Nyetimber Vineyard

Nyetimber Vineyard, based in West Sussex, is England's leading producer of traditional method sparkling wine made exclusively from Champagne varieties. Established as a vineyard in 1988, Nyetimber was the first English producer to commit entirely to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—the same grapes that define Champagne itself. Today, the estate operates a portfolio of 11 meticulously chosen vineyard sites spread throughout Kent, Hampshire and Sussex, with a combined 425 hectares under vine. This is why serious sparkling wine drinkers are turning to Nyetimber: proven quality from an estate that controls every stage of production.

About Nyetimber Vineyard

Nyetimber's credentials run deep. The estate itself dates back to the 1086 Domesday Book, but its modern story began in 1988 when the first 14 hectares of Champagne varieties were planted on chalk and greensand soils—both prized for excellent drainage and controlled vine vigour. Under the ownership of Dutchman Eric Heerema and the winemaking direction of Cherie Spriggs, the estate has become a force in English sparkling wine. Spriggs' international recognition includes two IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year accolades (2018 and 2025), a distinction that makes her the first female winemaker and the first individual from outside Champagne to receive this honour on multiple occasions.

Quality control is absolute. All grapes are 100% estate-grown and handpicked, then pressed by parcel using equipment imported from Champagne: a collection of six Coquard presses representing state-of-the-art pressing technology. Vineyard management is rigorous: vines are de-leafed to maximise sun exposure and ensure excellent flavour concentration. The cellar equipment matches international standards, reflecting Heerema's investment in both land and technology. Each bottle carries a Lot code on the back label; enter it on their website and you'll see the precise chronology of your bottle from bottling through riddling and disgorging. This transparency matters. It tells you that Nyetimber treats traceability as seriously as winemakers treat their craft.

The winemaking philosophy is traditional method throughout. Wines undergo extended maturation on lees—the flagship Classic Cuvée spends more than three years developing on its lees, the Blanc de Blancs spending approximately five years in bottle, then a further 18 months under cork. This extended ageing builds complexity and develops the toasty, brioche-like characteristics that define serious sparkling wine. A portion of the Blanc de Blancs is barrel-fermented Chardonnay, adding textural depth. The approach is Champagne-focused but tailored to English terroir and Sussex's cool-climate conditions.

Nyetimber Vineyard Wines in Our Collection

The flagship Classic Cuvée (NV Multi Vintage, 91pts) is the house expression: a multi-vintage blend that spends more than three years maturing on its lees with spicy, toasty aromas and notes of honey, almond and pastry on the palate. It's versatile enough for aperitif drinking or with smoked salmon and oysters. The 2017 Blanc de Blancs (91pts, James Suckling 92, Tom Cannavan 93) is the award-winner—100% Chardonnay with barrel-fermented complexity and five years on lees. This is the wine that proved English sparkling can stand with the world's best.

For special occasions, the 2016 Tillington Single Vineyard (93pts, Tom Cannavan 95) is a single-site expression of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from a distinct terroir parcel, showing how Nyetimber's vineyard selection translates into focused, site-specific character. The NV Rosé (91pts, Wine Enthusiast 94) offers berries and cream character—ideal for summer entertaining. For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, the NV Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec (90pts, Wine Enthusiast 94) balances residual sugar with the complexity you'd expect from extended lees ageing, a wine that pairs beautifully with dessert or as an aperitif on its own.

Food Pairing

Nyetimber's Classic Cuvée and Blanc de Blancs are natural partners for shellfish—oysters, scallops, crab and prawns. The acidity and mineral backbone cut through rich preparations; the brioche and toasty notes complement smoked fish and seafood canapés. Tillington Single Vineyard, with its deeper structure, works with roasted poultry, soft cheeses and lighter game dishes. The Rosé suits cured meats, strawberry-based desserts and picnic fare. Cuvée Chérie Demi-Sec pairs with almond cakes, fruit tarts and blue cheese.

What makes Nyetimber different from other English sparkling producers?

Nyetimber was the first to make English sparkling wine exclusively from Champagne varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier). All grapes are 100% estate-grown across 11 vineyards, and Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs has won IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year twice—the first woman outside Champagne to do so.

Which Nyetimber wine won the IWC Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy?

The 2017 Blanc de Blancs won the 2025 IWC Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy, becoming the first non-Champagne wine ever to receive this award. It scores 91 points (James Suckling 92, Tom Cannavan 93).

How long do Nyetimber wines age before release?

Classic Cuvée ages for more than three years on lees. Blanc de Blancs ages around five years in bottle, then an additional 18 months under cork. Extended lees ageing builds complexity and develops toasty, brioche-like characteristics.

Who makes Nyetimber wines?

Nyetimber Vineyard is based in West Sussex and owned by Dutchman Eric Heerema. Winemaker Cherie Spriggs leads production—she's won IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year twice (2018, 2025), the first female winemaker and first non-Champagne individual to achieve this twice.

What style of wine does Nyetimber make?

Nyetimber makes traditional method sparkling wine exclusively from Champagne varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Wines spend years maturing on lees, developing complexity and toasty, brioche-like characteristics. The 2017 Blanc de Blancs scored 91 points.

How much does Nyetimber wine cost?

Nyetimber sparkling wine costs between £43.20 and £195.70. Entry-level options like the Classic Cuvée start at £43.20; premium bottlings such as the 2014 1086 Prestige Cuvée Rosé reach £195.70.