Description
About Sugrue South Downs
Dermot Sugrue's passion for winemaking began at a young age. After studying Environmental Sciences and Viticulture, he worked in Bordeaux and later at Plumpton College. In 2009, he created his first vintage, "The Trouble With Dreams," at Storrington Priory vineyard.
However, after the challenging 2012 summer, Dermot sought additional fruit sources. He met Alice Renton, owner of Mount Harry vineyard, and began managing the site in 2013. The partnership led to the creation of Cuvée Dr Brendan O'Regan, praised by Hugh Johnson as "England's best."
Dermot continued to expand, leasing Coldharbour vineyard in 2022. This meticulously managed site has produced award-winning wines, including Best Rosé and Best Blanc de Blancs at the WineGB Awards.
In May 2023, Sugrue South Downs made history by purchasing Bee Tree vineyard, their first owned site. This small, warm vineyard near Wivelsfield Green is planted with Pinot Noir and offers a serene atmosphere. Next door, a former tractor barn has been converted into a state-of-the-art winery, situated on the site of John Saxby's original workshop.
Starting with just his dog Noodles, Dermot was later joined by his wife Ana, also a winemaker, and then in 2022, by the UK’s leading boutique hotelier, Robin Hutson OBE, Chairman of The Pig hotel group.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXda0Y5s7OQ
