Derek Mossman Knapp

Derek Mossman Knapp

A Toronto native, Derek Mossman Knapp originally went to Chile to ski. He found snow, love and wine and decided to stay. In 2001 he co-founded The Garage Wine Company with his wife Pilar and oenologist Dr. Alvaro Peña. That project grew from small batch experiments to become an important part of Chile’s dynamic artisanal wine scene. Derek is a founding member of MOVI, (Movement for Independent Vintners), and is part of the Vigno Collective, which showcases old vine Carignan in Maule. A vintner of conviction, he says, “In these times, it is important to stand for what you believe in, and more importantly to build the kind of business you believe in.” Garage Wine Co. revives old vineyards in marginalized communities to make wines of singular and high quality. As he says, “[the wines] need to command a price that allows for proper farming…the long-term pratices of regenerative farming not only make for better fruit and more flavourful wine, but..become a force for financial, community and environmental good.”