Nyetimber

Nyetimber's story begins in 1988, when Americans Stuart and Sandy Moss planted the first vines on their West Sussex estate. The choice of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier made Nyetimber the first English producer devoted exclusively to these three Champagne varieties. The debut release in 1997, a Blanc de Blancs, won a Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, immediately establishing the estate's international credibility. Eric Heerema acquired Nyetimber in 2006 and drove an ambitious expansion from 16 hectares to more than 425 hectares.

• First vines planted 1988; first wine released 1997 as a Blanc de Blancs
• 1997 Blanc de Blancs won IWSC Gold Medal on debut
• Acquired by Eric Heerema in 2006, triggering major expansion
• Now operates 11 vineyard sites across West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent

Nyetimber's vineyards sit at approximately 2 metres elevation across southern England, on chalk and greensand soils that mirror the geology of the Champagne region. All 11 sites are south-facing and sheltered from the sea, maximising sun exposure during the cool growing season. The cool, marginal English climate slows ripening and extends the growing season, building natural acidity that forms the backbone of the estate's sparkling wines. Warmer summers in recent years have added ripeness and complexity to the fruit.

• Chalk and greensand soils shared with the Champagne region
• All sites south-facing and sheltered, maximising warmth and sun
• Cool climate extends the growing season and preserves natural acidity
• Sites spread across West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent

Nyetimber produces all wines using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) with 100% estate-grown grapes, hand-picked and pressed. Extended lees ageing of 3 to 7 years, typically more than three years, gives the wines their signature depth, complexity, and fine persistent mousse. The signature wine is the Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage, a non-vintage blend that reflects the estate's house style. Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Senior Winemaker Brad Greatrix lead production.

• Traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) used exclusively
• 100% estate-grown, hand-picked grapes
• Lees ageing for 3 to 7 years across the range
• Signature wine is the Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage (NV)

Nyetimber has accumulated a record of international accolades that places it firmly among the world's top sparkling wine producers. In 2003, the estate won blind tastings against Champagne producers including Bollinger and Louis Roederer. Cherie Spriggs won IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year in both 2018 and 2025, becoming the first woman and the first person outside Champagne to win the award twice. The 2025 Blanc de Blancs Magnum became the first non-Champagne wine to win the IWC Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy. Nyetimber has also been named English Wine Producer of the Year at the IWSC eight times.

• Defeated Bollinger and Louis Roederer in blind tastings in 2003
• Cherie Spriggs: first woman and first non-Champagne winemaker to win IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year twice (2018 and 2025)
• 2025 Blanc de Blancs Magnum: first non-Champagne to win IWC Champion Sparkling Wine Trophy
• English Wine Producer of the Year at IWSC eight times

Nyetimber has played a defining role in building the reputation of English sparkling wine as a serious, world-class category. In 2023, sparkling wine accounted for 76% of all English wine production, reflecting the industry-wide shift toward the style that Nyetimber pioneered. The estate is widely regarded as England's finest and most famous sparkling wine producer, and its success has inspired a generation of new English estates.

• Regarded as England's finest and most famous sparkling wine producer
• Pioneered the use of Champagne varieties in English commercial production
• Sparkling wine represents 76% of English wine production as of 2023
• Estate expanded from 16 to 425+ hectares under Eric Heerema's ownership