Jacob Leadley is winemaker and CEO at Black Chalk, a Hampshire-based winery specialising in English sparkling wines that he founded in 2018. Jacob spent nine years working as an investment banker in London before taking the huge decision in 2009 to pursue his English wine dream. He completed a BSc in Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College before gaining experience and success in Central Otago, Champagne and with Hattingley Valley Wines in England.

The best advice I ever got

Never assume anything.

My life motto

Live and let live.

I am currently reading

And Away by Bob Mortimer.

My most played music track

Depth over Distance by Ben Howard.

If I didn’t do my current job I would be

Still sitting in an office in Canary Wharf wondering what to do with life.

Skill I don’t currently possess but would like to have 

Play the guitar.

My favourite kind of exercise

Running.

I relax while

Watching films.

I collect

I don't collect anything.

My essential newspaper/magazine

I read a few. When I was a child, me and my siblings used to call the Argos catalogue essential....

My desert-island wine

Isole e Olena Chardonnay.

I have learnt a lot from

Setting up my own business, Black Chalk.

My last meal and sip will be

Sushi and English Fizz.