Named for the gale-force winds that often strike the coast of Vancouver Island, 40 Knots Winery is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to offering their customers delicious natural wines.
When thinking of wineries on Vancouver Island, our thoughts typically lead us to the Cowichan Valley – a place well-known for its food and wine. However, a more northern region of Vancouver Island is slowly but surely building a reputation in the same industry.
With its mild climate and fertile soil, Comox Valley is fast becoming a significant producer of as many award-winning wines as its counterpart to the south. 40 Knots Winery is one such vineyard responsible for making that happen.
The Vineyard
Located adjacent to the Salish Sea on a windswept, sun-soaked microclimate, 40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery is the largest grape-producing vineyard in the region and the second largest on Vancouver Island.
Upon parking in the large lot, you are swept away by the beauty of the 24 acres in front of you.
The natural glacial slope of the land leads towards the ocean on one side, while farmland surrounds the rest. The vineyard itself is a mini-farm of sorts. Resident ducks and chickens mow the grass and weeds. And they, along with the Northern Rough-Winged Swallows that grace the sky, control the pests naturally.
You see, 40 Knots is committed to sustainability through continuous certification in Green Tourism.
What is Green Tourism?
Green Tourism can best be described as a low-impact, environmentally-friendly practice that cherishes, not destroys. This is why all the vineyard grapes at 40 Knots are handpicked, and resident fowl help with landscaping.
The many swallows you see soaring above you, are, in fact, a testament to the clean green vineyard practices. While many wineries deter birds from entering their vineyards, at 40 Knots, swallows are warmly welcomed as part of the biodynamic crew.
The swallows are so cherished here they adorn the labels of each bottle of Estate wine!
The Wine
40 Knots Winery grows four noble varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and, Gamay Noir. They also have two German hybrids, Schonberger and Siegerrebe, and, one French hybrid, Pinot Auxerrois. The majority of their rootstock arrived from France in 2005.
Grown with traditional farming methods and the Green tourism practices mentioned above, 40 Knots produces fruit-forward elegant wines that are vegan and gluten-free. With no chemicals or unnatural preservatives used anywhere on the vineyard or during production, the wines are a full step above what is considered organic in the industry.
Many red wine on the market has added Sulphites, which can cause negative reactions for many people. On the contrary, 40 Knots Winery often hears praise from returning customers for producing wine that causes no adverse effects.
But it's not just customers who rave about the wine.
Several of the wines from 40 Knots have received GOLD in the Lieutenant Governor's Awards. Plus, you'll find many great reviews on their website from prominent wine experts in the industry.
If you need further proof that these wines are top-notch, then sampling a few is something you should do!
The Tastings & Experiences
40 Knots Winery offers a variety of unique experiences one should not miss out on.
Cellar Tasting Lounge
Stop at the Cellar Tasting Lounge and Wine Shop one afternoon for a tasting. Tastings are $15.00, and you get a $5.00 coupon towards a purchase in their store. (The coupon must be used the same day as the tasting). Qualified crew lead the tastings and are extremely happy to share their expertise on the vineyard and wine plus the Comox Valley area.
Premium Tastings
With this option, you get private reserved seating, plus six premium tastings offered by a tasting room associate. The tastings include a variety of styles, from sparkling, still and port-style wines. Reservations are required for the Premium Tastings. Please check the 40 Knots website for current pricing.
Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Take a guided stroll through the vineyard while you sip a selection of delicious wine. Along the way, you'll stop at each varietal and get a premium sample of that particular wine. You'll also learn about the growing stages and what biodynamic farming is all about.
Depending on the time of year, you may have an opportunity to see pruning or harvesting in action. Reservations are required. Please check the website for current pricing and times.
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour guided by Megan. It was such a neat experience to sip the wine brought to us from the very same vines we were standing beside. Megan was a wealth of knowledge about the vineyard, no matter what question we asked her.
Self-Guided Interpretative Trail
Enjoy a self-guided interpretative walk through the vineyard. The trail is designed for an easy 20-minute stroll and is kid-friendly! Ask about the “On'Tom'all'O'G” game. Kids will have fun searching for the bug helpers in the vineyard and get awarded a Graduation pin upon completion. The Interpretative Trail is free of charge, and no reservations are required.
Picnic Lunch
Have you found a wine you want to try more of? Then, purchase a full glass or bottle and a picnic lunch, and head onto the beautiful terrace. 40 Knots offers a selection of locally made items, including freshly baked baguettes, cheeses, smoked salmon, sauces, chocolate and more. Let them know which items you require, and they will serve them in a lovely picnic basket stocked with plates, linens, and glasses. It is a unique experience that only adds to an already delightful afternoon.
40 Knots Winery Events
There's always something happening at 40 Knots Winery. Locals especially love Wine Wednesdays, where there's a variety of entertainment, ranging from Blues to Opera, delicious food prepared by local chefs, and plenty of wine. Check out their events calendar for current happenings.
The terrace is also available for private events; you can find more information on their website.
The Wine Shop
The wine shop holds more than just bottles of award-winning wine. Here, you'll find unique gifts and quality merchandise, including their spa line, Vino Spa.
Don't want to leave home? Much of what you find in store, including the wine, can be purchased online, too.
Location & Hours of Operation
40 Knots Vineyard and Estate Winery is located at 2400 Anderton Road in Comox, BC
They are open year-round from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays). Please note, they are also open until 9:00 pm on Thursday for their ‘Thirsty Thursday.'
Have you experienced 40 Knots Winery yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
*Disclosure: A Guided Vineyard Tour and Tasting was provided by 40 Knots Winery. Opinions are my own.
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