Christian Holthausen takes on the role of marketing & communications manager at the Sussex-based winery.

His remit is to drive the marketing and public relations campaign for the brand.

Eric Heerema, CEO of Nyetimber, who bought the winery in 2006 said: “Christian brings with him a wealth of knowledge and we are delighted that he shares our belief that we create wines of a Grande Marque standard.

“The creation of this new role is consistent with our strategy to continue to build an outstanding team and expand Nyetimber’s recognition for quality in the UK and abroad.”

Nyetimber accolades include: three times winner of the “best worldwide sparkling wine’ at the IWSC as well as ‘Champion of the Worldwide Sparkling Wines 2009' at the Bollicine del Mondo in Italy for its 2003 Classic Cuvée.

Nyetimber grows the champagne grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier at its vineyards on the South Downs in Sussex – a region that is said to share the same chalk seam as Champagne.