Santiago joined MontGras in 1999, where he works closely with his winemaking team, vineyard managers
and consulting winemakers Nick Goldschmidt (New Zealand), Alberto Antonini (Italy) and Paul Hobbs (USA).
Although a low profile winemaker, he has successfully developed the MontGras Estates range of award
winning wines that include MontGras, Ninquén, Antu, Quatro, Intriga and Amaral.
Due to the great tasting and consistent quality wines he produces vintage after vintage, MontGras has
received countless medals and critical acclaim throughout the years. Also, MontGras was awarded the Best
Chilean Wine Producer of the Year Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (UK) in 2002 and
was again nominated in 2003, 2004 and 2007.
Santiago has led important tastings both in Chile and abroad for visitors, importers, distributors, and press,
impressing many with his brutal honesty, unpretentious and “no nonsense” manner in which he presents his
wines.
A true and talented artist, he has been a feature column writer for El Mercurio (Chile’s most important
newspaper), for wine-related supplements and has been a guest on several television and radio programs in
Chile and abroad.
He previously worked at Viña Tarapacá from 2003-2004 and prior experience includes Head Winemaker of
Viña Santa Ema (1996-1999) and Assistant Winemaker at Santa Rita (1995-1996).
Born in Chile, Santiago studied Agronomy at the Catholic University in Santiago where he received his degree
in 1994 in Agricultural/Horticultural Science, specializing in Fruticulture and Enology. That same year he
earned his title as Winemaker.
He has excellent sporting abilities, winning golf and tennis tournaments. He runs and participates in
marathons.