Sugrue South Downs

This vineyard is open by appointment only. Contact them directly to arrange a visit.

Seasonal bookable tours only. Closed Sep–Oct for harvest. Check website for dates.

Opening hours can change for private events — it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Sugrue is focused first and foremost on the wines. It isn’t set up for casual drop-ins, but for considered, small-scale visits where attention is on winemaking rather than the wider visitor experience. If you’re interested in how the wines are made, and don’t need the extras, Sugrue offers an excellent introduction to one of England’s most serious producers.

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:
The core visit is a guided tour of Bee Tree Vineyard and the winery, followed by a tutored tasting of five wines - sparkling and still - with local cheese from High Weald Dairy and charcuterie from Beal's Farm. Sessions run on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11am and 2.30pm, last around two hours, and are priced from £55 per person. Group bookings for between 4 and 12 people can be arranged privately, with add-ons including prestige cuvées, library wines, and bespoke catering - enquire directly for larger parties or bespoke formats.

Availability is limited and dates vary, so advance planning is essential. Note that the vineyard closes for harvest and winemaking during September and October each year.

Special Events:
Sugrue occasionally hosts Sugrue Sundays - alfresco summer lunches featuring guest chefs. These are infrequent, ticketed events announced individually. Other events have included winemaker masterclasses and multi-course wine dinners at various venues. Sign up to the mailing list to hear when tickets go on sale.

Children and dogs:
The vineyard's events and tastings are not open to under-18s. Dogs are not permitted in the vineyard or the winery.

Accessibility:
If you have any mobility concerns, let the team know when booking and they will do their best to accommodate you.

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.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

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.