Nyetimber: England's Pioneering Estate-Grown Sparkling Wine Producer in West Sussex
Introducing Nyetimber: The Pioneer of English Sparkling Wine
Set in the rolling countryside of West Sussex, with vineyards also reaching into Hampshire and Kent, Nyetimber is widely recognised as the pioneer of premium English sparkling wine. The estate's story stretches back almost a thousand years - its name first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Nitimbreha," thought to mean a newly timbered house or small timber plantation. The first vines were planted in 1988, when the celebrated trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier found a new home in the lee of the South Downs. In 2006, owner and CEO Eric Heerema acquired the estate with a long-term vision to prove that English terroir could rival the great sparkling wines of the world.
Under the stewardship of Eric, married couple and winemaking duo Cherie Spriggs (Head Winemaker) and Brad Greatrix (Winemaker), who joined in 2007, Nyetimber has become a byword for traditional-method English fizz. Cherie was the first person outside the Champagne region - and the first woman - to be named "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" at the International Wine Challenge in 2018, taking the title again in 2025. Today, every Nyetimber bottle is made exclusively from estate-grown fruit, crafted using the same traditional method used in Champagne, with extended lees ageing and generous post-disgorgement maturation.
The Estate and Terroir
Nyetimber's vineyards span several separate sites across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. The gently south-facing slopes and the prized combination of greensand and chalk soils - the same chalk seam that runs beneath the Channel to the Côte des Blancs - provide ideal conditions for slow, even ripening and the vibrant natural acidity that Nyetimber's wines are renowned for. Around 30% of the total estate is set aside as natural habitat: native broadleaved woodlands, wildflower meadows, hedgerows, ponds and wildlife corridors. Sheep from a local farm graze the vines in winter, and drones are used to map and monitor vine health block-by-block. Nyetimber has also formed a research consortium with six other leading English producers and East Malling Research to reduce dependence on chemicals and trial herbicide-free vineyard plots.
Since 2008, every Nyetimber bottle weighs 835 g instead of the industry standard 905 g - a small change that delivers a 10% reduction in transport emissions. The new Pressing Centre at West Chiltington generates some of its own power via photovoltaic cells, harvests rainwater, and re-uses the heat generated during fermentation and cold stabilisation.
The Nyetimber Range of Wines
Nyetimber's current range comprises seven core wines, all made using the traditional method and aged for a minimum of three years on the lees in the estate's cellars before release.
Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage - £42
The signature Nyetimber wine, a classic blend of 55 - 65% Chardonnay, 30 - 40% Pinot Noir and 5 - 15% Pinot Meunier sourced from all of Nyetimber's vineyards and several vintages. Pale-gold with fine bubbles, the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage shows distinctive toasty and spicy aromas, with a palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples. ABV 12.0%, residual sugar 8.5 - 10 g/L. Pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, oysters, scallops, asparagus or sushi.
Rosé Multi-Vintage - £47
A sunset-pink blend of 45 - 75% Chardonnay, 25 - 55% Pinot Noir and less than 5% Pinot Meunier, offering aromas of British summer fruits and shortbread. The Rosé Multi-Vintage has a creamy, round texture with redcurrant, raspberry and cherry flavours and a silky, elegant finish. Pairs with salmon fillets, brown crab, veal carpaccio or guinea fowl.
Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage - £42
Nyetimber's celebrated demi-sec - the first of its kind ever produced in England. Made from 100% Chardonnay with 38 g/L residual sugar, Cuvee Chérie has aromas of pure lemon, mineral, honey and a hint of tangerine. A versatile food wine, designed to pair with strawberries and cream, fruit tarts, afternoon tea, meringue, foie gras, terrines and the fragrant cuisines of Japan, China and Thailand.
Blanc de Blancs 2017 - £58
A pure Chardonnay aged extensively on the lees (typically more than four years). The current release follows the legendary Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum, which became the first non-Champagne wine ever to win the Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge in 2025. Expect pale gold, a fine mousse, aromas of lemon curd, greengage, clotted cream and shortcrust pastry, with gooseberry, apple crumble and a flinty, mineral finish. Pairs with white crab, Dover sole or mussels.
Tillington Single Vineyard 2016 - £110
A rare and refined single-vineyard wine, 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay from the celebrated Tillington site on greensand soils. Intense aromas of raspberry, red apple skin and rose petal lead into a vibrant, textured palate of orange zest, raspberry, apricot and marzipan, with a long, mouth-watering finish. Pair with monkfish, John Dory or chicken.
1086 by Nyetimber - The Prestige Cuvee
1086 by Nyetimber was England's first ever prestige cuvée, released in 2009 from the perfect vintage that year. The name honours the year the Nyetimber estate first appeared in recorded history. The current release is the 1086 by Nyetimber 2014 at £150 per bottle - 51% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 9% Pinot Meunier with extended lees ageing. Rich red apple, peach and white rose petal meld with almond and clotted cream in a long, refined finish. Pair with caviar, lobster, turbot, scallops, sashimi or oysters.
1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2016 - £175
The pinnacle expression of rosé at Nyetimber - 36% Chardonnay and 64% Pinot Noir from the finest parcels of an outstanding year. Wild strawberry, red apple and floral aromas meet Chantilly cream and freshly baked brioche in a lingering finish. Pair with duck breast, veal carpaccio, steak tartare, lobster bisque or grilled octopus.
Large-Format and Limited-Edition Bottles
For celebrations, Nyetimber offers magnums and jeroboams of its most popular wines. Magnums (1.5 L) include the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage Magnum at £85, the Classic Cuvee Vintage 2010 Magnum at £95, the Blanc de Blancs 2017 Magnum at £130, the 1086 by Nyetimber 2013 Magnum at £325 and the 1086 Rosé 2013 Magnum at £375. Jeroboams (3 L) include the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage Jeroboam at £223 and the remarkable 1086 by Nyetimber 2013 Jeroboam at £725. Nyetimber also releases library wines from older vintages and special Expressions releases from exceptional parcels.
Curated Cases and Gift Sets
The Nyetimber shop is organised around occasions, with hand-picked cases and gift sets to suit every celebration:
- The Classic Case (3 x 75cl Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage) - £118.50
- The Icons Case (3 x 75cl Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs & Rosé Multi-Vintage) - £138
- The Birthday Case (Classic Cuvee, Rosé & Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage) - £123
- The Connoisseur Case (Tillington Single Vineyard, Blanc de Blancs & Cuvee Chérie) - £197
- Collector's Case (6 x 75cl Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage + 2 bottle stoppers) - £252
- Luxury Celebration Case (Classic Cuvee, Rosé, Cuvee Chérie, Blanc de Blancs 2017 & Tillington 2016) - £321
- Weekend Picnic Case (6 x 75cl Classic Cuvee + Cuvee Chérie) - £237
- Classic Cuvee Magnums Case (3 x 150cl Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage) - £239
- 1086 by Nyetimber Duo (one 1086 White 2014 + one 1086 Rosé 2016) - £305
- 1086 by Nyetimber 2014 Trio Case - £425
- 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2016 Trio Case - £490
- Blanc de Blancs 2017 Case of 6 - £327
- The Halves Case (12 x 375 ml Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage) - £276
The personalised gift service allows up to 22 characters to be engraved on a golden plaque fixed to the cream gift box, available across the core range. The Nyetimber Gift Set (from £64) lets the recipient choose their preferred cuvée with a pair of Nyetimber branded glasses. The Nyetimber Book and Sparkling Wine Duo (£68) pairs a coffee-table book about a year in the life at Nyetimber with the flagship Classic Cuvee.
Weddings with Nyetimber
Nyetimber offers a complete wedding service through its Weddings hub, with curated wedding wine packages, in-person and virtual tasting experiences, and personalisation services. The dedicated Wedding Team is based at the London office and can be contacted via weddingwine@nyetimber.com for bespoke selections and tastings. Wedding wine packages include:
- The Sparkling Choice for Intimate Celebrations - 60+ bottles from the core range come with a Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage personalised with the couple's names and wedding date, plus a Nyetimber bottle stopper.
- The Sparkling Choice for Larger Parties - 120+ bottles from the core range come with a personalised Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage Magnum, bottle stopper and two Open Day tickets.
- The Prestigious Choice for Intimate Occasions - 9 bottles of 1086 by Nyetimber Cuvee come with a complimentary bottle; 30+ bottles come with a 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé Magnum.
- The Prestigious Choice for Larger Parties - 60+ bottles of 1086 include a private tour of the Nyetimber Estate for six guests.
- Nyetimber Favours - orders of 60+ Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage 375 ml bottles come with name tags and ribbons.
- Virtual Tasting Package - from £75 per delivery address (two main-range wines), £105 (three wines) or £260 (two Prestige Cuvee wines).
- In-Person Tasting - from £50 per person (three wines) or £80 per person (two Prestige Cuvee wines).
- Nyetimber Engagement Shoot Package - half-day from £600, full-day from £1,000.
- Nyetimber Bus Wedding Proposal Package - price on application.
Visit the Estate: Nyetimber Open Days
The Nyetimber Estate is generally not open to the public, but visitors can enjoy a private tour of the historic vineyards on selected Open Days between May and September each year. The Open Day Tour 2026 is priced at £50 per ticket (redeemable against a case of six bottles purchased on the day) and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. The experience includes:
- A welcome in the White Barn with an introduction to Nyetimber's history
- A guided walking tour through the historic Sussex vineyards
- A tutored tasting inside the 15th-century Medieval Barn of the Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage and Blanc de Blancs 2017
- The opportunity to purchase wines at cellar-door prices (max 4 tickets per order)
Nearest train stations are Pulborough and Billingshurst (taxis must be booked in advance). Free parking is available on site. Open Days are strictly 18+, with no dogs permitted except assistance dogs notified in advance.
Dining Experiences at the Estate
For an unforgettable evening, Nyetimber hosts exclusive dining experiences at the Estate between May and September 2026. The 1086 by Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience (£195) offers a refined four-course seasonal dinner paired with Nyetimber wines, including the prestige 1086 by Nyetimber cuvée. The A Sparkling Celebration of Seafood experience (£220) pairs the natural acidity of Nyetimber's English sparkling wines with a luxurious seafood-led menu crafted by Executive Chef Steven Edwards, who was appointed in 2026.
The Nyetimber Bus
One of the most distinctive features of the Nyetimber brand is the beautifully reimagined 1968 Routemaster bus, which attends iconic British events throughout the year. The lower deck houses a handcrafted wooden and copper bar set against a Union Jack cut from English oak, complete with a "Push for Nyetimber" button. The Nyetimber Bus appears at sponsored events including Henley Royal Regatta (30 June - 5 July 2026), the Queen's Championships Tennis (6 - 21 June 2026), the Epsom Derby, Newmarket Guineas and Cheltenham Festival. For wedding proposals, the bus can be hired as part of a bespoke Nyetimber Wedding Proposal Package.
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Tastings
For a truly bespoke experience, Nyetimber Brand Ambassadors host exclusive in-person tastings at a venue of your choice. Priced at £1,700 for a session of up to 10 attendees (approximately 1.5 hours), each tasting includes a unique insight into the history of Nyetimber, the methods used to craft its 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. Glasses, bottles and all materials are sent to the venue a day in advance. Bookings are made by calling 0800 804 8107 or emailing experiences@nyetimber.com. The price includes transport of the Brand Ambassador within zones 1 - 3 of London; additional transport costs may apply elsewhere.
Where to Eat and Stay Near the Estate
Nyetimber recommends a hand-picked selection of pubs, restaurants and hotels within easy reach of the West Sussex estate. Local restaurants include The White Lion, Thakeham (10-minute drive), Amberley Black Horse (16 minutes), The Welldiggers Arms, Petworth (16 minutes), East Street Bar & Grill, Petworth (19 minutes), The Angel Inn, Petworth (19 minutes), The Crabtree, Horsham (24 minutes), The Woodcote, Graffham (27 minutes) and Noah's Ark Inn, Lurgashall (28 minutes). Places to stay include the Amberley Castle, Alexander House Hotel, East Grinstead, Gravetye Manor, West Hoathly, Park House Hotel & Spa, Bepton and the boutique Spring Wood House, West Chiltington. Nyetimber is served at all of these venues.
Stockists and Delivery
As well as the Nyetimber online shop, Nyetimber is available at leading UK retailers including Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly), Hedonism Wines (Mayfair) and Harrods (Knightsbridge), as well as selected local Sussex stockists. Standard UK delivery is free on orders over £70 (£5.95 under £70) and Saturday delivery is available for £11.95. Nyetimber is unable to deliver to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or destinations outside the UK. Personalised orders are normally dispatched within 48 hours.
Awards and Recognition
Nyetimber has earned an extraordinary list of accolades over the years. Highlights include:
- English Wine Producer of the Year - eight times at the International Wine & Spirits Competition
- Champion Sparkling Wine at the International Wine Challenge 2025 - the first non-Champagne wine to win the trophy in its 34-year history (for the Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum)
- Sparkling Winemaker of the Year - Cherie Spriggs, IWC 2018 and 2025
- Winery of the Year Great Britain 2026 at The Real Review Awards - the first English winery to win the accolade two years running
- Battle of the Bubbles top overall wine at London Wine Fair 2025 (1086 by Nyetimber)
- Bollicine del Mondo Champion Trophy 2009 - the first English winery ever to win
- Sparkling Wine of the Year 2026 at The Real Review for 1086 by Nyetimber 2014 (97 points)
Corporate Social Responsibility
Nyetimber's CSR programme focuses on environmental stewardship, employee wellbeing and community engagement. The estate is working towards LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) accreditation, manages 30% of its land as natural habitat, recycles pruning waste and grape skins as fertiliser, and partners with six other leading English producers and East Malling Research on chemical-reduction trials. Nyetimber supports a range of charities including the South Downs National Park Trust, Amberley Parish Council, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Mary How Trust. The estate has also partnered with England Rugby and Richmond Rugby Club as Official Sparkling Wine Partner.
Visiting and Contact
The Nyetimber Estate is at Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex RH20 2HH. The London office is at 7th Floor, Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0AD. For general enquiries, email info@nyetimber.com or call the London office on +44 (0) 207 734 8490. For online orders and customer service, email customerservice@nyetimber.com or call 0800 093 0243 (Mon - Fri, 08:30 - 17:30). For Open Day accessibility questions, email opendays@nyetimber.com. For press enquiries, contact press@nyetimber.com; for wedding enquiries, weddingwine@nyetimber.com; for data protection, gdpr@nyetimber.com. Follow Nyetimber on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter / X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest for the latest news and event updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nyetimber Estate open to the public?
The estate is not generally open to the public but welcomes guests on Open Days and for Chef's Paired Dining Experiences, between May and September.
Do you host private events or weddings at the Estate?
No - the estate is not available for private events or weddings. However, Nyetimber offers exclusive Wedding Wine Packages that can be tailored to your plans.
Do you welcome children or dogs?
Open Days are 18+ only and no dogs are permitted (except pre-notified assistance dogs).
Can gift cards be used on experiences?
Yes - Nyetimber gift cards (valid for 12 months from purchase, denominations £100, £150 and £250) can be redeemed against products, Open Day tickets and dining experiences at nyetimber.com.
How is the wine shipped?
Standard UK delivery is free on orders over £70 (£5.95 below), Saturday delivery is £11.95, and Nyetimber is unable to ship to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or anywhere outside the UK.
Final Thoughts
From its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 to its history-making Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge in 2025, Nyetimber's journey has been one of patient, generational ambition. "I don't think in years but in generations," says owner Eric Heerema. Today, the estate's seven traditional-method English sparkling wines - anchored by the iconic Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage and crowned by the prestigious 1086 cuvées - are enjoyed in some of the world's most distinguished restaurants, royal households and embassies. Whether you visit the historic West Sussex vineyards on an Open Day, dine at one of the estate's paired dinners, host a tasting with a Brand Ambassador, or simply enjoy a glass at home, Nyetimber represents the very best of English sparkling wine.