There are invitations in the wine trade that command a certain reverence, and a day at the Nyetimber estate is unequivocally one of them. And so, a party of eight from Lea & Sandeman recently journeyed to the rolling South Downs of West Sussex, home to England’s most celebrated sparkling wine producer. What we discovered was an operation of breathtaking precision, where a deep sense of history is seamlessly woven into a vision of modern luxury.
Our tour began well away from any dusty cellars as you sometimes get in wineries, but in a gleaming, custom-painted electric Land Rover, its bright blue livery a bold statement of intent. As we glided between the immaculate rows of vines, our host Charles recounted a history as rich as any in England. The estate’s story starts nearly a millennium ago, with its first mention in the Domesday Book of 1086. (Hence why their Prestige Cuveé is called ‘1086’). For centuries, it was held by the Priory of Lewes before the Dissolution of the Monasteries saw it seized by King Henry VIII and subsequently granted to Thomas Cromwell. In a twist of fate, it would later form part of the annulment settlement for his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.
It was on this remarkable land that, in 1988, the American couple Stuart and Sandy Moss planted the first vines, daring to believe that the holy trinity of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier could flourish here. Today, under the custodianship of Eric Heerema, that belief has been triumphantly vindicated.
The vineyards themselves are a testament to the power of terroir. Nestled in the lee of the South Downs, the vines are shielded from coastal winds, benefitting from a microclimate that is consistently warmer than the surrounding land. The Greensand and chalk soils provide the perfect canvas. This is not farming by guesswork. Nyetimber employs a philosophy of “minimalist intervention,” underpinned by cutting-edge technology. Drones map the vineyards in minute detail, allowing for targeted interventions that have reduced spraying to just 3% of historical use.
This meticulous attention to detail continues in the winery. A tour of the pressing room revealed a process defined by gentle handling. Grapes are moved by conveyor and gravity to avoid bruising, and the press cycle is deliberately short to minimise the extraction of bitter phenolics from the skins. Each parcel from their 11 sites is vinified separately, giving head winemaker Cherie Spriggs an astonishing palette of base wines from which to blend her masterpieces.
The day culminated, as it should, around a table. We were treated to an absolutely delicious meal by their in-house chef Ben Hammett, a pleasure made all the more memorable by the presence of Charles Lowe – Brand Ambassador and Tom Pestell – Key Account Manager. They graciously guided us through the entire Nyetimber range, their passion and insight illuminating every glass. We tasted the flagship Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage, which Nyetimber suggests pairing with dishes like fresh asparagus or sushi. A special treat was an aged example of the same wine, its complex toasty and honeyed notes a stunning display of the wine’s capacity for development. From the sunset-pink Rosé to the elegant Blanc de Blancs, each wine spoke with clarity and precision. The versatile Cuvee Chérie, a refined demi-sec, was a revelation, perfectly designed to match with fragrant Asian dishes. Or in our case, a delightful Millefeuille, and a plant based sorbet with estate grown berry compote.
As a final, surprising grace note, we were offered a dram of The Lakes whisky from the Lake District, a recent acquisition by the Nyetimber umbrella company. It was a fitting conclusion, a quiet nod to a broader vision of British excellence.
Our day at Nyetimber was an immersion in a world where nothing is left to chance. It is an estate driven by a singular desire to create the finest sparkling wines, balancing its deep historical roots with a relentless pursuit of perfection. It is, in every sense, the pinnacle of English grace.
If you want to taste some of these wines yourself, make sure to drop by our shops, or go to our website here: Nyetimber Wines.
