Sugrue South Downs

Sugrue South Downs is not a drop-in vineyard. All visits are by appointment only and must be booked in advance.

Vineyard Tours & Wine Tastings:

Sugrue offers a small number of structured experiences:

• Winemaker Tastings – typically held monthly, often on the last Friday
• Private Tours & Tastings – available on weekdays for small groups (approximately 4–12 people)

Availability is limited and dates vary, so advance planning is essential.

Special Events:

Sugrue occasionally hosts Sugrue Sundays — alfresco summer lunches featuring guest chefs. These are infrequent, ticketed events announced individually.

Sugrue South Downs produces both traditional-method English sparkling wines and a small number of still wines. Sparkling wines are made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, while still production includes a still Chardonnay alongside other limited releases.

The flagship sparkling wine, The Trouble With Dreams, sits alongside cuvées such as Cuvée Boz Blanc de Blancs, ZODO (zero dosage), Rosé Ex Machina, and Cuvée Dr Brendan O’Regan. The wines are known for extended ageing, often spending many years on lees before release, which gives them a more structured, savoury profile than many younger English sparklers.

By car

Sugrue South Downs operates from Bee Tree Vineyard, South Road, Wivelsfield Green, West Sussex, RH17 7QS. Access is arranged as part of a booked visit.

By public transport

The nearest station is Wivelsfield. From the station, the vineyard is around a 5–10 minute taxi ride or a longer walk. Taxis should be booked in advance when attending tastings or events.

There’s plenty to explore around Sugrue, from other leading South Downs vineyards to gardens, country house hotels, and good food within a short drive.

Nearby vineyards

• Wiston Estate – A well-established estate with tours, tastings, and a restaurant.
• Nyetimber – A landmark English sparkling producer, open only on ticketed event days.

Restaurants

• The Pig in the South Downs – Kitchen-garden-led cooking in a relaxed country setting.
• Ockenden Manor – Michelin-starred dining in a historic manor house.

Hotels

• The Pig in the South Downs – A popular boutique stay with food at its core.
• The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa – A historic coaching inn with spa facilities in Midhurst.

Attractions

• Arundel Castle – A restored medieval castle with extensive grounds.
• Borde Hill Garden – A well-regarded garden near Haywards Heath.

Sugrue operates its own winery at Bee Tree Vineyard, giving full control over fermentation, ageing, and release timing. Wines are fermented in a mix of stainless steel and large, old oak barrels, and are deliberately aged for longer than the English average before release.

This slow-release approach applies to both sparkling and still wines. The emphasis is on structure, balance, and longevity rather than early accessibility, which helps explain why Sugrue’s wines are often discussed in the context of ageing potential rather than immediate impact.