K’ómoks Economic Development Corp. to Buy 40 Knots Winery, Becoming B.C.’s Second Indigenous-Owned Winery

COMOX, B.C. — The economic development arm of the K’ómoks First Nation is buying 40 Knots Winery & Events Centre in the Comox Valley, in a deal that would make the property the second Indigenous-owned winery in British Columbia.

The K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) announced the planned purchase Tuesday. The corporation said the transaction is expected to close by the end of October. Financial terms were not disclosed.

KEDC is the business and economic development organization for the K’ómoks First Nation. It said the acquisition is intended to create sustainable economic opportunities, support local employment and generate long-term benefits for the Nation.

KEDC chief executive Mark Brajer described the purchase as a significant step forward for the corporation. K’ómoks First Nation Elected Chief Nicole Rempel, who also sits on the KEDC board, called it “an exciting new chapter” for both the corporation and the Nation.

Rempel said diversification and expansion were identified as key priorities for KEDC when Brajer joined as CEO earlier this year, and that the 40 Knots acquisition is an important step toward those goals.

KEDC said it intends to retain the employees at 40 Knots, citing their experience, knowledge and relationships with the business. The winery will continue to operate as a winery, event venue and tourism destination.

Building a Tourism Portfolio

The acquisition adds to KEDC’s existing tourism and hospitality holdings, which include the I-Hos Gallery and the Puntledge RV Park & Campground. The corporation said bringing 40 Knots together with those assets will help build a stronger, more diversified tourism and hospitality platform.

According to the Wine Growers of B.C., 40 Knots will become the province’s second Indigenous-owned winery. The first, Indigenous World Winery in the Okanagan, closed in 2023.

40 Knots is located in the agricultural heart of the Comox Valley and is known as a destination winery and vineyard. KEDC said the property will play an important role in its plan to create lasting economic opportunities for the K’ómoks First Nation while showcasing the Comox Valley to visitors.

No details were provided on the purchase price, any planned changes to the winery’s operations or events program, or the identity of the sellers.