Nyetimber, a paragon of English sparkling wine, epitomizes the zenith of vinicultural excellence (sets the gold standard for the wine industry.). Their vineyards, nestled within the verdant terrains of Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, are meticulously cultivated on greensand and chalk soils, paralleling the esteemed terroirs of the world’s premier sparkling wine regions. This strategic alignment empowers their vines to thrive, harnessing the temperate English climate to facilitate the gradual maturation of grapes. This deliberate process ensures an optimal equilibrium of ripeness and acidity, culminating in wines celebrated for their intricate complexity and refined elegance.
A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
Under the astute stewardship of Owner and Chief Executive Eric Heerema,
Nyetimber’s philosophy transcends temporal boundaries:
“I don’t think in years but in generations.”
This generational perspective underscores their unwavering commitment to crafting wines of unparalleled quality. By exclusively utilizing estate-grown grapes, we guarantee that only the most exceptional fruit contributes to their globally acclaimed vintages. The Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, alongside Winemaker Brad Greatrix, meticulously evaluates each vineyard parcel. From determining the precise moment of harvest to overseeing gentle pressing and nuanced vinification, their scrupulous attention to detail informs our blending decisions, ensuring each bottle embodies the pinnacle of our craftsmanship.
Embracing the Traditional Method
At Nyetimber, we adhere to the traditional method of winemaking, a testament to their dedication to excellence. The wines undergo extended aging periods, fostering depth and complexity, and are afforded generous post-disgorgement maturation before release. This rigorous process guarantees that each bottle delivers a sophisticated and memorable experience, resonating with connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.
A Chronicle of Distinction
Chapter One: Their Heritage
The Nyetimber estate boasts a rich tapestry of history, with its inaugural mention in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Nitimbreha’ believed to signify a newly timbered house or plantation. This storied past took a transformative turn in 1988 with the planting of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines, laying the foundation for their illustrious journey in sparkling wine production. The acquisition by Eric Heerema in 2006 marked a pivotal chapter, ushering in an era of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to realizing the estate’s full potential.
Chapter Two: An Unwavering Pursuit of Quality
Their narrative is woven with threads of relentless craftsmanship, passion, and pioneering spirit. This unwavering commitment propels us to produce wines that not only meet but exceed the expectations of celebratory moments, embodying the finest expressions of the estate.
Chapter Three: The Essence of their Terroir
Spanning multiple sites across Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent, their vineyards are strategically positioned on south-facing slopes, ensuring optimal exposure to the English sun. This deliberate placement, coupled with the unique greensand and chalk soils, fosters an environment where their grapes achieve perfect ripeness, laying the groundwork for wines of exceptional character.
Chapter Four: The Confluence of Art and Science
Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs approaches each handpicked parcel with a discerning eye, assessing quality, ripeness, and distinctive character. The grapes are gently pressed and vinified separately, allowing for the preservation of subtle nuances inherent to each vineyard. This meticulous process, conducted within their state-of-the-art pressing centre and winery, ensures that each step—from vine to bottle—is executed with precision and care.
Chapter Five: The Human Element
The partnership of Cherie Spriggs and Brad Greatrix has been instrumental in elevating Nyetimber to global acclaim. Their shared vision and expertise have been pivotal in crafting sparkling wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best, reinforcing their reputation as a beacon of excellence in English winemaking.
Expanding Horizons: Acquisition of The Lakes Distillery
In a strategic move to diversify and enhance their portfolio, Nyetimber successfully acquired The Lakes Distillery in June 2024. This acquisition, valued at £71 million (US$89m), encompasses the esteemed Cumbrian whisky and gin producer, renowned for its premium single malt whisky and other distinguished spirits. The integration of The Lakes Distillery into their family signifies a harmonious blend of shared values and aspirations.
As articulated by CEO Eric Heerema:
“We believe that this acquisition represents an opportunity for us to expand our capabilities, drive exciting new growth, and support The Lakes in delivering on its ambition to be a globally recognized spirits brand.”
This strategic alliance not only broadens their offerings but also reinforces commitment to excellence and innovation in the luxury drinks market.
Nyetimber’s journey is a testament to a steadfast commitment to quality, innovation, and visionary leadership. From their meticulously cultivated vineyards to the recent strategic acquisition of The Lakes Distillery, Nyetimber continue to set benchmarks in the world of luxury beverages. As we look to the future, their dedication to crafting exceptional wines and spirits remains unwavering, ensuring that each bottle from Nyetimber is not just a drink, but an experience to be savoured.
