Sugrue South Downs Limited

Home to a legendary winemaker, whose influence has extended far beyond the boundaries of this esteemed vineyard.

https://www.sugruesouthdowns.com/

BEE TREE VINEYARD, SOUTH ROAD, HAYWARDS HEATH, West Sussex, RH17 7QS Get directions

Nearest station: Plumpton (2.3 miles).

Online shop

Winery on site

Award-winning

Organic or sustainable

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Sugrue South Downs offers an exclusive and intimate experience, a true passion project from artisan winemakers. Expect to discover world-class English sparkling wines, crafted with precision and care, in a serene vineyard setting known for its exceptional quality.

Visiting information

Sugrue South Downs is not a drop-in vineyard; all visits are strictly by appointment only and must be booked in advance.Tours & Tastings:
Winemaker Tastings: Available monthly on the last Friday.
Private Tours & Tastings: Offered on weekdays for groups of 4-12 people.
Events:
Sugrue Sundays: Alfresco summer lunches featuring top UK chefs are occasionally hosted.
Children & Dogs:
The vineyard is both dog and family friendly.

The Wine

Sugrue South Downs is renowned for its award-winning English sparkling wines, crafted primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Their signature sparkling wine, 'The Trouble with Dreams', is released alongside other acclaimed labels such as Cuvée Boz Blanc de Blancs, ZODO (zero dosage), Rosé Ex Machina, and Cuvée Dr. Brendan O'Regan. They also produce still wines, including a still Chardonnay called Salt Éire.

The wines have received significant critical acclaim. 'The Trouble With Dreams' 2009 in magnum achieved the prestigious 'Best in Show' at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, marking a historic first for an English sparkling wine in this category. In 2023, Sugrue South Downs secured a hattrick at the WineGB awards, winning Best Blanc de Blancs for Cuvée Boz Coldharbour Single Vineyard 2015, Best NV/MV Classic Cuvée for Cuvée Dr Brendan O'Regan MV, and being named Best Boutique Producer for the second consecutive year. They also won the Boutique Producer of the Year award by WineGB in 2020 and 2021.

The vineyard practices sustainable viticulture, emphasising respect for the soil. They work organically at a soil level, utilising mechanical cultivation for weed control, and maintain minimal treatments without the use of herbicides. This commitment to sustainability aims to improve vine resilience and disease resistance.

Sugrue South Downs operates its own winery at Bee Tree Vineyard, acquired in May 2023. Here, wines are fermented in both stainless steel tanks and large, old oak barrels (500 and 600-litre 'Demi-Muids'), contributing to their complexity. Wines are typically aged for 5 to 10 years before release, spending four to six years on lees and a minimum of six months on cork.

Getting here

Address: Bee Tree Vineyard, South Road, Wivelsfield Green, RH17 7QS

By Car: Easily accessible by car, with the vineyard located in Wivelsfield Green.

By Public Transport:
Nearest train station: Wivelsfield (approximately 5-7 minutes by taxi or 30-40 minutes walk).

What's nearby

Here are some notable attractions, restaurants, and hotels to explore in the vicinity of Sugrue South Downs:

Other Vineyards:
Wiston Estate
Nyetimber

Notable Restaurants:
The Pig in the South Downs: Known for its kitchen garden restaurant and focus on local produce, located in Madehurst.
Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa: Features a Michelin-starred restaurant offering fine dining in a beautiful setting in Cuckfield.

Notable Hotels:
The Pig in the South Downs: A popular boutique hotel offering a unique countryside stay with a strong emphasis on food.
The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa: A historic coaching inn in Midhurst providing luxurious accommodation and spa facilities.

Notable Attractions:
Arundel Castle: A restored medieval castle and stately home set in magnificent grounds, open to visitors.
Borde Hill Garden: A stunning 17-acre garden with diverse collections of trees and shrubs, located near Haywards Heath.