Nyetimber: Pioneering English Sparkling Wine from the Heart of West Sussex
Nyetimber: The Pioneer of English Sparkling Wine
Few names in English wine carry the weight and prestige of Nyetimber. Sitting in the rolling green folds of the West Sussex countryside, with sister vineyards in Hampshire and Kent, Nyetimber is widely regarded as the producer that put English sparkling wine on the world stage. Its story is not just one of winemaking, but of a long historical inheritance, almost a thousand years in the making, and of a determination to prove that the South of England can rival Champagne in the quality of its traditional method sparkling wines.
From the Domesday Book to the World's Vineyards
The Nyetimber estate counts three major milestones in its history. Its earliest beginnings saw it named in the Domesday Book in 1086, almost a millennium ago, when the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha made its first appearance in recorded history. The name is believed to refer to a newly timbered house or perhaps a small timber plantation. Nine hundred and two years later, in 1988, the estate's second milestone arrived: the planting of the first vines, when the holy trinity of sparkling wine grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) found a new home in the lee of the South Downs.
The third milestone came in 2006, when Eric Heerema became the owner and custodian of Nyetimber. He believed that the estate, with its ideal soil and location, had yet to achieve its full potential. He recruited Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Winemaker Brad Greatrix, who shared his vision of crafting the finest English sparkling wines. Since then, Nyetimber has gone on to achieve global acclaim, winning international awards and blind-tasting competitions, and being recognised by some of the world's most celebrated wine experts.
The Terroir of the South of England
Nyetimber's vines are spread across several separate sites, perfectly suited to the greensand and chalk soils of Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The gentle south-facing slopes allow for the best possible exposure to the English sunshine, ensuring the grapes achieve the optimum level of ripeness before harvest. The chalk seam beneath the estate is the same seam that runs under the English Channel and resurfaces in the Champagne region of France, a fact that Nyetimber has wielded as quietly compelling evidence that their terroir is in spirit a continuation of the world's most celebrated sparkling wine landscape.
The estate's climate allows for the slow ripening of the grapes, achieving the optimum levels of ripeness and acidity, as well as the complexity and finesse for which Nyetimber's wines are renowned. Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker, assesses every handpicked parcel of grapes for quality, ripeness and character. The fruit is gently pressed and vinified separately, so she can distinguish the subtle yet distinctive differences between each vineyard parcel. Every year, this provides a varied selection from which she crafts the wines of the Nyetimber range.
The Nyetimber Sparkling Wine Range
Nyetimber's philosophy is uncompromising: use only estate-grown grapes from their own vineyards to ensure that only the finest fruit is used to craft globally acclaimed wines. All wines are crafted according to the traditional method, with a minimum of 36 months ageing on lees in the cellar, and generous post-disgorgement time before release.
Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage
The flagship wine of Nyetimber is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, a perfect balance of elegance and intensity. The blend includes wines from all the vineyards and from several vintages. Following extensive ageing in the cellar (usually more than three years), the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage has distinctive toasty and spicy aromas. A palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples gives it a hint of decadence. Pale gold with fine bubbles, it is consistently crowned one of the best English sparkling wines. Available at £42 per bottle from the Nyetimber shop.
Rosé Multi-Vintage
A beautiful sunset-pink, the Rosé Multi-Vintage offers a unique combination of aromas, including British summer fruits and shortbread. Its creamy, round texture and refreshing redcurrant, raspberry and cherry flavours give it an elegant and silky finish. Made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it is one of the driest wines in the range, lending itself to weightier dishes and making it a perfect year-round wine. Priced at £47 per bottle.
Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage
Cuvee Chérie is the celebrated Demi-Sec sparkling wine from Nyetimber, the first of its kind in England. Light golden hues with a slight silver undertone, it offers aromas of pure lemon, mineral, honey and a hint of tangerine. The palate has a lively, sweet lemon start offset by crisp acidity and a very clean, pure structure. It pairs beautifully with strawberries and cream, fruit tarts, afternoon tea, meringue dishes, and aromatic cuisines of Japan, China and Thailand. Priced at £42 per bottle.
Blanc de Blancs 2017
A pure 100% Chardonnay crafted from a single vintage and given extended time on lees, the Blanc de Blancs was the first style ever produced at Nyetimber. The 2017 vintage upholds a legacy of precision craftsmanship and sophisticated balance. Pale gold with a delicate mousse, it has aromas of lemon curd and greengage, complemented by clotted cream and shortcrust pastry, with a long, creamy, complex finish and a touch of salinity. At £58 per bottle, it is exceptional value for a single-vintage English sparkling wine.
Tillington Single Vineyard 2016
This rare and refined wine encapsulates the exceptional terroir of one of Nyetimber's most celebrated vineyards. Predominantly Pinot Noir (73%) with 27% Chardonnay, aged for 60 months on lees, it shows intense aromas of raspberry, red apple skin and rose petal. The textured palate is both vibrant and refined, revealing layers of orange zest, raspberry, apricot and marzipan. Priced at £110 per bottle, it is a true expression of place.
1086 by Nyetimber
The pinnacle of Nyetimber's winemaking, 1086 is England's first ever prestige cuvée. The name 1086 commemorates the year the Nyetimber estate was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Crafted from the most expressive parcels, pressed from grapes of the finest vintage years, the 2014 vintage is complex and indulgent with sublime texture. With unmatched complexity, elegance and poise, 1086 is characterised by its exceptional balance. The 2014 is priced at £150 per bottle, with magnums available at £325 and jeroboams at £725.
1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2016
The pinnacle expression of rosé at Nyetimber, this is the finest expression of rosé crafted at the estate. Wild strawberry, red apple and floral aromas meet chantilly cream and hints of freshly baked brioche, entwined in a lingering finish. A wine of extraordinary character and grace, it pairs beautifully with duck breast, veal carpaccio, steak tartare, lobster bisque and grilled octopus. Priced at £175 per bottle, with magnums at £375.
Viticulture and Sustainability
Nyetimber is committed to a sustainable and holistic approach to its land, resources and carbon footprint. The vineyards in Sussex, Hampshire and Kent are surrounded by natural habitats, from native broadleaved woodlands to wildflower meadows at the Tillington and Manor vineyards, providing food and nesting places for birds and insects. Around 30% of the total Nyetimber estate is natural 'non-productive' hedgerows, windbreaks, woods, gardens, ponds and meadows.
Since 2011, sheep from a local farm have been used in some vineyard locations to graze the grass as an alternative to mowers in winter. Pruning waste and pressed grape skins from winemaking are composted and returned to the vineyards as natural fertiliser. Innovative drone technology is used to map, view and analyse the health of the vines block-by-block, row-by-row. Nyetimber is also working towards LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) accreditation.
The pressing centre at West Chiltington generates some of its own power through photovoltaic cells, and rainwater is harvested and recycled. The foil cap on each bottle of Nyetimber is made using a plant-derived laminate between two thin layers of aluminium foil, rather than a synthetic polymer. Since 2008, Nyetimber's glass bottles weigh 835g, compared with the industry standard of 905g, a 10% saving in the number of journeys, fuel consumption and emissions.
Awards and Recognition
Nyetimber has won a remarkable collection of awards over the years. Most significantly, in 2025, the Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum became the first ever non-Champagne wine to win the Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge in the competition's 34-year history, scoring 97 points. Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs also won Sparkling Winemaker of the Year for the second time, having first been awarded the trophy in 2018, when she became the first person from outside the Champagne region of France to win the award, and the first female winner.
Nyetimber has been awarded English Wine Producer of the Year a record eight times at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, was named Winery of the Year Great Britain at The Real Review Awards in 2025 and 2026, and won the top wine award at London Wine Fair's Battle of the Bubbles with 1086 by Nyetimber 2010. The estate also partners with respected institutions including the National Gallery, Jaguar Land Rover, and the Lawn Tennis Association (Queen's).
Visit Nyetimber: Open Days and Experiences
The Nyetimber estate is not open to the public on a daily basis, but a series of exclusive experiences are available throughout the year. Open Day Tours run from May to September 2026 and offer a memorable tour of the estate followed by tastings of the award-winning wines. For £50 per ticket, the experience spans two and a half hours and includes:
- A welcome in the White Barn with an introduction to the rich history of Nyetimber
- A guided walking tour through the historic vineyards, home to some of the oldest vines in England
- Insight into the vines, soil, and conditions that make the South of England a world-class sparkling wine region
- A guided tasting inside the 15th-century Medieval Barn of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage, and Blanc de Blancs 2017
- The opportunity to purchase Nyetimber wines at cellar door prices, with the ticket price fully redeemable against a case of six bottles purchased on the day
Open Day tickets are available four per order on a first-come, first-served basis. The estate is well served by Pulborough and Billingshurst train stations, with taxis that must be booked in advance. The postcode is RH20 2HH.
1086 by Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience
For an intimate and indulgent evening, the 1086 by Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience offers a refined four-course seasonal dinner at the Nyetimber Estate, paired with Nyetimber wines including the prestige cuvée 1086. Priced at £195 per person.
A Sparkling Celebration of Seafood
An exclusive dining experience pairing Nyetimber's wines with a luxurious seafood-led menu crafted by Executive Chef Steven Edwards. Priced at £220 per person.
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Tastings
Held at a venue of your choice, a Nyetimber Brand Ambassador will host an exclusive tasting for you and your colleagues or friends. The session includes insight into the history of Nyetimber, the methods used to craft the cuvées, a masterclass in tasting sparkling wines, and a tutored tasting of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage, Blanc de Blancs and Tillington Single Vineyard. Priced at £1,700 for a session of up to 1.5 hours with a maximum of 10 attendees. To book, call 0800 804 8107 or email experiences@nyetimber.com.
The Nyetimber Bus
The Nyetimber is a beautifully reimagined 1968 Routemaster bus offering a luxurious, quintessentially British setting from which guests can relax and enjoy a glass of England's finest sparkling wine. The Lower Deck is home to a handcrafted wooden and copper bar, which sits against the backdrop of a Union Jack cut from English oak. A 'Push for Nyetimber' button means guests need only lift a finger to replenish their glass. The Nyetimber Bus attends iconic British events throughout the year, including Henley Royal Regatta, the Queen's Championships Tennis, and Cheltenham Festival. Dates are listed on the Nyetimber events page.
Weddings with Nyetimber
Nyetimber offers a comprehensive wedding wine service with a series of structured packages designed to make each wedding moment unforgettable. The Sparkling Choice for Intimate Celebrations begins at 60 bottles from the core range, with the couple receiving a personalised Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage and Nyetimber bottle stopper. The larger party option from 120 bottles includes a personalised magnum and two Open Day tickets. The Prestige Choice for Intimate Occasions (9 bottles of 1086) includes a complimentary bottle, and the Prestige Choice for Larger Parties (60 bottles of 1086) includes a private tour of the Estate for six.
The Nyetimber In-Person Tasting offers curated experiences at either the London office or the Nyetimber Vineyard, lasting 1 to 2 hours, priced from £50 per person for three main range wines up to £80 per person for two Prestige Cuvée wines. The Virtual Tasting is available from £75 per delivery address. There is also the Nyetimber Engagement Shoot package (half day £600, full day £1,000) and the Nyetimber Bus Wedding Proposal Package (price on application). Email weddingwine@nyetimber.com.
Corporate Gifting and Partnerships
Nyetimber offers a curated corporate gifting portfolio across multiple price points, with premium options including branded flutes, gift cards, and duo bottle sets. Personalisation options include printed message cards and engraved gift boxes. The service offers low minimum order quantities, complimentary UK delivery, preferential corporate pricing tiers, and event support with access to Brand Ambassadors or bespoke tasting experiences. Partners include the National Gallery, Jaguar Land Rover, and the Lawn Tennis Association. Most recently, Nyetimber was named the official sparkling wine partner of England Rugby and Richmond Rugby Club.
Buying Nyetimber
The Nyetimber shop is open online at shop.nyetimber.com, with complimentary standard shipping on UK orders over £70. Orders are shipped to UK mainland addresses only (no Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or international delivery). Free personalised engraving is available on most core range bottles. Beside the online shop, Nyetimber is also stocked at leading retailers including Fortnum & Mason (181 Piccadilly, London), Hedonism (3-7 Davies Street, Mayfair), and Harrods (87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge).
The Nyetimber gift cards (available from £100 to £250) are valid for 12 months and can be used online, including for Open Day tours and dining experiences. Each bottle carries a printed number that provides access to its individual bottling, riddling and disgorgement dates, a commitment to transparency that is rare in the industry.
Where to Stay and Eat Near Nyetimber
For those visiting the estate, Nyetimber recommends a number of charming local pubs, restaurants and hotels:
- The White Lion, Thakeham - a 16th-century coaching inn, 10 minutes from the estate (01798 813141)
- Amberley Black Horse, Amberley - in the South Downs National Park, 16 minutes from the estate (01798 831183)
- The Welldiggers Arms, Petworth - a country pub with locally sourced British cuisine (01798 344288)
- East Street Bar & Grill, Petworth - set in a restored 17th-century building (01798 345111)
- The Angel Inn, Petworth - a historic coaching inn with seven beautifully renovated rooms (01798 344445)
- Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly - a Michelin Star country house hotel (01342 810567)
- Amberley Castle, Amberley - a 900-year-old luxury hotel (01798 831992)
- Park House Hotel & Spa, Bepton - a luxurious English country house (01730 819000)
- Alexander House Hotel, East Grinstead - a 170-acre boutique retreat and spa (01342 714914)
- etch. by Steven Edwards, Hove - the MasterChef: The Professionals winner's flagship restaurant (01273 227485)
Contact and Customer Service
Nyetimber's customer service team is available Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:30, on 0800 093 0243, or by email at customerservice@nyetimber.com. The London office is located at 7th Floor, Asticus Building, 21 Palmer St, London SW1H 0AD (telephone +44 (0) 207 734 8490). The estate can be contacted at info@nyetimber.com or +44 (0) 1798 813989. Press enquiries should be directed to press@nyetimber.com. For weddings, contact weddingwine@nyetimber.com, and for Open Days, contact opendays@nyetimber.com.
Whether it is a bottle of Classic Cuvee for a Friday night, a personalised magnum for a wedding, or a private tour of one of England's most historic vineyards, Nyetimber offers a complete experience of English sparkling wine at the highest level. With its unique blend of Anglo-Saxon heritage, modern scientific precision, and a patient, generational vision, Nyetimber continues to lead the renaissance of English wine, redefining vintage after vintage what it means to make world-class sparkling wine on British soil.