Skip to content

Comox winery aims for year-round experience with glass-surrounded terrace

40 Knots Winery recently completed a major project on their vineyard terrace
24002855_web1_210127-CVR-40Knots-terrace_2
40 Knots Winery recently completed a major project on their vineyard terrace by installing 360-degree glass panels for year-round use.

Layne Craig believes the Comox Valley is not a destination, but rather a place where people fall in love with the experience, and he, along with his wife Brenda Hetman-Craig are aiming for their winery to be part of that experience.

The Craigs – co-owners of 40 Knots Winery on Anderton Road – recently completed a major project on their vineyard terrace, by creating a 360-degree glass surround for the terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be used year-round. The facility features infrared heat for the cooler months, with the front glass sliding open for summertime use.

The terrace footprint was previously covered by a large tent, but the Craigs knew they wanted a facility for use year-round.

“We looked at a bunch of different options but we knew we wanted to have a view of the vineyards,” explained Hetman-Craig. “In the off-season and with COVID-19, the restricted (number of people) fit well and are socially distanced.”

She credited her husband with co-ordinating the project.

Craig reached out to Canadian-based Lumon, a company that designs, manufactures and installs outdoor rooms. He noted they “over-engineered” the design to ensure the half-inch thick tempered glass can withstand winds up to 300 km/hr and aimed to create a safe, healthy space that combines both an indoor and outdoor feeling.

“We don’t know when (the pandemic) restrictions will be over, so we want to provide a space where safety is important. There’s lots of flexibility, and the space can be used for meetings, weddings and everything in between. It’s our job to say ‘yes’ and we’re trying to create value in the community.”

The pandemic expedited the process, however, the idea originally began in the middle of harvest in October 2020, when he completed the initial drawings.

The glass was designed by mid-November, parts of the terrace structure were then reinforced and installation was half-complete by Dec. 27. The project was fully completed in the early part of January, with installation taking six days in total.

“We built it for a reason - we want to add value not only to the community, but to the Island and province and to create more synergy - that’s what the Valley is all about. (The Valley) has become an experience, and people forget to leave; it’s been wonderful.”

For more information about the year-round terrace for 40 Knots Winery, visit 40knotswinery.com



photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Erin Haluschak

About the Author: Erin Haluschak

Erin Haluschak is a journalist with the Comox Valley Record since 2008. She is also the editor of Trio Magazine...
Read more