Born in Great Britain, Matthew learned to appreciate wine from his Father. Together they collected and enjoyed wines from around the world. Matthew spent many years traveling and living in different parts of the world. During this youthful sojourn Matthew immersed himself in the local culture, cuisine and wine.
Later in life he attended one of the world’s premier wine schools, the University of California at Davis, where he obtained a double degree in Oenology and Viticulture with a minor in Business and Marketing. In addition to schoolwork Matthew also worked part time in the Sierra Foothills and as a research assistant. While at UCDavis Matthew was elected President of the Davis Enology and Viticulture Organization. The focus of the organization was to promote wine, maintain and nurture relationships with other wine schools and raise funds for scholarship programs. Upon graduation Matthew worked for Grgich Hills Wine Cellars in Napa Valley California, where he worked in numerous areas of the winery.
In 1998 Matthew was hired by Heitz Wine Cellars, one of the premiere wineries in the world. It was here that Matthew mentored under the Heitz family and Joe Norman. Later as Cellar Master/Assistant Winemaker he took over the Cellar Select Chardonnay program, in addition to his many other tasks.
In 2002 Matthew and his wife Joan and their dog Stella moved to Williamsburg Virginia where he took the position of winemaker. Since his arrival the wines of the Williamsburg Winery have garnered numerous national and international awards and have been featured in some of the top industry publications such as Decanter and Wine Enthusiast. In addition you can find Matthew’s wines in many fine restaurants. Matthew’s professional affiliations include; a Board of Director for the Virginia Food and Wine Society, a professional member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture, and an active member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs – the worlds oldest food and wine society.
