Is Britain home to the world’s most beautiful wine estate?

Some of the world’s most beautiful wine estates may be nestled among the cypresses of Tuscany, or dramatic scenery of New Zealand, but they are also found within Britain.

Nyetimber Vineyard with views to the South Downs

It’s rarely highlighted, but UK vineyards occupy stunning sites, where verdent vegetation covers undulating landscapes dotted with woodland and dissected with hedgerows.

West Sussex has particular appeal, with its crumpled countryside hiding most signs of human life, despite the county’s proximity to London.

And it’s here one finds Nyetimber, a sparkling wine estate which rivals the planet’s most picturesque wine producing spots. It also comes with a one thousand year old history.

Bought by Eric Heerema in 2006, the estate can trace its past back to a Domesday mention in 1086, and has been extensively restored and landscaped over the past 18 months.

Over the following pages are images of the estate taken by db earlier this month, which show some of the changes taking place at the property, as well as hopefully capturing its beauty, particularly when bathed in sunlight.

The Nyetimber estate following landscaping over the last year

Although Nyetimber owns three vineyard sites and has a winery in a further, separate location, its headquarters are found deep within a narrow valley near the village of West Chiltington, on a road called Gay Street.

Set within one side of the valley is a medieval house, which was once home to Anne of Cleves – a former wife of Henry VIII, who managed to live on after her brief marriage to the sixteenth century King of England.

The new swimming pool – still under construction

The main house has just been restored to become Heerema’s primary residence, and now features a swimming pool that blends into the surroundings, and even appears to spill into a lake, which fills the valley floor beneath.

The end of the house with pool

The view from within the new tasting room

Half-timbered barns are also present, one of which has been converted into a tasting room, complete with kitchen and a glass doorway to provide an uninterrupted view over the gardens, distant waters and house.

Paper lanterns cover the ceiling in the new tasting room

A barn for events

There’s also a space for events in a further barn, which is situated just beneath the new tasting room.

The view from the house towards the tasting room

Surrounding the buildings on the ridges above the valley are vineyards set in plots bordered by hedgerows, with views to the natural green barrier of the South Downs.