Profile: James Matyear
How did you get into wine?
After an eight-year career as an airline pilot based in the south west, life took a dramatic change in direction in order to follow my true love of wine and viticulture. While flying, I attended Plumpton collage, gaining the knowledge and skill set that would allow me to leave aviation, and begin a new adventure in the world of wine. After travelling through Italy for their 2013 vendemmia, I began my journey with the award winning English sparkling wine producer Hattingley Valley. Having dedicated my knowledge to the production of English sparkling wine, it is now an absolute honour to bring my passion and knowledge to Lympstone Manor in the creation of its vineyard, to what is a truly unique, and exceptional setting.
What, in particular, appealed to you about this project?
This is a truly unique setting, with a truly unique micro climate. It is also an enormous privilege to be a part of, and at the start of, such an exciting project that is fuelled by Michael’s passion and dedication to his vision.
What has proved easy/challenging when establishing the vineyard?
Establishing a vineyard is a huge undergoing that requires vast amounts of planning and preparation. Our greatest challenge was most definitely the weather. With heavy snow at the start of the year, followed by prolonged rains on the lead up to planting, it meant ground conditions were tricky, requiring us to delay planting four times.
