Eric Heerema has become a name synonymous with ambition, determination, and the reinvention of English viticulture. Born in the Netherlands and educated in law, Heerema could have chosen a predictable career path in business or finance. Instead, he pursued a vision that many thought unrealistic at the time: making England a home for world-class sparkling wine. As the owner and chief executive of Nyetimber, he transformed a little-known vineyard into an internationally celebrated brand. His journey has not only reshaped perceptions of English winemaking but also inspired confidence in an entire industry.
Early Life and Background
Eric Heerema grew up in the Netherlands, where he trained as a lawyer. Although his professional beginnings had little to do with vineyards or viticulture, his interest in wine was evident from an early stage. He travelled widely and observed how wines were produced in France, Italy, and beyond. Over time, he began to recognise the unique potential of the chalky soils and cool climate of southern England.
The idea that England could rival Champagne was often dismissed by critics and consumers alike. At the time, English wines were perceived as a curiosity rather than a credible competitor. Heerema, however, saw opportunity where others saw impossibility.
Acquiring Nyetimber
In 2006, Heerema purchased Nyetimber, an estate in West Sussex that had been among the first in England to produce sparkling wine using the traditional method. His acquisition was more than just a business deal; it was a commitment to proving that English terroir could produce wines of global prestige.
Nyetimber was already respected in specialist circles, but under his ownership, it grew from a promising producer to a household name. Heerema’s focus was clear: invest heavily in vineyard expansion, hire the best talent, and adopt uncompromising winemaking standards.
Building the Right Team
A decisive moment in Heerema’s leadership came when he appointed Canadian winemaker Cherie Spriggs and her husband, Brad Greatrix, in 2007. This duo brought both expertise and creativity to the cellar. Together with Heerema’s long-term vision, they elevated Nyetimber’s profile through meticulous attention to detail, precise vineyard management, and a philosophy rooted in quality over quantity.
Spriggs later received international recognition, including the title of “Sparkling Winemaker of the Year,” an accolade that highlighted not only her talent but also Heerema’s foresight in appointing her. By building a strong, skilled team, Heerema ensured that Nyetimber would consistently deliver wines capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best Champagnes.
Overcoming Scepticism
The early years were not easy. Critics questioned whether English wine could ever be taken seriously on the world stage. There were doubts about the climate, concerns about consistency, and hesitations over price. Heerema confronted this scepticism head-on, emphasising blind tastings, independent judging, and international competitions.
The results spoke louder than words. Nyetimber began to outperform famous Champagne houses in competitions, winning medals and high scores from respected critics. This success slowly transformed public opinion and helped establish English sparkling wine as a legitimate category rather than a novelty.
Expansion and Innovation
Under Heerema’s leadership, Nyetimber expanded its vineyard holdings significantly. By the mid-2020s, the estate farmed over four hundred hectares, making it one of the largest producers in the United Kingdom. Every decision was guided by the principle of estate ownership, meaning that Nyetimber used only grapes grown on its own land. This commitment ensured traceability, consistency, and a strong identity for the brand.
The estate specialises in the classic Champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Heerema insisted on traditional production methods such as extended lees ageing and slow bottle fermentation. While the techniques were rooted in heritage, the results were distinctly English, reflecting the crisp acidity and mineral character of the region’s soils.
International Recognition
Nyetimber’s success brought English sparkling wine into the global spotlight. Exports increased steadily, with bottles finding their way to fine dining restaurants and wine shops across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Eric Heerema’s presence on the international stage also grew. He gave interviews, attended tastings, and participated in conferences to promote not only his own estate but the broader English wine industry. His leadership style balanced confidence with humility: he promoted Nyetimber proudly while acknowledging that the industry’s rise was a collective achievement.
Vision Beyond Wine
Heerema’s ambitions did not stop at sparkling wine. In recent years, he turned his attention to the spirits sector, acquiring a respected English distillery to create synergies between two premium categories. This move reflects his broader vision of building a portfolio of luxury drinks that showcase the best of British craftsmanship.
By diversifying into spirits, Heerema positioned Nyetimber and its associated ventures as pioneers of a new chapter in British drinks culture. The acquisition reinforced the idea that English producers could compete at the very highest levels of global luxury.
Personal Philosophy
Eric Heerema is often described as private yet deeply committed. He does not seek the limelight for its own sake but instead uses his platform to highlight the achievements of his team and the wider industry. His philosophy is built on patience, precision, and long-term thinking.
He is known for emphasising quality at every stage of production, from the vineyard to the bottle. This insistence on excellence sometimes means higher costs and slower growth, but it ensures that every Nyetimber release strengthens the brand’s reputation.
Influence on English Wine Industry
Heerema’s role in shaping the modern English wine industry cannot be overstated. His investment and persistence proved that sparkling wine from England could earn global respect. As a result, he encouraged other producers to raise their standards, invest in vineyards, and pursue international recognition.
Today, English sparkling wine is considered one of the most exciting categories in the global drinks market. Many attribute this momentum to Heerema’s leadership, which showed that belief and ambition could overcome scepticism.
Legacy and Future
Looking ahead, Eric Heerema’s legacy seems secure. Nyetimber continues to thrive, with its wines poured at prestigious events and enjoyed by discerning drinkers worldwide. The expansion into spirits promises to open new opportunities and reinforce the estate’s image as a leader in innovation.
Yet, his true legacy may be even broader. By transforming perceptions of English sparkling wine, he altered the global wine map. England is no longer an outsider but a recognised contributor to fine wine culture.
Conclusion
Eric Heerema’s story is one of vision, courage, and resilience. From his early days in the Netherlands to his leadership of Nyetimber in West Sussex, he pursued a dream that many considered impossible. Through strategic acquisitions, careful team building, and uncompromising quality, he not only proved the critics wrong but also changed the trajectory of English wine.
In the decades to come, when historians of wine look back at the rise of English sparkling, Eric Heerema’s name will stand at the centre of the story. His determination reshaped an industry, and his influence will be felt for generations.
