Garage Wine Co

Garage Wine Co was founded in 2001 by Derek Mossman and Pilar Miranda, with the name reflecting the winery's literal beginnings in a garage. Partners Dr. Alvaro Peña and Ernesto Muller joined the project over time. The production facility is based in Caliboro, Maule Valley, and total output remains deliberately small at around 1,500 cases per year.

• Founded 2001 by Derek Mossman and Pilar Miranda
• Partners include Dr. Alvaro Peña and Ernesto Muller
• Production facility located in Caliboro, Maule Valley
• Output capped at approximately 1,500 cases per vintage

Garage Wine Co sources from small parcels of 1-2 hectares each, working with old vines on pre-phylloxera rootstock in both Maule and Itata Valleys. Soils in these sites are composed of decomposed granite and alluvial material. All vineyards are dry-farmed and some are cultivated on horseback, reflecting traditional farming practices that the winery actively champions in marginalized rural communities.

• Parcels of 1-2 hectares each in Maule and Itata Valleys
• Soils: decomposed granite and alluvial material
• Pre-phylloxera rootstock on small family farms
• Dry-farming and horseback cultivation throughout

The winery works with a broad range of varieties centered on Carignan, alongside Garnacha, Monastrell, País, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Semillon. Wines are typically dry-farmed old-vine field blends made in the natural wine style. Eighteen wines are produced each vintage, organized by fermentation series, individual parcels, and crus. Garage Wine Co is a founding member of Vigno, the association representing old-vine Carignan producers in Chile.

• Core varieties include Carignan, País, Cinsault, Garnacha, and Monastrell
• Wines released as field blends organized by parcel and fermentation series
• 18 distinct wines produced per vintage across multiple crus
• Founding Vigno member, championing old-vine Carignan in Chile

Fermentation takes place in small tanks using native yeasts, with manual punch-downs and a basket press. Wines are then aged in neutral oak barrels, specifically 3rd to 6th use, for approximately 18 months to two winters. The approach is minimal-intervention throughout, prioritizing the expression of individual parcels and old-vine character over winemaking manipulation.

• Native yeast fermentation in small tanks with manual punch-downs
• Basket press used for gentle extraction
• Aged in neutral oak (3rd to 6th use) for 18 months to two winters
• Minimal-intervention philosophy from vineyard to bottle

Garage Wine Co ranks among the highest-rated and most sought-after Chilean producers, with recognition from Wine Advocate and other major critics. The winery's commitment to reviving and restoring old vineyards in marginalized rural communities has made it a reference point for Chile's new wave of artisan producers working with indigenous and heritage varieties.

• Recognized by Wine Advocate among top Chilean producers
• Pioneer in restoring old vineyards in rural Maule and Itata communities
• Reference producer for Chile's artisan and natural wine movement
• Founding member of Vigno old-vine Carignan association