Nyetimber: Pioneers of World-Renowned English Sparkling Wine
Tucked into the rural heart of southern England, Nyetimber writes one of the most remarkable stories in modern British wine. From a single estate first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, through the planting of its first vines in 1988, to becoming the first English winery to claim the International Wine Challenge's Champion Sparkling Wine trophy in 2025, Nyetimber has redefined what English sparkling wine can be. Today, the estate is widely regarded as England's benchmark producer of traditional-method sparkling wines - a byword for refined, ageworthy fizz that holds its own against the great houses of Champagne.
A Heritage Spanning a Thousand Years
The Nyetimber estate counts three defining milestones in its long history. Its earliest appearance in the historical record is in 1086, when the peaceful valley of Nitimbreha - thought to mean "a newly timbered house" or "a small timber plantation" - was noted in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book. Almost nine centuries later, in 1988, the "holy trinity" of sparkling wine grapes - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - were planted on the estate, the first time these classic varieties had been grown in England exclusively for the production of sparkling wine.
The third milestone came in 2006, when entrepreneur Eric Heerema acquired Nyetimber. He recognised that the estate's exceptional terroir - greensand and chalk soils on gentle south-facing slopes in the lee of the South Downs - had yet to fulfil its true potential. He recruited Canadian-born winemaker Cherie Spriggs and her husband, winemaker Brad Greatrix, who joined in 2007 and share his vision for crafting the very finest English sparkling wines. Since then, Nyetimber has earned global acclaim, repeatedly winning international awards and blind-tasting competitions and earning the endorsement of some of the world's most celebrated wine critics.
"I don't think in years but in generations."
- Eric Heerema, Owner & Chief Executive
The Terroir: Greensand and Chalk of Southern England
Nyetimber's vineyards are spread across several separate sites in West Sussex, Hampshire and Kent, in the lee of the South Downs. The soils here echo those of the best sparkling wine regions in the world: a mix of greensand and pure chalk, the same chalk seam that runs beneath the English Channel to the Champagne region of France. The gentle south-facing slopes catch the English sun, while the cooler maritime climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving the natural acidity that gives Nyetimber wines their trademark freshness, finesse and capacity for long ageing. Around 30% of the total Nyetimber estate is left as natural non-productive habitat - native broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows and hedgerows - supporting biodiversity and providing wildlife corridors across the landscape.
Nyetimber was the first English grower to plant the celebrated trio of Champagne varieties for sparkling wine production, and the estate remains entirely estate-grown - every grape in every bottle comes from Nyetimber's own vineyards. The estate currently manages around 327 hectares of vineyard across the three counties, with the larger 350-hectare harvest in 2023 representing the biggest yet.
The Winemakers: Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix
Married couple Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix first joined Nyetimber as winemakers in 2007, after tasting an early bottle of the wine - a gift from Cherie's parents - and immediately recognising its extraordinary promise. Together, they have built Nyetimber into a producer that rivals the best houses in Champagne.
Every parcel of estate-grown fruit is handpicked, gently pressed in Nyetimber's own pressing centre at West Chiltington and vinified separately, allowing Cherie to taste each lot individually before assembling the final blends the following spring. The finished wines are aged for a minimum of three years on lees in Nyetimber's cellar (kept at a steady 12 - 13°C and protected from light, noise and vibration), then given a generous post-disgorgement period before release to build additional complexity.
"To make the best wine you need the best people, from vineyard to winery."
- Cherie Spriggs, Head Winemaker
In 2018, Cherie became the first person outside the Champagne region of France to win the International Wine Challenge's Sparkling Winemaker of the Year award - and the first woman ever to do so. She repeated the triumph in 2025, taking the title for a second time alongside the Champion Sparkling Wine trophy for the Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum. That wine became the first non-Champagne to win the Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy in the IWC's history, scoring 97 points and described by the judges as "a time capsule of a wine with mouth-watering acidity, citrus zest and camomile, with a chalky finish".
The Nyetimber Range: Seven Cuvees
The Nyetimber collection brings together seven distinct expressions, from the flagship multi-vintage blend to England's first ever prestige cuvée. All are made entirely from estate-grown fruit in West Sussex and Hampshire.
Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage
The flagship Nyetimber, a pale-golden blend of 55 - 65% Chardonnay, 30 - 40% Pinot Noir and 5 - 15% Pinot Meunier drawn from every Nyetimber vineyard and several vintages. Following more than three years on lees in the Nyetimber cellar, it shows distinctive toasty and spicy aromas, with a palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apple. Intense yet delicate, elegant yet complex, Classic Cuvee is the consummate aperitif and reception wine. From £42 with gift box.
Rosé Multi-Vintage
A sunset-pink blend of 45 - 75% Chardonnay and 25 - 55% Pinot Noir (with a small proportion of Pinot Meunier), delivering British summer fruits, shortbread, and creamy, redcurrant-led refreshment. Bone-dry, crisp and elegant, it pairs with everything from salmon fillets to veal carpaccio. £47 with gift box.
Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage
Nyetimber's celebrated demi-sec - the first of its kind in England. A 100% Chardonnay with 38 g/L residual sugar, it balances lively lemon sweetness with crisp acidity. Designed for desserts, fruit tarts, afternoon tea, meringues, foie gras and the aromatic cuisines of Thailand, China and Japan. £42 with gift box.
Blanc de Blancs 2017
The pure expression of 100% Chardonnay, and the first style ever produced at Nyetimber - the inaugural Blanc de Blancs vintage was made in 1992. The 2017 vintage upholds the legacy of the celebrated 2016 Magnum, which in 2025 became the first non-Champagne wine ever to win the IWC Champion Sparkling Wine trophy. Expect lemon curd, greengage, clotted cream and a long, saline finish. £58 with gift box.
Tillington Single Vineyard 2016
The rare, refined Pinot Noir-led expression of one of Nyetimber's most celebrated vineyards: 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay on West Sussex greensand, given a typical five years of lees ageing. Aromas of raspberry, red apple skin and rose petal lead to a vibrant, layered palate of orange zest, raspberry, apricot and marzipan. £110 with gift box.
1086 by Nyetimber
The pinnacle cuvée - and England's first ever prestige cuvée. Crafted only in the finest years from the most expressive parcels (51% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Meunier in the 2013 vintage), 1086 is complex, indulgent and ageworthy. The 2013 vintage offers red apple, peach, white rose petals, almond and clotted cream in a long, refined finish. The 1086 story pays tribute to the year the estate was first recorded in the Domesday Book. From £150 with gift box.
1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2016
The pinnacle expression of rosé, made from 36% Chardonnay and 64% Pinot Noir in the current release, with wild strawberry, red apple, chantilly cream and brioche unfolding into a luxurious, lingering finish. £175 with gift box.
Large Formats
For grand occasions, Nyetimber's large-format bottles include magnums (1.5L) of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage (£85), Classic Cuvee Vintage 2010 (£95), Blanc de Blancs 2017 (£130), 1086 by Nyetimber 2013 (£325) and 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2013 (£375). The 1086 by Nyetimber is also released in jeroboam (3L) at £725, with a Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage Jeroboam also available at £223 for the perfect centrepiece on a celebration table.
Awards and Accolades
Nyetimber has won English Wine Producer of the Year a record eight times at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, and was named Winery of the Year Great Britain 2025 at The Real Review Awards - and repeated the Real Review win in 2026 as the first English winery to take the title in consecutive years. At the 2025 International Wine Challenge, the Blanc de Blancs 2016 Magnum became the first non-Champagne to win the Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy. Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs was named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year for the second time, having first taken the title in 2018 as the first person outside Champagne - and first woman - ever to win it. Nyetimber's 1086 was also the top-scoring wine overall at London Wine Fair's "Battle of the Bubbles" in 2025, ahead of prestige cuvées from leading Champagne houses.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Nyetimber's pioneering spirit extends to its stewardship of the land. Around 30% of the estate is managed as natural habitat - native broadleaved woodland, wildflower meadows and hedgerows - with sheep from a local farm used for winter grazing in select vineyards since 2011. Drones are used to map and analyse vine health block by block, supporting a low-input, precision approach. Nyetimber is part of a consortium with six other leading English producers working with East Malling Research to reduce dependence on chemicals, and is working toward LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) accreditation.
Even the bottle has been lightened to 835g (compared with the industry standard of 905g), saving transport fuel and emissions, and the foil cap uses a plant-derived laminate rather than a synthetic polymer. At the new West Chiltington Pressing Centre, reached via the estate's own tracks to minimise village traffic, rainwater is harvested for building services and energy is partly generated through photovoltaic cells. In the cellar itself, energy used for cold stabilisation is recycled through heat-exchangers, and heat captured during fermentation is partially reused.
Supporting the Community
Firmly rooted in the south-east, Nyetimber partners with the South Downs National Park Trust on conservation campaigns including "Trees for the Downs" (1,000 trees planted alongside a special-edition bottle) and the "Beelines" wildflower corridor project, which raised £2,300 through a limited-edition gift set. The estate also supports WSET School London, Le Cordon Bleu London and Plumpton College with annual Educational Days, and works with local communities in Amberley and West Chiltington through the village show, the Amberley Revival Classic Car Tour and the Friends of Sussex Hospices.
Visit Nyetimber: Open Days, Brand Ambassador Tastings and the Bus
Although the Nyetimber estate itself is not normally open to the public, visitors are welcomed through a programme of experiences throughout the year.
Open Day Tours
The flagship estate experience, the Open Day Tour (£50 per ticket) runs from May to September. Each tour begins in the historic White Barn with an introduction to the estate's thousand-year story, followed by a guided walk through the historic vineyards - home to some of the oldest vines in England - and a tutored tasting of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage and Blanc de Blancs 2017 inside the 15th-century Medieval Barn. The experience lasts approximately two and a half hours, and the £50 ticket is fully redeemable against a case of six bottles purchased on the day. Open Days for 2026 include Saturday 22 August, Sunday 23 August and Sunday 13 September, with further dates released through the year. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, restricted to four per order, and the estate is unable to accept cash or to ship purchases made on the day. The nearest train stations are Pulborough and Billingshurst, with local taxis needing to be booked in advance. No dogs (other than pre-notified assistance dogs) and no children under 18 are admitted.
1086 by Nyetimber Paired Dining Experience
An exclusive four-course seasonal dinner at the Nyetimber Estate, paired with Nyetimber wines including the prestige 1086 cuvée. Priced at £195 per person. Note that this experience is currently sold out, with new dates to be confirmed.
A Sparkling Celebration of Seafood
A seafood-led dinner crafted by Executive Chef Steven Edwards (appointed to the estate in April 2026), paired with Nyetimber's award-winning wines. Priced at £220 per person and currently sold out, with new dates to be announced.
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Tastings
Brand Ambassador Tastings are hosted at a venue of your choice. The 1.5-hour session (£1,700 for up to 10 guests) covers the Nyetimber story, winemaking methods, a sparkling wine masterclass and a guided tasting of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Rosé Multi-Vintage, Cuvee Chérie Multi-Vintage, Blanc de Blancs and Tillington Single Vineyard. The fee includes Ambassador transport within London zones 1 - 3.
The Nyetimber Bus
The Nyetimber Bus is a beautifully reimagined 1968 Routemaster that travels to iconic British events throughout the year. With a handcrafted wooden and copper bar on the lower deck and a "push for Nyetimber" button on every table, the bus is currently reserved for Nyetimber's events rather than private hire, though it can be hired as part of the Nyetimber Wedding Proposal package.
Weddings with Nyetimber
Nyetimber's wedding team creates bespoke sparkling wine selections and experiences for couples, from proposals and engagement shoots to reception drinks, wedding breakfast pairings, favours and gifts. Personalisation is available with a hand-calligraphed inscription on bottles and personalised gift boxes can be engraved with a metal plaque of up to 22 characters in the Tangerine font.
Structured wedding wine packages include:
- Nyetimber Toast - 60 or more bottles from the core range, with a personalised complimentary magnum of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage and a Nyetimber bottle stopper.
- Prestigious Toast - 30 or more bottles of 1086 by Nyetimber (White or Rosé), with a personalised complimentary 1086 Rosé magnum and bottle stopper.
- Nyetimber Experience - 120 or more bottles, with a personalised magnum and two complimentary Open Day tickets.
- Prestigious Experience - 60 or more bottles of 1086, with a private vineyard tour for six (including a tasting).
- Nyetimber Favours - 60 or more 37.5cl bottles of Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, with complimentary personalised name tags and ribbons.
Wine lovers can also host private tastings at the London office (21 Palmer Street, SW1H 0AD) or at the West Sussex estate, from £50 per person for a three-wine flight, £60 for a four-wine flight and £80 for a two-prestige-cuvée flight (additional guests from approval). Virtual tastings run from £75 per delivery address for two main-range wines. There is also a half-day Engagement Shoot package (from £600) and a full-day Engagement Shoot (from £1,000), which include access to the West Chiltington vineyard, a tasting of three Nyetimber wines led by a Brand Ambassador and - for the full-day option - a three-course meal, plus a gift of a 75cl Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage.
Events, Sponsorships and Sporting Partnerships
Nyetimber is at the heart of an annual calendar of events, festivals and sporting partnerships. The brand became the first English sparkling wine producer to sponsor England Rugby, and in January 2026 was also named official sparkling wine partner to Richmond Rugby Club. The Nyetimber Bus brings the brand to British sporting and cultural gatherings up and down the country.
Recent and upcoming highlights include:
- Nyetimber Open Weekends at the West Chiltington estate, May - September 2026
- Dining Experiences at the Estate (1086 Paired Dining and A Sparkling Celebration of Seafood), May - September 2026
- Henley Royal Regatta, 30 June - 5 July 2026
- Queen's Championships Tennis, 6 - 21 June 2026
- Tillington Single Vineyard Dinner at Gravetye Manor, 26 March 2026
- Epsom Derby, 6 - 7 June 2025
- Newmarket Guineas, 2 - 4 May 2025
- Cheltenham Festival, 11 - 14 March 2025
Corporate Gifting
For businesses and gifting clients, Nyetimber offers a corporate gifting portfolio across multiple price points, with branded flutes, gift cards, duo bottle sets and personalised message cards. Trusted partners include the National Gallery, Jaguar Land Rover and the Lawn Tennis Association. The team supports low minimum order quantities, complimentary UK delivery and dedicated account management for bulk or bespoke orders.
Plan a Visit
The Nyetimber estate is at Gay Street, West Chiltington, West Sussex, RH20 2HH. The Tasting Room and London Office (Nyetimber, 7th Floor, Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0AD) are also staffed for weddings, partnerships and press enquiries. Recommended local places to eat nearby include The White Lion in Thakeham (10 minutes' drive), The Welldiggers Arms and East Street Bar & Grill in Petworth, and Park House Hotel & Spa in Bepton. Places to stay include Gravetye Manor (West Hoathly), Amberley Castle, Alexander House Hotel and the Park House Hotel.
For customer service and online order enquiries, contact customerservice@nyetimber.com or call 0800 093 0243 (Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30). Press enquiries are handled via press@nyetimber.com, weddings via weddingwine@nyetimber.com, and Open Day bookings via opendays@nyetimber.com. Nyetimber wines are widely stocked at leading UK retailers including Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and Hedonism Wines, and available online at shop.nyetimber.com with complimentary UK delivery on orders over £70.
Careers at Nyetimber
Guided by the values of Pioneer, Exceptional and Joie de Vivre, Nyetimber is an equal opportunity employer with teams across its estates, vineyards and London office. Current vacancies span finance, sales (covering on-trade and travel retail), winemaking, brand management and graphic design, with applications welcomed through the Nyetimber careers portal.