TEAM BLACK CHALK

In 2009 Jacob left a comfortable job in London to retrain as a winemaker at Plumpton college. Since then he has worked in the English wine industry producing multiple award winning wines. He has also worked in Champagne and New Zealand during this time. Black Chalk was launched in 2015 with Jacob as joint owner and Winemaker. In 2018 after 7 years, Jacob left his winemaker job at Hattingley Valley to focus on Black Chalk full time. Jacob also currently chairs WineGB Wessex.

After studying English and Drama at university, Zoë spent a couple of years travelling the world; it was during this time she fell in love with winemaking whilst working for a sparkling winery in Australia. Upon returning to the UK, she became the UK’s first Winemaking Apprentice at Hattingley Valley Wines, progressing up to Assistant Winemaker, helping to make several award winning wines. She has also spent some time making wine in Champagne, and in 2021 she graduated from Plumpton College with an MSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology, which she studied for outside of work.

Andy joined the Black Chalk team in May 2024 having started his wine production journey as a Vintners apprentice at Hattingley Valley and then became assistant winemaker at Dorset producer Langham Wine Estate. At Black Chalk, his time is dedicated between the winery and out in our vineyards. In his spare time, Andy enjoys live music and football, both playing and watching.

With over 11 years of experience managing vineyards in the South Downs and High Weald of East Sussex, Gwil brings deep expertise and a passion for the land to every vine. A true outdoorsman, he thrives in nature, whether scaling cliffs, hiking trails, or walking through rows of vines with his dog Dexter. His favourite vineyard task is winter pruning, where he spends long, quiet days shaping the next season’s growth. His hands-on approach, love of fresh air, and deep understanding of viticulture make him a vital part of the Black Chalk team.

There’s nothing Jim enjoys more than working outside with the vines. A far cry from his previous working life as a chocolatier! When Jim is not driving a tractor round the vineyard, you can find him either on the golf course, or studying for his WSET diploma, maybe with a glass or two to keep him company.

Over 30 years Neil has worked across all aspects of the drinks industry – starting with a strong foundation in hospitality and specialising in French wine (as the wine buyer for the iconic St John Restaurant) he made the move into the ‘home-grown’ wine scene in 2009 at a time when it was little more than a punchline in most wine drinkers’ conversations. Having worked for 2 of the big powerhouse brands grown in the UK, he found his way to the bucolic chalk valleys of Hampshire to get back to his roots of ‘good people’, doing ‘good things’ from the land. Neil loves nothing more than travelling the country (…world) meeting with people who share a passion for great produce, good cooking & wonderful hospitality – so much so, he made it his job (lucky lad). In between he can be found in his running shoes, pounding the trails and forest pathways of wherever he happens to be.

Justin was a relative latecomer to the wine business, having previously spent almost twenty years working in the energy industry. Although Justin is our numbers man, he does have some credentials in the practical side of winemaking - he owns a small vineyard in Argentina and studied Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College. It was during his time at Plumpton, whilst gaining some experience as a harvest cellar hand, that Justin first met Jacob. He was immediately impressed by Jacob's vision for Black Chalk and was delighted to join the team in 2019.

Rebecca joined us in the September 2022 as Events and Marketing Manager. Originally from Birmingham, Rebecca has spent the last 10+ years working in the wine industry across retail, cellar door and marketing roles, both in the UK and South Australia. Rebecca is responsible for Black Chalk's onsite and offsite events schedule, as well as developing the strategic direction of the brand.

Nick joined us in the summer of 2020 and is our General Manager. Originally from Portsmouth, Nick studied Music at Kingston University. Whilst it remains a passion, his career has been mainly hospitality-based - running restaurants and other retail venues over the last fifteen years. Nick oversees the vineyard tours and our Tasting Room.

Lisa joined the Black Chalk team in Spring 2023 and when she’s not welcoming and looking after our lovely guests in the Tasting Room, she’s enjoying being outdoors with her family and pup! If there’s time to spare, Lisa loves to switch off from the outside world and make mosaics in her home studio.