The People Behind Highweald
'The New Boy'
Neil - Managing Director
Neil’s the first to admit he’s new to the world of making wine - but definitely not new to drinking it. A committed fan of Highweald Sparkling Rosé NV, he swapped years of leading big drinks businesses for the thrill of English winemaking… and hasn’t looked back (except to check where Tilly has disappeared to).
He loves cooking, travelling, and taking on ambitious adventures - including a recent driving trip through Argentina with his eldest son, which he says was only marginally less chaotic than life with Tilly.
With decades of experience growing brands and steering companies through big leaps forward, Neil brings serious commercial muscle wrapped in an easygoing, people-first style. And he’s already proving that being “the new boy” can be a very good thing.
'Chief Wine Taster'
Eve - Hospitality Manager
Born and raised in Sussex, Eve trained as a sommelier, earned her WSET Level 3, and travelled Europe tasting her way through its vineyards.
With a passion for sustainability and a belief that England can now supply both the meal and the wine to match, Eve joined Highweald to help bridge production and hospitality. She leads behind-the-scenes tours and relaxed, tutored tastings designed to make great wine feel welcoming - not pretentious.
Her favourite Highweald wine? The Wild Ferment Chardonnay - “England’s answer to the Mâconnais,” as she says - pure, expressive, and a true taste of the Highweald. And if she’s not guiding guests through the vines with a glass of Brut in hand… she’s probably somewhere else on the estate with a glass of Brut in hand.
'Head of Grapeness'
Colm - Winemaker
Colm’s the man who swapped a Chemistry degree for a life spent coaxing brilliance out of grapes - and he’s never looked back. After years of winemaking adventures in New Zealand, California, Australia and France, he brought his globe-trotting expertise (and a worrying love of spreadsheets) home to the UK.
He’s obsessed with trying new ideas in the winery, convinced that great wine needs a little experimentation and a lot of passion. When he’s not blending something award-winning, he’s usually talking about soils with the enthusiasm of someone describing a thriller. Colm’s mission? Keep pushing English wine forward - one brilliantly crafted bottle at a time.
'Banana & Beret Enthusiast'
Max - Assistant Vineyard Manager
Max may claim he’s not responsible for the mysterious trail of banana skins across the Highweald Estate… but as our Assistant Vineyard Manager, he’s rarely seen without one in hand. With years of experience across vineyards big and small, he brings serious know-how wrapped in an easygoing, bird-obsessed energy.
A committed ornithologist, Max can tell you the Latin name of any bird you didn’t ask about - and will insist on introducing you to the estate’s resident white robin. Once an art-school cigar smoker in a beret (yes, really), he’s now happiest among the vines, the wildlife, and the occasional snack break. And we’re very glad he is.
'The Wine Whisperer'
Dan - Trade Sales
Dan's journey into wine began in the buzzing hospitality scene of Cambridge, before London lured him south - and happily kept him. After honing his palate as a sommelier in a pair of Michelin-starred restaurants, he moved into retail and private client sales at Uncorked in the City of London, swapping corkscrews for conversations with collectors.
These days, he’s the one making sure Highweald wines find their way onto London’s best tables and into the hands of the people who’ll love them most - managing our on- and off-trade customers with equal amounts of charm and quiet precision.
When he’s not championing English fizz, you’ll likely find him walking his dog, Mac, drumming up a storm, or eating and drinking his way through the city’s wine bars and restaurants - all in the name of “research”, of course. His current favourite? Our Brut Reserve, for its versatility, depth, and complexity… not unlike Dan himself.
'Director of Mischief'
Tilly
Tilly is the unofficial boss of Highweald - a four-legged tornado of enthusiasm who believes every vineyard row exists purely for her zoomies. When she’s not supervising tastings (from a respectful distance… mostly), she’s greeting guests, chasing imaginary foes, or causing the kind of joyful chaos only a beloved estate dog can.
Her favourite wine? Anything you’re trying not to spill. Her favourite activity? Sneaking into photos like she owns the place. And honestly… we let her. She kind of does.
