Introduction to Fortified Wine Tasting

The History of Port and the Fortification of Wine

Origins of Fortified Wine

Fortified wine originated as a solution to a practical problem: preserving wine during long sea voyages. Before modern refrigeration and preservation techniques, wines often spoiled when exposed to fluctuating temperatures, oxygen, and bacteria during transport. Adding a distilled spirit, typically brandy, to the wine stabilized it by increasing its alcohol content and halting fermentation, thereby preserving its flavor and preventing spoilage.

The technique of fortifying wine began in the Mediterranean region, where trading routes spanned long distances. While the exact origins are debated, the practice was documented as early as the 16th century. Portugal, Spain, and Italy were among the first countries to adopt this method, creating distinct styles such as Port, Sherry, and Marsala.

The Birth of Port Wine

Port wine, specifically, is a fortified wine from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. Its creation is deeply tied to the trade relationship between Portugal and England.

Why Fortification Was Necessary:
During the 17th century, the Anglo-French wars disrupted England’s access to French wines. Seeking an alternative, English merchants turned to Portugal. However, the Portuguese wines often spoiled during the long voyage to England. To address this, winemakers began adding aguardente (a neutral grape spirit) to the wine during fermentation.

The Role of Monasteries:
The earliest documentation of fortified Port-style wine comes from Portuguese monasteries in the late 1600s. Monks had been experimenting with adding spirits to wine to create a sweeter, more robust product, as well as to preserve it.

British Influence on Port:
By the early 18th century, British merchants had formalized the production and trade of Port wine. The Methuen Treaty of 1703 reduced tariffs on Portuguese wine imports to England, further popularizing Port in Britain. English trading families like Taylor, Croft, and Warre established Port houses in Portugal, which still exist today.

How Port Is Fortified

The hallmark of Port wine is its sweet, rich character. This is achieved by fortifying the wine before fermentation is complete, leaving residual sugar in the wine. The process involves:

Fermenting the grape must for a few days.
Adding aguardente to the fermenting wine to halt fermentation.
Aging the fortified wine in barrels or tanks, depending on the desired style (e.g., Ruby, Tawny, Vintage).

Other Early Fortified Wines

While Port is among the most famous fortified wines, other regions developed their own styles:

Sherry (Spain): Fortified after fermentation, producing a range of styles from dry (Fino) to sweet (Pedro Ximénez).
Marsala (Italy): Fortified during or after fermentation, often used in cooking and as a dessert wine.
Madeira (Portugal): Fortified after fermentation, subjected to heat to mimic aging during long sea voyages, resulting in its unique oxidative character.

Who Fortified Wine First?

Determining who first fortified wine is challenging due to limited records, but it is believed that:

Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, may have experimented with adding substances like honey or resin to preserve wine.
Distilled spirits became widely available in Europe during the Middle Ages, paving the way for intentional fortification.

The Portuguese were among the first to standardize the process, particularly in creating Port wine, due to their close ties with England and the challenges of exporting wine.

Why Fortify Wine?

Preservation: To stabilize wine for long voyages.
Enhanced Flavor: Fortification often results in a richer, sweeter product, appealing to consumers.
Trade and Economics: Fortified wines were lucrative commodities, particularly in regions like Portugal and Spain, which relied on exports for economic stability.

Fortified wines like Port became cultural icons, valued for their durability and distinct taste, and continue to be celebrated worldwide for their historical and gastronomic significance.

Join us on December 17th, 2024 to study and taste white, ruby and tawny fortified wines.  Alumni grads get to bring a friend for free.  If you are an alumni, please call to book in your #2 free.  1-855-941-8810 ext 103

Lessons in Knotty [How to dress for Fall on Vancouver Island]

How to dress for fall on Vancouver Island:

Socks and sandals are a Canadian classic, but why stop there? Throw in a pair of flip-flops—because, honestly, who needs logic when you’ve got style that turns heads and ankles?

Waffle knits are definitely a vibe this season, but make sure it’s a nice merino wool. These magical undershirts layer perfectly over a t-shirt that you already know won’t match, but hey, you’re a fashion rebel.

If you're feeling bold, slip into a wool onesie. Nothing says “I’m ready for anything” like flaunting that onesie underneath a pair of ripped jeans. Bonus points if the holes in the knees really show off your cozy base layer—because how else will people know you're the comfiest person in town?

Toques are essential, and the rule is simple: the more mismatched, the better. You’re not just wearing a hat—you’re sending a message. That message? "Fashion is what I say it is."

Mittens, though not actually needed, should make an appearance. Top them off with a sparkly, oversized ring, because your hands deserve to be glamorous while pretending you’re cold.

Scarves? Oh, you better believe it. Knit them yourself or grab the chunkiest one you can find. Fringe is mandatory—it adds flair and doubles as entertainment on a windy day.

Insulated vests: they might not actually keep you warm, but they’re perfect for showing off your 2023 lift pass. Nothing says, "I skied once and I’m not over it" quite like a lift ticket permanently attached to your zipper.

And remember, never use an umbrella. We don’t care if it’s raining sideways, you’re on Vancouver Island. You embrace the drizzle. Umbrellas are for tourists, and you’re here to prove that getting soaked builds character!

Layne Craig of 40 Knots winery reflects on the last 10 years

Layne Robert Craig, Owner

an interview with Carl

Layne is celebrating his 11th year in the industry, Layne has two loves: his wife, Brenda, and his mistress—the grapes. Layne listens to his mistress with devotion, taking her orders directly and ensuring every whim is met. You’ll often find him interrupting cellar time for impromptu tours. His mission? Keep the workload light, because when you trust the grapes, they make the perfect wine on their own. Layne’s here to ensure everything runs smoothly (and get a taste test along the way). Media Inquiries: brenda@40knotswinery.com | /

What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?

At 40 Knots, we stay true to our roots—literally and figuratively. Our name reflects the fierce coastal winds and the stall speed of my plane (my favorite flying moment, while my wife Brenda is screaming in the front passenger seat!). We honor traditional farming and winemaking, crafting wines as serious and beautiful as our label suggests. But behind the scenes? We’re a knotty, adventurous crew who play as hard as we work. Whether we’re tending the vines, losing spectacularly in softball, or “quality testing” the bubbles a bit too much, we bring joy and laughter to everything we do. Each sip of our wine is a bold celebration of nature, craftsmanship, and the cheeky spirit of our fun-loving team.

Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained. Sky’s the limit!

If there were no limits, we’d go all in and plant a ridiculous amount of Pinot Noir, letting it rule the vineyard like the diva it is. Every single berry would get the royal treatment, fermenting and aging only in amphora because, let’s face it, nothing else captures the essence quite like it. Picture a massive underground glass cellar, 14 feet deep and a mile long, where guests can spy on the glacier till soil and roots that look like something from a sci-fi film. We’d age wines for 20 years or more, just to make our future selves proud. With endless staff on hand, we’d spend our days hanging out with our incredible customers, drinking and laughing together until the sun sets (and maybe a little after that, too). The sky’s not just the limit—we’re aiming for the stars, baby.

What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.

Without question, it’s our Pinot Noir—a wine that every winemaker measures themselves against. I’ve always thought of Pinot as a woman: delicate, demanding, and a healer, offering more medicinal properties than any other red grape. But once she becomes wine, she takes on a masculine side—full of structure, sophistication, and mystery, like a suave 007. At 40 Knots, we respect the Pinot. You don’t fight her in the vineyard or cellar—Pinot is the boss. She’s allowed to be what she’s destined to be: an oceanside Pinot, a true reflection of our natural winemaking style. Stay tuned for this wine review, coming soon!

What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about your brand?

The one thing that surprises people about 40 Knots Vineyard is that yes, we do have a vineyard, and yes, our grapes thrive! Despite being in Canada, we’re far from the igloos many envision. Instead, we have sandy beaches, rainforest-like hiking trails, and a microclimate where Pinot Noir flourishes. It’s not the cold, snowy tundra you might expect—it’s a stunning coastal haven that’s perfect for growing beautiful fruit.

about Carl

I don’t have any superpowers when it comes to wine, but I do have access, a mild obsession, an interest in visiting wine regions, and a love for storytelling. Wine people have some great stories to tell.

For 15 years as a publicist in the wine business, I have pitched, cajoled, and collaborated with the Wine Media. It has taken me to this place: wanting to share the compelling stories of winemakers by providing writers with a source of useful story ideas.

I have written wine industry articles for Wine Business Monthly, Wine Industry Network, Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine, The Grapevine Magazine, and Oregon Wine Press, and have had a Wine Writer Interview Series on Wine Industry Advisor for over 5 years.

I also write freelance wine and travel articles for Winetraveler, Food Wine Travel Magazine (IFWTWA  (International Food Wine Travel Writers Association), Wander With Wonder, and The Vintner Project.

Author Pages: https://linktr.ee/carlgiavanti

 

40 Knots Achieves Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Certification and BC Green Business Certification

At 40 Knots Winery, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly proud to announce that we have earned new certifications in sustainability to add to our Platinum Certification in Green Step and the BC Tourism Sustainability Award for 2024.

 

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our dedicated employees, trusted suppliers, and loyal customers. Your belief in our mission has driven us to continually strive for excellence in sustainability, and we are deeply grateful for your role in helping us reach this milestone.

The Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Certification is a prestigious global recognition awarded to businesses that lead in sustainable practices across environmental, social, and economic pillars. Developed by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) and aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this certification reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

At 40 Knots, we proudly take action in reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and promoting ethical and eco-friendly practices. Through this certification, we are actively contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that we create positive impacts for future generations.

40 Knots achieves Green Status Certification with BC Green Business

BC Green Business at a level of "Green" is their highest level of recognition.  As a BCGB member, we undergo annual evaluations to track our sustainability progress and make continuous improvements towards our green goals. Through the program, we work alongside over 200 like-minded businesses across British Columbia who are who are creating real change for our  planet and community.

Platinum Certification with GreenStep Sustainable Tourism:  40 Knots has undergone consistent certification for 8 years with Green Step - completing a comprehensive assessment (every two years since 2015), to achieve Sustainable Tourism PLATINUM Certification, one of only three businesses in CANADA to achieve this recognition. The process includes a one-on-one review of our business practices with a Sustainable Business Advisor to see how we’re doing against criteria aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

A Call for All Businesses to Take Action

In this critical time for the health of both our planet and people, it is more important than ever for businesses to step up and embrace sustainable practices. This certification reminds us that every organization, regardless of size or industry, has a responsibility to protect the environment and support the communities in which we live and work. We encourage all businesses to take similar steps because the future of our world depends on it.

A Call for All to Take Action

Waste Reduction Week Oct 21-27: Tips to Shrink Your Footprint

We all know the mantra: reuse, repurpose, recycle. But let's add refuse and reduce to the mix for an even bigger impact on cutting waste and speeding up our move toward a circular economy. Ready to jump in? Here are five easy ways to get started:

Rethink Your Recycling:
Sorting your recycling and taking it to a professional recycling center could make a huge difference. Did you know that too many blue bins end up in landfills because they’re “contaminated”? Only 9% of plastics in Canada are actually recycled. Be part of the solution, not the statistic!

Repair, Don’t Replace:
Got something broken? Instead of tossing it, try fixing it. Reach out to the manufacturer for parts or hop onto YouTube for DIY repair tutorials. It's amazing what a little elbow grease can do to extend the life of your stuff!

Donate, Consign, or Swap Clothes:
That shirt you never wear? Someone else might love it. Donate to thrift shops, consign, or use Buy and Sell groups to give your clothes a second life. And while you're at it, consider thrifting yourself—it’s easy on your wallet and the planet.

Get Smart with Groceries:
Food’s expensive, so make it last. Invest in good storage solutions, and learn what can be frozen or dehydrated. Plan portions carefully and get creative with scraps—veggie peels and meat bones make killer broths. Leftovers? Turn them into soups, stews, or even dog treats! And don’t forget to save seeds from your produce to plant for next season.

Share the Big Stuff:
Why buy when you can borrow? Share big-ticket items like lawnmowers or camping gear with neighbors or family. Carpooling can also cut down on costs and emissions. Think community over consumption.

And finally, refuse waste before it happens! Opt for bulk purchases and bring your own containers whenever possible to cut down on excessive packaging. Every small step adds up—so let’s keep moving toward less waste and a greener future!

Special Thanks to Our Partners

This achievement also owes much to the invaluable guidance and support from the brilliant and dedicated teams at BC Green Business, Synergy Foundation, and Green Step. Their expertise and smart solutions have been key to helping us strengthen our commitment to sustainability, and we are deeply thankful for your partnership.

Thank you once again to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we are raising a glass to sustainability, the health of our planet, and the well-being of our communities!

Celebrations: Is it Okay to Wear Sunglasses to a Themed Wedding?

At outdoor daytime weddings, the bride and groom may even encourage their guests to bring their own sunglasses as a form of protection against the sun’s rays. After all, excessive sun exposure can result in eye discomfort and damage that can certainly dampen the wedding festivities. Overall, it is definitely okay to wear sunglasses at a wedding—provided you are mindful of your eyewear choices, especially if the wedding has a specific theme.

How to select sunglasses for a wedding

These days, wedding ceremonies and receptions have become more creative. With the various wedding themes people can choose from, including everything from fantasy to rustic setups, it is important to familiarize yourself with what the bride and groom have taken the time to select for their special day. Before anything else, check the dress code for any restrictions before selecting sunglasses that complement both the wedding theme plus your own outfit. If the dress code leans more towards the informal side, simple and casual sunglass frames will suffice. However, for more formal and extravagant weddings, it may be best to utilize sleek, black frames for some elegance.

Overall, avoid any brightly colored and flashy sunglasses that can serve as a distraction so as to not look out of place at the wedding and, more importantly, remain respectful to the couple and other guests. To get you started, here are some common but tasteful wedding themes where sunglasses can most likely be utilized, along with what type of frames would best suit the occasion.

Rustic wedding

Rustic weddings are typically inspired by the great outdoors, with a lot of focus on handmade touches. From forests with lots of leaves and branches as decor to farms that look a bit more organic and boho, rustic themes are considered a balance between thoughtful vintage pieces and country-inspired details. As such, some of the best sunglasses for this theme are those with delicate pastel-colored frames, such as the Derek Cardigan Crater and Main and Central Newton. These types of frames are some of the top eyewear trends of the year. The neutral color palette will match perfectly with a rustic wedding, as well as the love of nature the theme encapsulates.

Vineyard wedding

Vineyard weddings can range from dinner among the vines to an affair at a winery. Either way, this type of wedding is sure to provide decadent wine and gorgeous scenery to enjoy your glass with. These venues typically accommodate dining, cocktail, and long table settings depending on the number of guests and the couple’s preferences. Sunglasses with wooden frames that resemble the oak barrels used to age the wines would be a nice touch for a wedding of this theme. Some examples of these types of frames are Waidzeit Design’s Merlot, Chardonnay, and Freedom Whiskey Sunglasses. These are extremely lightweight and provide the best comfort. Additionally, the simplicity of the material and neutrality in color make them suitable for the occasion while providing a stylish touch to your wedding attire.

Beach wedding

Beach weddings are a popular choice for couples, as it allows them and their guests to strip away all the fuss that comes with a traditional wedding. More importantly, the venue provides an extremely romantic setting, with the relaxing sound of ocean waves and a beautiful view of the sunlight against the ocean overlooking this momentous event. Sunglasses will likely be encouraged at this type of wedding and may even be offered as a favor. However, if you want to elevate your appearance, opt for oversized sunglasses. Brands like Loewe have Oversized Round Sunglasses in various colors such as black, light brown, honey, and havana that are sophisticated in appearance and offer the best protection against the sun, which is very much needed in a seaside venue where not a lot of shade is available. These frames are also very common, which makes it easy to pick out details like shape and color to match the rest of the wedding theme.


While choosing the right clothes for a themed wedding is very important, don’t forget your sunglasses, as they can elevate your appearance to the next level.
 

What kind of wedding theme should you go for?

What kind of wedding theme should you go for?

With so many beautiful wedding options to choose from, picking the perfect theme for your wedding can be difficult. Themes are a vital aspect of planning your wedding, as they will help you to seamlessly combine the look and feel of the day. Ultimately, your theme should closely represent you and your partner's personal tastes and preferences. You can even use a theme to convey an important part of your story as a couple, or to showcase prominent features of your personalities, such as a love for nature or alternative styles.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular wedding themes to see which you most resonate with.

Bohemian, rustic or earthy

Taking your wedding outdoors and enjoying the natural world is perfect for the free-spirited and those who want a more relaxed, ethereal feel to their day. Let the trees and wildflowers be your decorations and keep your clothes simple but stunning. Choose a sustainable menu, reusable cups, and locally grown flowers to honour the planet as you wed. After the sun goes down, solar-charged festoon lighting and candle-lit lanterns can help to keep the party
going.

Beach vibes

For those lucky enough to be tying the knot somewhere sunny, a beach theme may create the perfect romantic setting. Whether or not you choose to have your ceremony and/or party on the coast, you can easily incorporate beachy elements to your decor. Using feathery Marram Grass, clovers, orchids and other coastal flora in your vases will bring the waves and the sand to your venue. Create your own decor from seashells, driftwood and floaty
fabrics to enhance the dreamy beach vibes.

Gothic fantasy, steampunk or historical

Why not step back in time and celebrate your big day by encouraging your entire wedding party to celebrate a more unconventional theme? Whether you buy or craft your own extravagant outfits, or keep them historically accurate by thrifting vintage stores, basing your theme on your favourite time period is a great way to create an unforgettable experience for all who attend. As well as being fun for everybody, you’ll be sure to get some pretty unique wedding photographs to look back on for years to come.

Country

Raise the roof of a brightly lit barn for an authentic countryside wedding theme. Perfect for those interested in farming or country living, why not invite your guests for a folk-style affair complete with straw bales and tartan blankets. Warm wooden beams, real fires and a live band playing, your guests are sure to have the time of their lives in this informal, relaxed setting. Plus, look forward to some truly beautiful wedding photographs in the surrounding fields, woodlands and trees.

Unique to you

Finally, remember that this day is yours, so why not pick a theme that’s as individual as your love for each other Whether you’re both fans of horror flicks or crazy about singing, pick a theme that celebrates a passion you both share or one that brought you together, to make your wedding theme as unique as possible.

How to Host a Vegan Wedding Reception in Style

How to Host a Vegan Wedding Reception in Style

There's a lot to consider when planning a wedding, but for those who are planning a vegan celebration, it can be particularly stressful to make sure the big day fits in with their lifestyle. Here are three steps to help you get started in hosting a vegan wedding reception in style.

1. Choose a Vegan-Friendly Venue

It's important that your wedding venue respects your desire for a completely vegan wedding so that they can tailor their services and produce accordingly. For example, you might ask that they avoid serving beverages that contain animal products or using decorations that contain things like feathers and leather. You may also want to hire an outside caterer rather than using their in-house catering services if the venue is inexperienced in producing vegan food.

When visiting venues, be upfront about your needs to see how receptive they are in creating a vegan environment. You might also consider the wider impact of a venue on animal welfare. For example, a rural venue that has acres of land surrounding it might use this to farm animals or host hunts. Be sure to ask questions about how the entire venue is used and not just the parts that you'll be using for your wedding. This will give you peace of mind that your wedding isn't contributing to animal cruelty.

2. Prep Bridal Boutiques and Tailors Before Visiting

Silk, which is harvested from silkworms, is a common material found in wedding dresses. It's often included in satin, chiffon and tulle, so it's not enough to simply avoid pure silk when searching for a wedding dress. When it comes to suits and tuxedos, wool and cashmere are common non-vegan materials to avoid. It's also fairly common for luxury ties, suits and shirts to contain silk. There's leather to avoid when buying shoes and purses, and it's important to avoid jewellery that contains real pearls or feathers.

Luckily, there are plenty of vegan materials to choose from that offer just as much style and luxury as their non-vegan counterparts. It's useful to seek out bridal boutiques and tailors that either specialise in vegan clothing or have a dedicated line of vegan garments. Make sure you inform businesses about your vegan requirements before you visit so that they have time to prepare garments and materials that are suitable for you.

3. Encourage Guests to Taste New Dishes with a Vegan Buffet

A difficulty many vegan wedding planners come up against is reluctance from guests to eat vegan dishes. Unfortunately, many people believe that vegan food is bland and boring, or that they'll come up against new flavours and textures that they won't enjoy. Vegan dishes can be just as delicious and satisfying as dishes that contain meat and dairy, and once you introduce people to good quality vegan food, they soon realise these stereotypes are wrong.

A great way to overcome cynicism from non-vegan wedding guests is to have buffet-style dining. Guests can pick and choose the dishes that look most appealing to them, and they have an opportunity to sample lots of different foods at once. You won't have to worry about guests going hungry when there's plenty of variety on offer to suit all tastes. Plus, you can showcase the deliciousness of vegan food and change some attitudes about veganism along the way.

Buffets are also a good way to reduce food waste. 15% of wedding guests only eat one or two of their three courses when sitting down to a traditional wedding breakfast. With a buffet, people can tailor servings to their appetites more easily.

Celebrate in Style with An Ethical Reception

While planning your wedding reception might be a little trickier as a vegan, the extra work will pay off as you enjoy your special day safe in the knowledge that your celebration is as ethical as possible.

Grape Vine and Fruit Tree Pruning

Grape Vine and Fruit Tree Pruning

The ideal time for Grape Vine and Fruit Tree Pruning is when they are dormant, to give them their best chance at. producing for you.   What you do this winter will affect your fruit yield for the next two years.

At 40 Knots, we listen to our customers.  Our service goes beyond serving a glass of wine.  We are proponents for traditional responsible farming, and nothing gets us more excited than chatting with a fellow farmer.  Whether you own a backyard or many acres, we love to help.  Farming is our passion.  Caring for the environment and leaving it better than what we found it, is in our blood.

A few years ago, we started delivering free workshops to those in our community.  With a Viticulturist and Aborist on staff, you are in great hands.  I think we have a total of about 120 years of experience in our small Crew.  Our workshop leaves you feeling confident.  And we leave feeling great about our contribution to farming on Vancouver Island.  We love hearing from those that attended about their great harvest and increase in yields and quality of fruit.

If you missed our annual workshop, here are a few Cole’s notes:

Fact:  No fruit grows on old wood.  If you want more fruit, you need to prune.

Fact:  A vigorous grapevine can produce 150-200 feet of linear new growth a year.

Fact:  Pruning is best when trees and vines are dormant.  In Vancouver Island, it is usually after Christmas.

Fact:  To prepare for dormancy ensure you supply food and water to protect

Safety Equipment:  Buddy up if you are needing to use a ladder.  Always wear gloves, eye protection, and proper footwear.

Tools:  Use sharp tools and if you notice any disease, use peroxide to disinfect your tools before moving to another branch or vine.  You can actually pass disease if you don’t do this.

Design:  Choose a design, and don’t be scared. Especially with vines.  In some countries, they are considered a weed and they are very resilient.  You can find many designs on the internet.  I would list them all here, but it is a blog after all.

Age:    Young trees should be at least 3 years old before pruning.

Canopy:  Consider that you will need sunlight and protection, and this is where canopy management comes in.  You will be a good balance of vegetative growth to ripen the crop yet sufficient fruitful buds to provide adequate yield.

Suckers and Dead Wood:  Always remove suckers and deadwood.  If there is only one thing you do for your trees and vines, this is the one.

Meet Andy on Youtube as he explains apple tree pruning:

Sign up to 40 Knots newsletter HERE so you are the first person to hear about any community workshops.

Sign up to be a 40 Knots Farmer during our harvest HERE.

Carbon Emissions and Net-Zero

Carbon Emissions and Net-Zero

This is a big, big topic.  And we are not experts.  But we do know, that we have choices.  2020 has taught us many things.  We consume less, we buy what we need, and we buy Local first.  When purchasing, we consider the carbon footprint of the goods.  (What is the impact on those plastic forks shipped here from a factory in China?)

What does it mean to be Net-Zero?  There is a lot of information out there.  We chose to be a Gold Certified member of Green Step Tourism for their guidance and because of their very tough certification process, which assists us to be continuously diligent.  We are not experts, but we like what we have experienced since becoming members in 2016.  

And we continue to research and learn.  I came across this blog.  Sadly, I don't see Canada mentioned. 

World Resources Institute

And then I found a calculator!  Right or wrong, I used this one.  I was super happy to see how low my carbon (paw) footprint was but was shocked to see how high our country's carbon footprint was.

Carbon Footprint Calculator for homes

If 2020 showed us anything, it showed how we could use less and use smarter.  

And so in 2021, I commit to doing my part.

I Declare a Climate Emergency

40 Knots Winery has signed up to Tourism Declares, an initiative that supports tourism businesses, organizations, and individuals in declaring a climate emergency and taking purposeful action to reduce their carbon emissions as per the advice from The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to cut global carbon emissions to 55% below 2017 levels by 2030. 

Like all signatories, we have committed to the following five actions:

1. Develop a ‘Climate Emergency Plan’ within the next 12 months, which sets out our intentions to reduce carbon emissions over the next decade.

2. Share an initial public declaration of our ‘Climate Emergency Plan’, and update on progress each year.

3. Accept current IPCC advice stating the need to cut global carbon emissions to 55% below 2017 levels by 2030 in order to keep the planet within 1.5 degrees of warming. We’ll ensure our ‘Climate Emergency Plan’ represents actions designed to achieve this as a minimum, through delivering transparent, measurable, and increasing reductions in the total carbon emissions per customer arising from our operations and the travel services sold by us. 

4. Encourage our suppliers and partners to make the same declaration; sharing best practice amongst peers; and actively participate in the Tourism Declares community

5. Advocate for change. We recognize the need for system change across the industry to accelerate a just transition towards carbon-free tourism.

The Crew at 40 Knots Winery

Are you a Tourism Business?  Join us HERE

Grapevine Dormancy

Grapevine Dormancy

*FREE community pruning workshop.  See below for further information*

At the dawn of a new decade, we welcome a fresh start in the 40 Knots Vineyard. With 2019 behind us, we look forward into 2020 with revitalized hope, energy, and enthusiasm for a fabulous new vintage. Just like winter hibernation, the 40 Knots vines are in their dormancy stage and await the new spring sun. Winter dormancy occurs after the last autumn leaf has fallen and carries forward until early Spring.  

Shorter winter days kick-off two phases of dormancy. 

Endodormancy: (Greek word endo meaning inside) during this first stage, the grapvine become cold hardy. The plant growth regulators inside the bud prevent each grapevine from growing, even in favourable environmental conditions. Endodormancy is usually complete by the end of December. 

Ecodormancy: An external force that follows environmental conditions. In the Northern Hemisphere, the ecodormancy stage starts around February. In this stage, the vines await higher temperatures to proceed with budburst. With ecodormancy and climate change, vine growers must be vigilant to monitor low temperatures as to not kick off budburst too soon. This is where our #coolclimate region in the Comox Valley has a leg up!

With the vines seemingly lifeless and naked without leaves, the activity underneath the soil is charged in preparation for the new year with energetic vines sending out new roots. This “root flush” (think tiny hairs at the bottom of carrots and beets) reaches downward in search of nutrients from the soil. Internal starchy carbohydrates build inside the roots, trunks and cordons in autumn and until the first frost, and this stage is critical for proper flower, leaf and bud grapvine growth development for the following season.

Above the soil, the vines will dehydrate themselves as water contracts and glides into intercellular spaces. This phase almost steels the vines from the inside out, avoiding freezing during these chilling winter temperatures.  Sugar and protein compounds come together to bind water, serving as cryoprotectants. So strength DOES come in small packages!

Join us for a FREE community pruning workshop

Calling all viticulturists, farmers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in learning vineyard pruning methods for both cane and spur vines. We are hosting a complimentary community pruning workshop on February 1st from 1-4pm at 40 Knots Winery.  Click HERE to RSVP.

Unable to attend? Read about how much fun we had in my next blog post where I discuss winter grapevine pruning.

Happy New Year, from the crew at 40 Knots and me,

-Megan