Meet The Team: Tyson Meyi
Spier is home to a diverse bunch of passionate people, doing what they love, and committed to making a difference every day. Tyson Meyi joined Spier 13 years as a general assistant with no knowledge of wine at all. Today he’s a senior wine educator passionate about sharing his knowledge of wine with visitors to Spier’s Tasting Room.
What do you love most about your job?
The wine. I come from the Eastern Cape where there is not really a wine culture, so the first time I was exposed to it was at Spier. I always wondered what it was about South African wines that made people from other wine growing nationalities want to taste them, so I started tasting them myself. And that's where my love of wine began.
What’s the best thing about Spier?
The company encourages learning and development and motivates you to reach for the stars. Since I started here in 2003, I have done five wine education courses, and even travelled oversees for a year to learn how wine is made in France and Spain! At the moment I'm holding thumbs for my WSET Level 3 results.
What is your greatest strength?
Discipline.
How do you make a positive difference to your community?
I like sharing what I have learned with others and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to try new things.
Who inspires you?
My first manager, Nikki. She was so knowledgeable and always willing to share what she learnt.
What do you get up to when you’re not at work?
Gym, gym and more gym. It helps me to de-stress, and the only person you compete with is yourself. Oh and watching comedy and travelling. I loved travelling.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My team! The all have a really good sense of humour.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would that be?
The currency disparity! If only you were able to buy everything with the same currency equivalent of your own country.
Where is your favourite part of the farm, and why is it your favourite?
The Tasting Room – of course! I get to meet all kinds of different people and share my passion for wine with others.
What’s your favourite season?
Summer. Everyone is positive and in a happy holiday mood.
What’s the key to being happy in life?
Believe in yourself.
What are you proudest of having achieved?
Owning a car, getting merit in all my wine courses and my family.
What are favourite Spier wines?
- The Spier Signature Sauvignon Blanc is an easy everyday drinking wine that screams summer. Fruity, fresh, crisp and clean; it's everything that one would expect from a good Sauvignon Blanc.
- The Spier 21 Gables Pinotage 2012 – my all-time favourite! I love the full-bodied, rich unexpected old-world style this wine has.
- The Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc – the unusual perfect balance of oak and fruit makes this wine outstanding.
What's your favourite food and wine pairing
Definitely steak with red wine – a Bordeaux-style, Cabernet Sauvignon-driven red wine.
Any food and wine pairing tips to share?
It's all about balance. The weight (also known as the flavour profile) of the wine must complement the weight of the food. Just think of how long the flavour of the food lingers in your mouth. So, for example, I would pair a creamy seafood dish with a wooded Chardonnay as both of them have full flavours. Goat's cheese, however, I would pair with a light Sauvignon Blanc, because although it has a pungent taste, it actually has no weight.