From Doomsday to 1086: The Prestige Evolution of Nyetimber

From Doomsday to 1086: The Prestige Evolution of Nyetimber.

An Interview with Zoë Dearsley, Group Head Brand Ambassador.

For a special Grape Masters edition, we sat down with Zoë Dearsley at ProWein 2025 in Düsseldorf to uncover the story behind Nyetimber — a benchmark of quality, elegance, and ambition in English Sparkling Wine. With more than three decades of pioneering spirit, Nyetimber has transformed perceptions and pushed boundaries in what was once considered an improbable terroir for fine wine.

A Vision Realised

Nyetimber’s story began in 1988, when its first vines of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier were planted — a bold move in a country where traditional method sparkling wine was virtually unheard of. The estate, located in West Sussex, has since grown into a symbol of English viticultural excellence, now owning 425 hectares across 11 vineyards in West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent.

But Nyetimber’s history reaches even further back. The estate itself is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and has passed through the hands of monks and monarchs alike, including King Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves. Today, under the ownership of Dutch entrepreneur Eric Heerema, the estate has evolved into a true English luxury brand.

A Culture of Quality

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation with Zoë was her emphasis on Nyetimber’s unwavering commitment to quality. The philosophy is simple: if a wine doesn’t meet the estate’s high standards, it won’t be made. In 2012, for instance, the entire harvest was discarded due to poor conditions — a decision that speaks volumes about the brand’s integrity.

Zoë explains:

“There is never any compromise, no corner-cutting. If we do something, we do it properly.”

Nyetimber is fully estate-grown — no fruit is bought, none is sold — ensuring full control over the entire winemaking process. This allows the team, led by head winemaker Cherie Spriggs and senior winemaker Brad Greatrix, to preserve consistency and precision year after year.

The Wines

Nyetimber’s portfolio is both refined and expressive, consisting of seven cuvées that range from their classic multi-vintage styles to limited prestige releases:

Classic Cuvée (Multi-Vintage): The heart of Nyetimber. With components from five vintages, this wine embodies the house style with orchard fruits, complexity, and structure. Aged for a minimum of three years on the lees.

Rosé (Multi-Vintage): Summer in a glass. Bursting with wild strawberry and cherry, this vibrant wine offers freshness with a distinct English character.

Blanc de Blancs (Vintage): Made only in exceptional years for Chardonnay. The 2016 vintage, for example, balances ripeness with elegance and is aged for over six years on lees.

Tillington Single Vineyard (Vintage): A limited release from a distinctive two-hectare plot, showcasing rose petal and Turkish delight notes. A cult favorite among sommeliers.

1086 by Nyetimber (Vintage): England’s first prestige cuvée. Only the most exceptional, standout parcels qualify, aged for a decade before release. A true expression of craftsmanship and patience.

1086 by Nyetimber Rosé (Vintage): The pink counterpart to the white prestige cuvée, offering depth, length, and aromatic finesse.

Cuvee Chérie (Demi-Sec): Named in homage to Cherie Spriggs, this off-dry Chardonnay-based wine is designed for versatility — pairing just as well with patisserie as with spicy Asian cuisine.

Tasting the 2016 Blanc de Blancs

During our interview, we had the pleasure of tasting the 2016 Blanc de Blancs — a wine that Zoë described as “particularly close to our hearts” at Nyetimber. Made from 100% Chardonnay, this wine hails from a vintage marked by spring frosts and a late but generous harvest.

Six and a half years of lees aging have given the 2016 Blanc de Blancs a refined texture and exceptional depth. On the nose, the wine opens with delicate white blossom, lemon zest, and hints of crème fraîche. The palate is expansive yet precise, offering notes of baked apple, citrus peel, and a subtle creamy nuttiness. Despite its purity and linear profile, there is a remarkable roundness and softness to the wine, making it accessible and gastronomically versatile. The finish is long and mineral-driven, showcasing the elegance and potential of English Chardonnay.

This vintage sits stylistically between the cooler 2013 and the richer 2014, delivering a perfectly poised expression of English terroir. A standout Blanc de Blancs that combines complexity, freshness, and charm — it was a pleasure to enjoy in conversation.

A Personal Journey

For Zoë, joining Nyetimber wasn’t just a career move — it was the realization of a personal dream. After a formative tasting of Nyetimber’s 1996 Blanc de Blancs in magnum at the age of 23, she set her sights on one day representing the brand. Today, as Group Head Brand Ambassador, she is one of a rare few in the English wine scene dedicated solely to brand ambassadorship.

“I’m incredibly patriotic,” Zoë shared. “As long as I live in the UK, I can’t see myself representing anyone else.”

From hosting global trade tastings to working with Team GB and the Ritz, her role bridges fine wine, sport, and luxury lifestyle. And yes — she now represents not just sparkling wine, but also English whisky through Nyetimber’s recent acquisition of The Lakes Distillery.

Export Growth & International Recognition

While 80% of Nyetimber’s production remains in the UK, the brand’s international presence is growing steadily, with exports to 23 countries and increasing recognition from sommeliers and wine lovers alike. Notably, Norway and Sweden have become key markets, with Dutch importer De Bruijn & Wijn playing a pivotal role in the Netherlands.

At ProWein 2025, Zoë noted a significant shift in perception.

“Even in the French hall, we’re seeing producers come over to say: ‘We’ve heard about Nyetimber. Can we taste it?’ That’s a huge compliment.”

Visiting Nyetimber

For those eager to experience Nyetimber first-hand, the estate in West Chiltington opens its doors to the public during select weekends in summer. Tastings take place in a restored 15th-century barn, blending wine with history in a uniquely British setting. New in 2025 are fine dining experiences — five-course meals paired with Nyetimber wines — for those seeking an immersive gastronomic journey.

Final Thoughts

Nyetimber is not only redefining what English sparkling wine can be — it’s shaping the global narrative of English fine wine. With a steadfast commitment to quality, a deeply rooted heritage, and a passionate team leading the way, this is a producer that deserves your attention — and a place in your cellar.

Thirsty for More?

Soon we will release the full interview with Zoë, as special edition of our show Grape Masters. For more information on the podcast, click here. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform to get notified when the podcast goes live. 

In the meanwhile, we also released a number of reviews of Nyetimber’s wines. You can access them for free through the links below.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV

Nyetimber Sparkling Rosé MV

Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie MV

This interview was conducted at ProWein 2025 by our own Niels Aarts. We would like to thank Zoë Dearsley and Nyetimber for their participation, ProWein for their facilities and Nyetimber’s Dutch distributor De Bruijn in Wijnen for their support. 

For those who live in the Netherlands, be sure to check out De Bruijn in Wijnen if you would like to try the Nyetimber range.