Interview with Sam Lindo Winemaker at Camel Valley

Sam Lindo is the second generation winemaker at Camel Valley. Sam, a maths graduate who had seemed destined for a career in the city, instead decided to make his life in Cornwall and returned to the family farm, where he had grown up, in 2002. Son of founder Bob Lindo, a retired RAF pilot, who with his wife, Annie, panted the first vines there in 1989.  Whilst still a family business and all involved in the vineyards, it is now Sam that is at the forefront, making the recent award winning wines.

Camel Valley has also been awarded the Royal Warrant, by Command of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. The warrant was granted for the supply of English Sparkling Wines.

Their 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé Brut won a Gold Medal in the Summer Days category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2019.

How did you become involved in the wine industry?

My parents planted a vineyard

What has been your hardest obstacle to overcome in producing wine?

I don’t want to sound like a motivational speaker but I don’t see obstacles as obstacles. There are interesting challenges but they never feel hard because I relish a challenge and what comes after.

How do you see the future of English sparkling wine?

English sparkling wine is still a very small player in the world of wine. Our climate favours sparkling wine and this can be made in many different ways. Recently we have been working on sustainability and I think there is a limit on glass bottles for sparkling and it will be really interesting to see what innovations will come along to resolve this.

What is your favourite food pairing with one of your sparkling wines?

Fish and chips

Where’s the most memorable place you’ve enjoyed a Glass of Bubbly?

On the Camel Valley sun terrace