Nyetimber is amongst the best-known premium English sparkling wines and I was very keen to visit their vineyard. From previous research I knew they had limited open days each summer which would go on sale in Spring, so I was ready when the dates were released and secured tickets for August. The price was quite hefty (£40 in 2023) compared to other tours and tastings, especially as it didn’t include any food, but what was unique about this tour was your full ticket price was available against the already competitive cellar door prices (min 6 bottles).
Nyetimber booked, I set about finding another winery nearby and was delighted to discover Nutbourne situated in the same lane! This family run, boutique vineyard offers picnics making it the perfect place for lunch prior to visiting Nyetimber. Unfortunately the weather Gods weren’t smiling on us that Saturday in August and as we arrived in monsoon conditions we had visions of picnicking in the car. However, the friendly team at Nutbourne had organised our pre-booked picnic (herbivore and omnivore varieties) inside the old windmill that stands alongside the cellar door.
They recommended a bottle of Nutty Wild NV, their lower alcohol sparkling wine with a blush tint, to accompany the locally sourced food. It was so wonderfully drinkable we all bought further bottles to take home. Sadly we hadn’t left ourselves enough time to taste more of their extensive range of still and sparkling wines, so I guess we’ll just have to go back.
The tour & tasting at Nyetimber was on a scale I hadn’t experienced before but it was predictably well-organised and polished. Nothing is left to chance at this vineyard and there’s impressive use of technology to ensure they remain at the top of their game. After walking through the vines we did a tutored tasting covering the classic cuvee, cuvee Cherie (a demi-sec) and the rose. A wider range were offered for sale at the cellar door and I treated myself to the Blanc de Blanc which I kept for Christmas and really enjoyed. I do regret not using my ticket price against an impressive jeroboam. I guess I need to go back to Nyetimber too ! We had a fabulous day experiencing a complete contrast of vineyards, but both producing fantastic English sparkling wines.
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