England Rugby is now raising a glass with one of England’s finest producers, Nyetimber. For 37 years, the sparkling wine house has refined its craft, blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier into bottles that define English excellence. Regarded by many as England’s finest sparkling wine, Nyetimber values passion; they have dedicated years to upholding the highest standards of craftsmanship, with a distinctive pioneering spirit that is reflected in every single bottle.
Nyetimber’s History: The Best of England’s Sparkling Wine
Since 1988, Nyetimber has championed English winemaking. CEO and owner, Eric Heerema, took ownership of the company in 2006 and has led it ever since. His vision has shaped Nyetimber into what it is today. Eric works closely with a talented team, Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs and Senior Winemaker Brad Greatrix, who joined the company in 2007. The couple has helped produce wine of extraordinary elegance and quality, with every bottle made from their estate-owned fruit. For example, their rosé features strong red fruit notes, such as raspberry, with hints of spice. Cherie Spriggs was named ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine Challenge 2018, making her the first person to win this award outside of Champagne, and still the only woman to win this prestigious award.
Today, Nyetimber has 11 vineyards spanning 425 hectares in West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent and top venues around the UK proudly serve their wines, such as The Savoy, Scott’s Mayfair, and The Ivy, as well as around the world, including Ritz Carlton Berlin, Ciel Bleu in Amsterdam, Maaemo in Oslo, Franzen in Stockholm, The Edition Tokyo, and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Dubai. Their prestige has truly been recognised around the world, showcasing the hard work and dedication they have poured into their wine and their community.
A Landmark Partnership with England Rugby
To continue their pioneering legacy, the English sparkling wine producer is now the official sparkling wine of England Rugby. For the first time, the iconic sporting organisation will be sponsored by an English sparkling wine, with the company sponsoring both Men’s and Women’s Senior teams and serving it at all hosting fixtures at Allianz Stadium, as well as major tournaments such as the Guinness Six Nations and Quilter Nations Series.
RFU’s Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1871, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) was the first governing body of rugby union and has shaped the sport’s growth in England and worldwide. Guided by values of respect, passion, and integrity, the RFU works to unite communities, inspire future generations, and produce the finest English teams.
A passionate partnership
Nyetimber and England Rugby are united by a shared spirit, with both having broken new ground in their respective fields. While Nyetimber pioneered luxury English sparkling wine production by being the first to cultivate grape varieties like Chardonnay in England exclusively for sparkling wines, England Rugby established itself as the sport’s first governing body, marking a significant milestone in its future development. What’s more, just as rugby unites players and fans in camaraderie, Nyetimber unites friends and family in toasting to life’s greatest moments.
The partnership embodies the spirit of English excellence: pioneering spirit, tenacity, and worthiness of celebration. The celebrations in question will range from grassroots to the national stage, as not only will Nyetimber be presented to the player of the match at every England Rugby Senior Men’s and Women’s home match, but the brand will also be working to support local clubs across the country.
As the exclusive sparkling wine, the full Nyetimber range will now be available by the bottle and by the glass at Allianz Stadium. The Nyetimber Routemaster Bus, recognisable to many for its iconic presence at English sporting and cultural events, will be parked in the Nyetimber Garden in the British Airways West Fan Village during major matches, and Nyetimber will also be served in hospitality. The range includes seven styles: Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage, Nyetimber Rosé Multi-Vintage, Nyetimber Cuvee Chérie, Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, Nyetimber Tillington Single Vineyard, and 1086 by Nyetimber & 1086 by Nyetimber Rosé.
Shared Values, Shared Excellence
“It means so much to us to have become the first English sparkling wine to partner with England Rugby,” said Eric Heerema, Nyetimber CEO and owner. “As a brand with a history of supporting British sporting institutions, including Team GB in 2024, we are proud to stand alongside such an iconic team. Both of our organisations champion women at the top, from the RFU’s appointment of its first female president, Deborah Griffin, to our Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs. We are delighted that fans can now celebrate rugby’s achievements with a glass of Nyetimber.”
Claudio Borges, RFU Executive Director of Commercial and Marketing, added: “Both of our organisations demonstrate English excellence on and off the pitch. Just as England Rugby has built its reputation through decades of dedication, Nyetimber has established itself as England’s finest sparkling wine through uncompromising attention to detail. We are thrilled that the England Rugby community can now raise a glass to achievements great and small with Nyetimber’s outstanding wines.”
A Toast to the Future
Nyetimber will be served at Allianz Stadium for the first time on November 1st, during the first Quilter Nations Series fixture between England and Australia. Other upcoming fixtures include England vs. Fiji (8th November), England vs. New Zealand (15th November), and England vs. Argentina (23rd November).
With this partnership, two icons of English passion and excellence come together on the pitch, in the glass, and in every celebration.
For more information, visit Nyetimber’s Official Website.
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All imagery courtesy of Nyetimber.