New investors, winery, website – and baby!

There’s much going on at Sugrue South Downs …

Three new investors are now on board, all long-time supporters of Dermot’s trophy winning wines. First up, as announced earlier in the year, is Robin Hutson, Chairman of The Pigs and now Chairman of Sugrue South Downs. Secondly Peter Chittick, previous director of Hotel du Vin, The Pig and owner of Hotel Crillon Le Brave in Provence, France. And making up the trio is Patron of the South Downs National Park Trust and actor, Hugh Bonneville.

Of Sugrue South Downs Robin has said, “it’s very exciting to be involved in Dermot and Ana’s world of English wine and to help them develop their business. The demand for excellent English wines is only going to increase and now the Sugrues are in a very strong position to build on their considerable reputation for producing some of the very best and satisfy the growing demand from Sugrue collectors and enthusiasts”. Adds Peter Chittick, “People are the key to any successful business. Dermot and Ana have built a loyal and talented team at Sugrue South Downs and through their years of experience in the exciting world of English wines, they know just what it takes to be a winner.”

Hugh Bonneville said, “Robin introduced me to Sugrue South Downs a few years ago and The Trouble With Dreams instantly became my favourite sparkling wine. It’s thrilling to have wines of such superb quality being made in the South Downs by experts like Dermot and Ana. I’m delighted to be involved in this award-winning company, which is going from strength-to-strength.”

The investment has enabled Dermot and Ana Sugrue to fast-track their winery vision at Bee Tree Vineyard, located between Haywards Heath and Lewes in East Sussex.  The winery is now filled with pristine stainless steel fermentation tanks and over 50 large old oak barrels – rare 600-litre ‘Demi-Muids’ that are unique to Sugrue – which are all primed to receive what looks like a plentiful and quality 2023 harvest.  

Sugrue South Downs’ new website has also launched today which offers additional features including the Sugrues’ backstory, their winemaking journey, a new gallery of images and easy online purchasing experience.

And last but by no means least, baby Ronan (Ronnie) Sugrue, who is a mere 8 weeks old and has already spent countless hours in the Bee Tree Vineyard barn which he’ll soon start to appreciate is a home-from-home. With Dermot and Ana’s precious baby and beloved greyhound-cross, Tara, this family-run wine business, embedded in the rolling countryside (and vineyards) of Sussex, is one that holds a bright and exciting future.