement. Platinum is the highest level, awarded to only a handful of businesses in Canada, recognizing exceptional commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and community impact.

Explore our sustainable wines and taste the difference.

Our Wines

Learn more about our sustainability practices on our website.

Discover

Visit us at the winery to experience our green initiatives firsthand.

Experiences

Here's the Dirt on 40 Knots [the secrets to our wines and ciders]

In late 2024, 40 Knots Winery had the privilege of diving deep into the land that shapes our wines — our terroir — alongside one of British Columbia’s foremost experts in vineyard geology. We welcomed Scott Smith, M.Sc., P.Ag., to our coastal vineyard and the surrounding landscape on the Comox Peninsula. A professional agrologist based Penticton, Scott specializes in Quaternary geology, soil science, and viticultural landscapes, bringing decades of insight into what lies beneath the vines. His visit was not only enlightening but reaffirmed the unique character and potential of our terroir, rooted in ancient soils and shaped by coastal influence.

Scott studied 7 vineyards on the Coastal Peninsula.  40 Knots is the dig labeled "B" on the right.

Scott reported "Two highly contrasting vineyard soils found.  The Parksville soil (panel a) is composed of sandy material.  The thick topsoil horizon and mottled yellowish colours beneath it indicate a soil that is saturated much of the year.  The Tsolum soil (panel b), on the other hand, exhibits strong reddish colours indicative of oxidizing conditions.  The profile comprises 65 cm of gravelly marine sediments overlying finer textured glacial till (gray material beneath the white line).  The relatively impervious till material can generate a temporary perched water table in the Tsolum soil.

At 40 Knots Vineyards, located on the coastal Comox Peninsula of Vancouver Island, the journey from vine to glass is deeply rooted in something complex, enduring, and undeniably local — the land beneath our feet. This is a vineyard not just shaped by its people, but by the glacial and marine legacy of the coastal Peninsula soils, creating wines that are truly reflective of their origin.  Oh, and yes, you can taste the difference these growing conditions make in a natural wine.

🌍 A Rare and Remarkable Coastal Terroir

The vineyard blocks at 40 Knots and its adjacent Knotty Vineyard are planted on lands sculpted by glacial and oceanic history unique to southeast Vancouver Island.  These vineyard soils were formed through millennia of glacial retreat, marine sedimentation, and wind activity — creating a soil profile that is rare across British Columbia and truly distinct to this coastal Peninsula location.

These complex coastal soils, combined with modern sustainable farming, create the foundation for wines of finesse, depth, and authenticity.

🧪 Peninsula Soils and Their Influence on the Vine

The vineyards of the Peninsula are rooted in a patchwork of diverse soil types that tell the story of the region’s unique geological history. At 40 Knots Vineyard, the primary soil is Tsolum, classified as imperfectly drained.

So, what does that mean?

On the Comox Peninsula, soils are considered imperfectly drained, not because water moves through them slowly, but because the wet winters saturate the subsoil for an extended period.  This is followed by dry summers when the soil dries out, but the imprint of saturation is left in the soil.  Folks who classify soils label this as imperfectly drained.   In non-coastal settings, imperfect drainage is a function of how water moves through the soil.  

Beneath the surface lies a clay or compacted layer that slows water movement, while the loamy topsoil provides rich nutrients and structure ideal for healthy vine growth. It’s a balanced environment—not waterlogged, but perfectly poised to support sustainable, dry-farmed viticulture.

🌬️ Coastal Climate & Mediterranean Microclimate

As a coastal vineyard on the eastern edge of the Peninsula, 40 Knots is blessed with a tempered mediterranean climate. The constant breezes off the nearby Salish Sea naturally reduce disease pressure, moderate temperatures, and extend the ripening season. Combined with long daylight hours and filtered sunshine, these coastal influences yield grapes with exceptional balance, aromatic lift, and natural freshness.

The proximity to the sea also acts as a buffer against extreme weather, making the Peninsula site both consistent and resilient — ideal for growing high-quality wine grapes year after year.

🌱 Stewardship on the Peninsula: Sustainable Vineyard Practices

While the coastal terroir sets the scene, it's the 40 Knots team’s commitment to thoughtful, ecologically sound practices that ensures the land is not only preserved — but improved with each vintage.

✨ Certified Sustainable, Naturally Coastal

40 Knots follows a sustainability model rooted in organic farming principles and bolstered by advanced regenerative agriculture techniques tailored to coastal Peninsula conditions. With a complete avoidance of synthetic inputs, the team relies on:

Cover cropping to build soil health and protect against erosion

Low-impact cultivation to preserve the integrity of Peninsula topsoil

On-site composting to enrich vineyard biodiversity

These efforts are carefully designed to support long-term vine health while expressing the true character of the Comox Peninsula’s coastal landscape.

🐞 Living Ecosystems

Supporting a healthy coastal vineyard ecosystem, 40 Knots incorporates habitat zones for beneficial wildlife and pollinators. From swallow boxes to pollinator corridors, the vineyard is designed to function as a self-sustaining, balanced system.

This approach is particularly suited to the mild coastal climate of the Peninsula, where fewer environmental extremes allow for more natural pest and weed control.

🚜 Minimal Intervention for Maximum Expression

Yields are kept low and vines are managed with a gentle hand to ensure quality over quantity. Precision work in the canopy ensures that each vine receives just the right amount of Peninsula sun and sea air. Grapes are harvested and fermented with care — with the guiding philosophy that the less interference, the more the coastal terroir can shine through.

🍷 The Result: Wines with Coastal Elegance and Peninsula Precision

The results speak for themselves. 40 Knots produces wines that offer a distinct sense of place — a glass of Pinot Noir that echoes the minerality of glacial subsoils, White Seas that beams with coastal freshness, and Traditional Method sparkling Spindrift and Soleil Rosé that reflect the precision and purity of Peninsula farming.

Each wine is an invitation to taste the story of the land — from ancient marine deposits to present-day sustainable stewardship.

🌿 Experience the Comox Peninsula Terroir Firsthand

Visitors to 40 Knots Winery don’t just sip wine — they walk the vineyard, feel the coastal breeze, and experience the land that shapes every vintage. Whether you're strolling through the Knotty Vineyard or relaxing with a glass overlooking the vines, every visit connects you to the essence of the Peninsula.

Come see our monolith!  As part of his work with us, Scott Smith constructed a striking soil monolith — a vertical cross-section of our vineyard’s soil — now proudly displayed in our tasting room. This living snapshot of our terroir offers guests a rare, tangible connection to the layers of earth that shape every bottle of wine we produce. It’s a beautiful reminder that great wine truly begins in the soil.

Come discover wines born from ancient coastal soils and crafted with respect on the Comox Peninsula.
Explore the terroir for yourself at 40 Knots Winery — where land, sea, and sustainability meet in every glass.

Gifts for Dad [and some great Dad jokes]

🍷 Skip the Tie – Give Dad the Gift of Wine, Music & a Great Time

Because Dad deserves more than socks this year… and... have you ever seen him wear the last tie you bought him?

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💪 Is Dad the active type (or just wants to look like it)?

Join us for 40K for Them on June 16th—a fundraising event supporting WeCan Shelter. Choose from a 1 km accessible route, 10K walk/run, or a 40K cycle.
Stick around for the BBQ after-party with live music by Celtic Time—and all this for just $40 per athlete.

10 am - 40 km cycle
10 am to 3 pm - 1 km family friendly
11 am 5-10 km  walk, run, cycle
12:30 - After 🎉 PAAARTAY 🎉

✨Not the sporty type? No worries. Come for the BBQ—no one will know if you skip the walk and sip instead. Your ticket still supports a great cause!

Food and drink extra.

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🍷 Is Dad the Grill Master?
Let him flex his BBQ skills with the perfect pairing. Our red wine lineup has something for every kind of steak night:

Gamay Noir – bright, juicy, grill-ready 

Pinot Noir – balanced and elegant

Pinot Noir Classic – complex and cellar-worthy

Carambolage – a bold red blend, made for celebration

Rose - More like a B'Rosé - Pop open a Rosé, perfect for brunch or summer grilling.

Ciders - Give him our Gold medal-winning bubbly hard ciders, choose Hops, Quince, Cranberry, Black Currant - or give him all 4!

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🎶 Does Dad love music?
Book him a seat for Wine Wednesday on June 18th, featuring The Unfaithful Servants and The Phat Parrot food truck. Ticket is just $20—that’s a Father’s Day win.  That day, doesn't work?  Check out our event calendar full of music from Georgia Straight Jazz and local Orchestras.  Food and drink extra.

Unfaithful Servants  

LISTEN HERE

Event Calendar

 

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🍾 Is Dad the social type?
Sign him up for our Wine Club—he’ll join a great group of wine-loving folks, receive exclusive wines, enjoy private parties, and get discounts all year long. It’s like giving him Father’s Day every month.

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🎁 Still can’t decide?
Send him a 40 Knots Gift Card in any denomination. No expiry, and he can use it for anything from wine to picnics, Wine Wednesdays, or a tasting flight.

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The Surprisingly Touching Story Behind Father’s Day

It wasn’t created by greeting card companies (though they definitely caught on). Father’s Day actually has roots in love, resilience, and a very determined daughter.

In Spokane, Washington, in 1910, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd sat through a Mother’s Day sermon and thought, “Wait a minute—what about Dad?”

Her father, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran and a single father who had raised six children after his wife passed away during childbirth. Sonora admired her father’s strength and sacrifice so much that she launched a campaign to celebrate fathers just as wholeheartedly as mothers.

She wanted the day to fall on June 5th, her father's birthday, but the local churches needed more time to prepare, so they settled on the third Sunday of June.

And thus, Father’s Day was born—not with a marketing pitch, but with deep gratitude.

It gained momentum slowly. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea, but it wasn’t until 1972 (yes, over 60 years later!) that President Richard Nixon finally signed it into law as a national holiday.

And now… the Best Dad Jokes (you knew this was coming):

1. What do you call someone who tells dad jokes but isn't a dad?
A faux pa.

2. Why did the scarecrow win an award?
Because he was outstanding in his field.

3. I only know 25 letters of the alphabet.
I don’t know y.

4. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours?
Nacho cheese.

5. Want to hear a construction joke?
Oh... never mind, I’m still working on it.

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To All the Dads
Whether he’s your dad, someone else’s dad, a new dad, or a father figure—today is for him.
Let’s celebrate the quiet strength, big laughs, and all the love they give.

Happy Father’s Day from all of us at 40 Knots.

Cheers to Dad. 🍷

40 Knots is Rainbow Registered!

40 Knots is Rainbow Registered!

We are excited to announce that 40 Knots Winery & Cidery is Rainbow Registered!  Every two years we must pass stringent requirements for this accreditation.

This accreditation, administered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), is a testament to our commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity: By achieving the Rainbow Registered accreditation, we are recognized for our efforts in ensuring that our 2SLGBTQI+ customers and staff feel valued and respected. This aligns with our core values of diversity and inclusion, and we are proud to be a part of this important national initiative.

What This Means for You: You can trust that we adhere to the national standards of 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity as a Rainbow Registered organization. Whether you are a customer or a partner, you can expect a welcoming environment that respects and
celebrates all individuals.

Join Us in Celebrating Diversity: We invite you to visit us and experience firsthand our commitment to a diverse and inclusive community. Look out for our Rainbow Registered symbol, a mark of our dedication to the 2SLGBTQI+ friendly practices. Together, let's celebrate diversity and create a more inclusive world.

Explore the Rainbow Registered Community: We are proud to be part of a growing network of businesses and organizations committed to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity. We encourage you to visit RainbowRegistered.ca to explore other accredited businesses across Canada and learn more about the program.

John Schreiner scores 40 Knots Wines and Ciders

40 Knots Winery expands to cider-making

Written by John Schreiner:  

Comox-based 40 Knots Winery has added four outstanding sparkling apple ciders to its already extensive wine portfolio. If you have not yet encountered the ciders, don’t wait too long. These are immensely appealing but the production volumes are limited. If you share my taste, you will want more than one bottle.

40 Knots is within earshot of the Comox air force base. The estate vineyard was started in 2007 by Bill Montgomery, a retired owner of a tugboat company. He eventually discovered he had taken on more than he wanted to manage and put the winery on the market. In 2014, it was acquired by an energetic husband and wife team from Fort St. John, Layne Craig and Brenda Hetman-Craig. Adding ciders made in the traditional and labour-intensive French method certainly demonstrates how energetic they and their winemaking team are. There are 12 cider apple varieties used here. The juice is pressed by hand, does primary fermentation in stainless steel, secondary fermentation in the bottle, with additional blending of a flavouring dosage when the cider is disgorged. The result is remarkable: delicious and complex sparkling beverages that are underpriced, in my view.

Some background on the owners was provided on a early website: “Layne, who grew up on a Saskatchewan farm wanted to put his love of the land into play, while Brenda wanted to put her business management skills toward building a successful family business, one that would ultimately involve their grown children. It was an added bonus for Layne, a pilot, that the Comox air force base is nearby. Planes can often be seen overhead adding to the force of energy that surrounds the site.”

Here are notes on current wine and cider releases:

40 Knots Sieg 2023 ($29.50 for 313 cases). The fruit is estate-grown Siegerrebe, an aromatic white varietal. The wine was aged eight months on the lees, with weekly stirring. It begins with dramatic aromas of lime and other tropical fruits, echoed on the palate with a whole tropical orchard, including lychee and green melon. The finish is dry, with lingering fruit and spice. 91.

40 Knots White Seas 2023 ($27.50 for 594 cases). This is a blend of 93% Epicure and 7% Pinot Gris. The wine was aged on the lees for eight months. It begins with aromas of apple and lemon, leading to flavours of apple and grapefruit. Bright acidity balanced with a touch of residual sugar gives the wine a tart and refreshing finish. 89.
40 Knots Pinot Gris 2023 ($29.50 for 341 cases). This wine was fermented cool and aged eight months on the lees in stainless steel. It begins with aromas of pear and apple leading to flavours of apple and citrus. Bright acidity gives the wine a crisp, tart finish. 88.

40 Knots Auxerrois 2023 ($32 for 227 cases). This varietal is a white from Alsace that deserves a higher profile for the complex wine it produces. There are aromas and flavours of apricot, apple and quince. The texture is generous with notes of minerality and herbs on the dry and lingering finish. 91.
40 Knots Rosé 2023 ($29.50 for 550 cases). This is a blend of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Gamay, both estate-grown. The fruit was pressed gently, yielding a delicate rose petal hue to the wine. It has aromas and flavours of strawberries with a hint of watermelon. The finish is crisply dry. 89.

40 Knots Gamay Noir 2023 ($42 for 500 cases). The fruit is estate-grown Gamay Noir. It was cold-soaked on the skins for four to seven days. After ferment, the wine was aged in stainless steel. It begins with expressive red berry aromas (cherry, raspberry) echoed in the fruit sweetness on the palate. The wine is bright and lively. 90.
40 Knots Carambolage 2023 ($42 for 267 cases). This red wine is a blend of 43% Cabernet Libre, 34% Gamay and 23% Pinot Noir. The components were aged in a mix of stainless steel and French oak barrels. In the glass, the wine presents with a brilliant red hue and aromas of cherry. The palate delivers more cherry and red berry flavours with a hint of pepper on the finish. 90.

40 Knots Knotty Cider Apple Hops NV ($27.50). This cider was made with hand-pressed juice from cider apples. It was fermented in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Locally-sourced hops were used for the dosage. This golden-hued cider has aromas and flours of apple with the complexity of a hops note on the finish. 90.

40 Knots Knotty Cider Apple Black Currant NV ($27.50). This cider was made with hand-pressed juice from cider apples. It was fermented in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Black currant concentrate was added when the cider was disgorged. It has a rose petal hue in the glass along with an active mousse. On the palate, it is tart and refreshing. 90.

40 Knots Knotty Cider Apple Quince NV ($27.50). This cider was made with hand-pressed juice from cider apples. It was fermented in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Quince juice was added when the cider was disgorged. In the glass, the cider displays a golden hue and active bubbles, leading to an appealing fruity aroma and delicious flavours of apple and quince. The finish is crisp. 90.

40 Knots Knotty Cider Apple Cranberry NV ($27.50). This cider was made with hand-pressed juice from cider apples. It was fermented in stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Cranberry concentrate (made from locally grown berries) was used as a dosage, imparting an appealing rosé hue to the cider. It is crisp and tangy on the palate. 90.

Posted by JohnSchreiner at Goodgrog at 3:06 PM 

 

 

40 Knots Launches 2025 Wine Wednesday Line up

40 Knots Vineyard & Estate Winery is proud to announce the 2025 Wine Wednesdays performer lineup, highlighting the rich and diverse musical talent of Vancouver and Vancouver Island. This long-standing concert series invites the community to come together in support of live, local music — one Wednesday at a time.

From soulful folk to jazz, rock, blues, and roots, these intimate outdoor performances take place among the vines, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the region’s vibrant music scene while enjoying 40 Knots wines and local draft beer, alongside locally inspired food.

Guests are encouraged to buy tickets early, as this popular concert series often sells out. Each performance offers a powerful show of community support for independent artists and a memorable evening in a stunning vineyard setting, courtyard and vineyard terrace, covered for your comfort.

 

🎶 2025 Wine Wednesday Lineup:

May 21 – The Enablers
Local favourites delivering bluesy rock, reggae, and country with punch and groove.
June 4 – Odus Atkinson and Family
Virtuosic guitar work blending jazz, swing, soul, and outstanding vocals.
June 18 – The Unfaithful Servants
Americana roots, bluegrass, and folk-rock brilliance from Vancouver Island.
July 9 – The Suits
High-energy dance band bringing Motown, pop, reggae, and classic hits.
July 23 – Midnight Shadows
Indie rock with mood, melody, and edge.
August 6 – Waxin' Melodic: Sean Hogan, Sue Medley & Steve Mitchell
Three powerhouse voices unite for harmonies in country, roots, and rock.
August 20 – Gosia Hagen Duo
Soaring vocals and jazz-inspired arrangements.
September 3 – Spanish Boots
Latin, blues-rock, and roots with grit and groove.
September 17 – Chris Noel and The Burning House
Soulful songwriting and high energy — jump blues, Chicago blues, and early rock 'n' roll.
October 1 – What’s Next (Tim Charman & Friends)
A soulful fusion of jazz, blues, and world beats.
October 15 – Luke Blu Guthrie & Anela
A dynamic duo blending blues, folk, and island soul.
November 12 – Hey Honey Trio
Piano, lounge-style vocals, and saxophone — a smooth, elegant close to the season.

🎟️ Tickets & Tables: Available HERE

Why attend?
Every ticket sold helps support independent musicians and keeps live music thriving in our community. Wine Wednesdays are more than concerts — they’re a gathering place to celebrate artistry, connection, and local culture in one of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful settings.

Celebrating the return of our Swallow [not wine gulps! Northern Rough Winged Swallow]

Celebrating the Return of Northern Rough-winged Swallows: Our Vineyard’s Biodynamic Crew

Northern Rough-winged Swallows typically arrive on Vancouver Island in early to mid-April as part of their spring migration. They breed in the region during the warmer months and can be seen around open water, riverbanks, and sandy or gravelly areas where they nest in burrows. Their numbers peak in late spring and summer before they migrate south in early fall.
The Northern Rough Winged Swallow adorns our Estate label. These swallows are endemic to our area and frequent our vineyard. Each year we celebrate their arrival.

For us,they are not only our friends but part of our biodynamic crew. Swallows will only live in areas that have biodynamic balance and they are indeed an important part of our balance here at 40 Knots Vineyard. As part of our crew, they are an excellent bug predator, and unlike other birds, they never harm our grapes. 40 Knots Vineyard is surrounded by farming land and swallows always nest near other farm animals.

When you are here, you will see the vineyard spotted with swallow bird houses we have built to keep them safe and give them a home to return to every year.  Swallows are also song birds, and in keeping a balance, it is believed that sound vibrations are important to vine health. Italy has been piping out opera to their vines for many years, and they have shown that the vines closer to the music are the healthiest in the vineyard. At 40 Knots, we do indeed have music in our vineyard terrace for not only our guests to enjoy but also to bring balance to our vineyard.

Come see for yourself on a WineWednesday and tour our interpretive trail. 40 Knots is just a stone’s throw away from the Salish Sea. Our land was created by the glacier, and so our soil is glacier till. The rich salt air flows through our vines, keeping them healthy, aerated, and strong, and the salt air imbeds our oak, providing beautiful aging that cannot be accomplished in dry regions. While walking the interpretive trail or sipping on our vineyard terrace or balcony, you can hear the swallows singing alongside the sea lion’s barking the arrival of the new day.

Swallows are important friends of sailors and are believed to be a good omen.  Sailors will often get a swallow tattoo to show off their sailing experience.  According to one legend, one swallow symbolizes successful journeys adding up to 5,000 nautical miles, two swallows symbolize 10,000 nautical miles, and so on.  Another legend is that since swallows always return to the same land each year to mate and nest, the swallow will guarantee that the sailor returns home safely.  Sailors also believe that if they were to drown, the swallow would carry their soul to heaven.

40 Knots believes that all of us have the right to love and be loved.  We believe that we are all equal, and we share in the responsibility to support this belief.  Even our swallows live with this same belief.  The female and male swallows not only look almost identical, but they also share in all the responsibilities of the daily chores and protecting their family.  Once they mate, they remain, which is another quality we give great importance to:  loyalty to our community, our family, our friends, and our environment.
 

Happy Earth Happy Life [40 Knots’ Commitment to Eco-Friendly Wine Bottles and Kegs]

Sustainable Wine Packaging: Bottles and Kegs, The 40 Knots Way

At 40 Knots Winery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From our award-winning, eco-friendly wines to the packaging choices we make, we’re always looking for ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and lessen our environmental footprint. One of the most impactful ways we do this is by choosing lightweight glass bottles for retail and stainless steel kegs for restaurants, bars, and our own venue space. Combining these two innovative approaches allows us to provide high-quality wines while staying true to our sustainable mission.

Sustainable Glass Bottles: Lightweight, Recycled, and Eco-Friendly

When it comes to packaging, glass bottles are a natural choice. However, we know that traditional glass packaging can have a significant environmental impact. That’s why we’ve chosen lightweight glass bottles and recycled materials to minimize that footprint.

Recycled Content: Our AG Antique Green bottles use a minimum of 35% recycled glass, with some exceeding 50%. This reduces the need for raw materials and helps lower energy consumption during production.
Lightweight Design: Around 75% of our bottles weigh under 400 grams, compared to the Canadian industry average of 650 grams. This not only reduces the amount of glass used per bottle but also cuts down on the carbon emissions associated with shipping.
Less Waste: Choosing recycled materials and reducing glass weight significantly cuts down on the number of bottles, labels, and caps we produce—resulting in less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.

Kegs: Infinitely Reusable, Environmentally Friendly

In addition to our eco-friendly bottles, we’ve embraced stainless steel kegs as a sustainable solution for restaurants, bars, and events. By offering our wines in kegs, we’re able to eliminate a significant amount of packaging waste:

No bottles, labels, or caps – For every keg used, we save the need for 25+ glass bottles, labels, and caps.
Infinitely Reusable – Unlike bottles, kegs can be cleaned, refilled, and reused again and again, eliminating the need for recycling and helping us conserve resources.
Lower Transportation Emissions – A single keg holds the equivalent of 25 bottles, but takes up much less space, meaning fewer shipments and a lower carbon footprint.

Why We Choose Both

So, why do we use both bottles and kegs? The answer is simple: flexibility and sustainability. While bottles are perfect for retail sales and at-home enjoyment, kegs are an ideal solution for the restaurant and event industry, where ease of service, freshness, and minimal waste are top priorities.

By using lightweight glass bottles and stainless steel kegs, we’re reducing packaging waste, minimizing carbon emissions, and providing our customers with the highest quality wine, while still staying true to our sustainable values.

At 40 Knots, every decision we make is aimed at helping protect the planet—one bottle, one keg, and one glass at a time. 🌍🍷 ♻