Vine Culture
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Sugrue South Downs

Sugrue South Downs

A Sussex producer of sparkling and still wines, whose working winery at Bee Tree Vineyard near Wivelsfield Green opens for booked tours and tastings.

Sugrue South Downs grew out of a small vineyard at Storrington Priory, at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex. Father Paul McMahon asked Dermot Sugrue to plant and look after vines for the priests, and Sugrue agreed in return for a share of the grapes. The vines went in in 2006. Birds ate the whole crop before a 2008 vintage could be made, and Father McMahon's remark on it, "That's the trouble with dreams", became the name of the first wine. The Trouble With Dreams, from the 2009 vintage, went on sale in 2013.

Cellar door tastings

By appointment onlyBook online(opens in a new tab)Book direct

Walk-in tastings are not available. The tutored tasting of at least five wines, sparkling and still, is held in the tasting room of the working winery with a guided tour of Bee Tree Vineyard and the winery, for up to eight guests. Private tastings for four to twelve are arranged by enquiry.

Amenities

Ratings & awards

Not yet rated11 awards

Address

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

Getting there

The entrance gates, marked Golf Course Farm, open automatically on approach. The winery is at the very end of the track, past a livery stable and horse boxes, and the track is shared with a bridleway used by walkers and riders. Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield stations are 10–15 minutes away by taxi.

Nearest station: Plumpton · 2.2 mi

Nearest major station: Burgess Hill · 2.5 mi

Opening hours

Hours not available or by appointment only

Winery opening hours often vary, so it is always worth checking ahead if you are planning a visit.

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