Nyetimber Amberley Vineyard - Pioneering English Sparkling Wine from a 1,000-Year-Old Estate
A 1,000-Year-Old Estate with a Pioneering Spirit
Few English vineyards carry a history as deep as Nyetimber. The estate was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, when the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha - believed to mean "a newly timbered house" or "small timber plantation" - made its first appearance in recorded history. Almost 902 years later, in 1988, the holy trinity of sparkling wine grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - were planted on the rolling slopes of the South Downs. The third great milestone came in 2006, when Eric Heerema took on the role of Owner and Custodian, believing that the estate's ideal soil and location had yet to realise its full potential.
Today, Nyetimber is widely regarded as one of the world's great sparkling wine producers - a reputation cemented in 2025 when its Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum became the first non-Champagne wine ever to win the Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. The estate has also been named Winery of the Year Great Britain at the Real Review Awards for two consecutive years (2025 and 2026).
The Terroir of the South of England
Nyetimber's estate-owned vineyards are spread across several sites in West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, planted on the same greensand and chalk soils that underlie the great vineyards of the Champagne region across the Channel. The gentle south-facing slopes and a cool maritime climate give the grapes a long, slow ripening season - building the depth, finesse and natural acidity for which Nyetimber wines are renowned.
Around 30% of the total estate is dedicated to natural hedgerows, wildflower meadows, woodlands and ponds, and the team works with sonar, kites and drones rather than chemicals where possible. Sheep from a local farm graze between the rows in winter, and pruning waste is composted back into the soil - an approach that has helped the estate move steadily towards LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) accreditation.
The Wines
All Nyetimber wines are crafted using the traditional method from 100% estate-grown fruit and aged for a minimum of 36 months on lees in cellars kept between 12 - 13°C. The current range comprises seven cuvées, each with its own personality.
Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage - £42
The flagship Nyetimber blend of 55 - 65% Chardonnay, 30 - 40% Pinot Noir and 5 - 15% Pinot Meunier, drawn from all the estate's vineyards across several vintages. Pale gold with fine bubbles and distinctive toasty, spicy aromas; the palate offers honey, almond, pastry and baked apple - an intensely elegant aperitif. Magnums are £85, with a Jeroboam (3L) at £223.
Rosé Multi-Vintage - £47
A sunset-pink blend of 45 - 75% Chardonnay and 25 - 55% Pinot Noir, with redcurrant, raspberry, cherry and a hint of shortbread on a creamy, silky palate. One of the driest rosés in the range. A case of six is £265.
Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage - £42
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this is England's first demi-sec sparkling wine - light gold with a silver undertone, aromas of lemon, mineral, honey and a hint of tangerine, and a sweet-lemon start offset by crisp acidity. Pairs beautifully with strawberries and cream, fruit tarts, meringue or aromatic Asian cuisine. A gift-boxed version can be personalised.
Blanc de Blancs 2017 - £58
A pure 100% Chardonnay from a single vintage, aged on lees for over four years. Lemon curd, greengage, clotted cream and shortcrust pastry lead to gooseberry, apple crumble and a flinty, mineral finish with a touch of salinity. The 2016 Magnum of this wine won the 2025 IWC Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy. Magnums are £130; a case of six bottles is £327.
Tillington Single Vineyard 2016 - £110
73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay from one of Nyetimber's most celebrated greensand-soil vineyards. Intense raspberry, red apple skin and rose petal aromas give way to a vibrant yet refined palate of orange zest, raspberry, apricot and marzipan with a long, mouthwatering finish. Best with monkfish, John Dory or other delicate seafood.
1086 by Nyetimber 2014 - £150
England's first prestige cuvée, named after the year the estate was recorded in the Domesday Book. A blend of 51% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 9% Pinot Meunier from only the finest parcels in the most outstanding years, aged for an extended period on lees and given generous post-disgorgement ageing. Rich red apple, peach and white rose petals meld with almond and clotted cream in a long, refined finish. Magnums of the 2013 vintage are £325 and a Jeroboam is £725.
1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2016 - £175
The pinnacle of Nyetimber's rosé winemaking: 36% Chardonnay and 64% Pinot Noir from the finest parcels of the most outstanding years. Wild strawberry, red apple and floral aromas meet Chantilly cream and freshly baked brioche in a lingering, opulent finish. Pair with duck breast, veal carpaccio or steak tartare.
Curated Cases and Gift Sets
Nyetimber's curated selections make ideal gifts for weddings, birthdays and milestone celebrations:
- The Classic Case (3 x Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage) - £118.50
- The Icons Case (Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs & Rosé) - £138
- The Birthday Case (Classic Cuvee, Rosé & Cuvee Chérie) - £123
- The Connoisseur Case (Tillington, Blanc de Blancs & Cuvee Chérie) - £197
- Luxury Celebration Case (six iconic cuvées) - £321
- Collector's Case (Classic Cuvee with two Nyetimber bottle stoppers) - £252
- Nyetimber Gift Set (cuvee of your choice with two branded glasses) - from £64
Most core cuvées are available with a personalised engraved metal plaque on the gift box - a brilliant way to create a keepsake for a loved one, with a message of up to 22 characters in the Tangerine font.
Experiences at the Estate
The Nyetimber estate is not normally open to the public, but a calendar of carefully curated experiences invites visitors to discover the vineyard and taste the wines throughout the year.
Open Day Tours 2026 - £50
A 2.5-hour experience that begins with a welcome in the White Barn, a guided walking tour through the historic vineyards, and a tutored tasting of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage and Blanc de Blancs 2017 in the 15th-century Medieval Barn. The ticket price is fully redeemable against a case of six bottles purchased on the day. Book here. Open Days run between May and September 2026, and visitors should book a taxi in advance from Pulborough or Billingshurst station.
1086 by Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience - £195
Discover the Nyetimber Estate by night with a refined four-course seasonal dinner paired with Nyetimber wines, including the prestige cuvée 1086. Hosted by Executive Chef Steven Edwards in the historic setting of the estate. View the experience.
A Sparkling Celebration of Seafood - £220
An exclusive dining experience pairing Nyetimber's naturally acidic English sparkling wines with a luxurious seafood-led menu crafted by Steven Edwards, set against the backdrop of the historic estate. View the experience.
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Tastings - £1,700
Held at a venue of your choice within 1 - 3 zones of London, a Nyetimber Brand Ambassador hosts an exclusive tasting of five wines for up to 10 guests, including the history of Nyetimber and a masterclass in tasting sparkling wine. The session usually lasts around 1.5 hours. Book by calling 0800 804 8107 or visit the exclusive tastings page.
The Nyetimber Bus and Sponsorship Events
The Nyetimber Bus - a beautifully reimagined 1968 Routemaster with a handcrafted copper and oak bar, a Union Jack cut from English oak and a "Push for Nyetimber" button on every table - attends iconic British sporting and cultural events throughout the year. Past appearances include the Henley Royal Regatta, the Queen's Championships Tennis, Epsom Derby, Newmarket Guineas, the Cheltenham Festival and England Rugby matches.
Nyetimber is also the Official Sparkling Wine Partner of Richmond Rugby Club and England Rugby. To find upcoming Nyetimber dates, sign up to the newsletter or follow the brand on social media.
Weddings
Nyetimber offers a dedicated wedding service for couples celebrating in the UK. The wedding packages include:
- Nyetimber Toast - orders of 60+ bottles of core range wines receive a personalised complimentary magnum of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage with a bottle stopper.
- Nyetimber Experience - orders of 120+ bottles of core range wines receive a personalised magnum, two Open Day tickets and a bottle stopper.
- Prestigious Toast - orders of 30+ bottles of 1086 wines receive a complimentary magnum of 1086 Rosé and a bottle stopper.
- Prestigious Experience - orders of 60+ bottles of 1086 wines receive a private tour of the Nyetimber Estate for six guests.
- Wedding Favours - orders of 60+ Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage 375ml bottles with personalised tags and ribbons.
- Virtual Tastings - from £75 per delivery address for two main-range wines; In-Person Tastings from £50 per person.
- Nyetimber Engagement Shoot - half day from £600 or full day £1,000, including access to the vineyard and a tasting of three wines hosted by a Brand Ambassador.
All wedding orders are placed by emailing weddingwine@nyetimber.com.
Food Pairings
Each Nyetimber wine is designed to sing at the table. The classic matches are:
- Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage - smoked salmon, oysters, scallops, asparagus or sushi.
- Rosé Multi-Vintage - salmon fillets, brown crab, veal carpaccio, guinea fowl.
- Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage - strawberries and cream, fruit tarts, afternoon tea, meringue, foie gras, or spiced Asian cuisine.
- Blanc de Blancs 2017 - white crab, Dover sole, mussels.
- Tillington Single Vineyard 2016 - monkfish or John Dory.
- 1086 by Nyetimber - caviar, lobster, turbot, scallops, sashimi or oysters.
- 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé - duck breast, veal carpaccio, steak tartare, lobster bisque or grilled octopus.
Visiting the Estate
The Nyetimber Vineyard is at Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex RH20 2HH. The nearest train stations are Pulborough and Billingshurst, and visitors attending estate experiences must book a taxi in advance. London office: 7th Floor, Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0AD (telephone +44 (0) 207 734 8490).
Customers, trade enquiries and journalists can be reached at:
- Online orders and deliveries: customerservice@nyetimber.com or 0800 093 0243 (Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:30)
- General enquiries: info@nyetimber.com
- Wedding enquiries: weddingwine@nyetimber.com
- Press: press@nyetimber.com
For those planning a longer stay, recommended local pubs and restaurants within easy reach of the estate include The White Lion at Thakeham, The Welldiggers Arms at Petworth, The Angel Inn at Petworth, The Woodcote at Graffham, and Park House Hotel & Spa at Bepton - all of which serve Nyetimber by the glass and bottle.
Sustainability and Community
Nyetimber's pioneering spirit extends well beyond the cellar. Around 30% of the estate is dedicated to natural habitats, with sheep from a local farm used to graze the vines in winter, drones used to map vine health, and pruning waste composted back into the soil. The bottles themselves weigh 835g - 10% lighter than the industry standard - saving on transport emissions.
The estate also supports the South Downs National Park Trust, Plumpton College, Le Cordon Bleu London, WSET School London, the Amberley Parish Council, Friends of Sussex Hospices and the Mary How Trust for Cancer Prevention, among many others.
Stockists and the Online Shop
Alongside the Nyetimber online shop, the wines are available at leading UK retailers including Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and Hedonism Wines. Standard UK delivery is free on orders over £70 (exclusions apply), and Saturday delivery is available for £11.95. The webstore does not deliver to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or anywhere outside the UK.
Plan Your Visit
- Vineyard address: Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex RH20 2HH
- Nearest stations: Pulborough and Billingshurst (taxis must be pre-booked)
- Open Days: May - September 2026, tickets £50
- Dining experiences: May - September 2026, from £195
- Newsletter: Sign up for news, releases and event announcements
Whether you are toasting a wedding, a birthday, the festive season or simply the end of a busy week, a glass of Nyetimber is a small piece of living English history - crafted with patience, precision and a pioneering spirit that has endured for almost forty years.