Christmas reading for English sparkling wine lovers

With Christmas around the corner and bubbles featuring more and more in everyday life, why not give sparkling wine fans a treat that will last longer than a bottle (once the cork has been popped, that is)?

Partner story with Nyetimber.

Just in time for the holiday season, England’s pre-eminent sparkling wine producer, Nyetimber, has released a 250-page, linen-bound coffee table tome that invites you into its vineyards, into the winery and deep into the estate’s ancient history, with a foreword by British chef Heston Blumenthal.

The pages of ‘A Year in the Life of England’s Finest Sparkling Wine’ take readers on a journey alongside Nyetimber’s CEO Eric Heerema and much celebrated Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs. You’ll experience each season in the brand’s 11 vineyards spread across Kent, West Sussex and Hampshire in the south of England, before heading into the state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery and then learning how best to pair the finished fizz in your glass with perfectly seasonal dishes.

Glimpses into the estate itself are rare, and this book’s stunning photography takes you inside its flagship barn, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. There is a long history to explore here and, through historical accounts, insights and anecdotes, you’ll be brought right up to the present day.

“Each sip tells a story of the English countryside,” explains Heston Blumenthal's introduction, “of meticulous vineyard management and of a team of passionate individuals who pour their heart and soul into every bottle. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the story behind this true trailblazer of English sparkling wine.”

More recent history has seen Nyetimber become the first English producer exclusively to grow the traditional sparkling wine grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, as well as the first to produce a prestige cuvée (the aptly named ‘1086’) and a demi-sec traditional-method sparkling. The first vines were planted in 1988 by American owners Stuart and Sandy Moss, who handed the reins over to Heerema in 2006. By using 100% estate-grown fruit hand-picked from its 425 hectares of land, Nyetimber has become the UK’s most recognisable and respected wine producer, leading the charge for this burgeoning industry across the world.

“Creating ‘Nyetimber: A Year in the Life of England’s Finest Sparkling Wine’ was a deeply meaningful endeavour for me,” says Heerema. “This book captures the passion and dedication that our team brings to every aspect of our winemaking process. By sharing the stories and efforts of our team, we celebrate the meticulous care and passion that goes into every single bottle. The book also celebrates the beautiful moments experienced throughout the year at the Nyetimber estate and beyond.”

Available from Nyetimber, £49.95.