Derek Kilpin

Derek Kilpin first started in the wine industry in 2000 when he worked at various wineries in Stellenbosch whilst completing his BSc degree. Most notably was the period at Waterford wine estate hosting tastings, cellar tours and just before leaving assisting in the winery during harvest. Holiday work at Asara wine estate continued to fuel the growing passion. He then left and went to Dublin in 2003 and after a temporary job at McHugh’s liquor merchants he found a more permanent position working with respected merchant Vaughan Johnsons. When his visa expired, he left Dublin on a four year stint to cut his teeth in arguably the world’s most sophisticated fine wine market, London.

Most notable was spending a year at Fine and Rare wines, a fine wine brokerage offering one of the widest selections of fine wine from around the world. Not content with not tasting enough of the fine wine he was selling, he found employment with a traditional English merchant, Decorum Vintners. Invaluable experience was gained travelling to Spain, France and Italy to visit and taste as the various estates on their impressive portfolio. Before leaving he completed the advanced level examination from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust . 2007 was when Derek returned home determined to somehow continue working with the fine wines of Europe. After meeting Wayne Visser and at the same time of Great Domaines securing the distribution of one of the world’s great champagnes, Pol Roger, his goal was realized.