Justin Knock MW leaves California Wine Institute

The California Wine Institute’s UK team will be headed up by joint directors Justine McGovern and Damien Jackman, with the news that Justin Knock MW has left his role as UK director.   

Knock joined the Institute in November 2016 as a trade representative and brand ambassador, promoting Californian wine in the UK. He is now “focusing on his broader wine interests”  

“The CWI team thank Justin for his time working on Californa wine and wish him the best for future wine endeavours,” said the Institute in a statement.  

This follows the recent appointment of Honore Comfort as the CWI’s vice president of international marketing at the firm’s San Francisco-based head office.  

“As we begin our new fiscal year we are mapping out our strategies and growth plans, not only for this year, but for the enxt 3-5 years,” she said. “It’s an exciting time for California wine with up and coming winemakers making fresh, appealing wines and looking for new markets. 

“At the same time, there is a long history of innovation in California’s wine industry that is not well known. We are thrilled to have Justine and Damien in the UK bringing these wines, and the stories behind them, to the market,” she added.

McGovern has worked for the Wine Institute since 2005 and she has been UK & Ireland director since January 2017. Jackman worked at Treasury Wine Estates with Knock and they co-own London independent wine retailer Philglass & Swiggot