In 2006, the renowned winemaker Dermot Sugrue planted a small vineyard at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex, naming it Storrington Priory Vineyard. Seven years later, the 2009 vintage 'The Trouble with Dreams' was released and quickly gained critical acclaim. The exceptional quality of the following two vintages earned Sugrue South Downs a devoted following, which continues to grow.

Dermot started his journey with just his dog, Noodles. Later, his wife Ana, also a winemaker, joined him, and in 2022, the UK's leading boutique hotelier, Robin Hutson OBE, Chairman of The Pig hotel group, became part of their story.

As a young man, Dermot was passionate about music, cycling, and, unusually for someone his age, winemaking. His obsession with producing alcohol began at 15, first making beer and then moving on to wine, which became his lifelong passion.

After earning a degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia and completing vintages in Bordeaux, Dermot moved to Sussex to study Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College. His dedication to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was unwavering. In 2000, Dermot’s experience in Bordeaux, at Chateau l’Eglise-Clinet in Pomerol and Chateau Leoville-Barton in St Julien, profoundly impacted him. Returning to the UK, he helped establish a new winery in East Anglia. Instead of heading to Adelaide as planned, he joined Nyetimber Vineyard as Assistant Winemaker and soon became Head Winemaker, overseeing Nyetimber’s rise as one of the world’s top sparkling wine producers.

In 2005, Dermot met Harry and Pip Goring of Wiston Estate, whose vision of a vineyard on their land resonated with him. Inspired by the chalky soils reminiscent of Champagne, Dermot planted vineyards at both Wiston Estate and Storrington Priory in 2006. He resigned from Nyetimber to focus on these new projects, including a stint in Champagne with Jacquinot & Fils, the family domaine of his mentor, Jean-Manuel Jacquinot.

The newly planted vines on Wiston’s south-facing chalk soils became one of the most awarded vineyards in the UK. Dermot crafted the first 12 vintages of ‘The Trouble With Dreams’ here, along with hundreds of other sparkling wines for various vineyards.

The first three vintages of 'The Trouble With Dreams' (2009-2011) confirmed the exceptional quality of Storrington Priory Vineyard. The unique geology of the vineyard, with sand and clay over sandstone running east-west and deep clay over chalk running north-south, produced balanced, round wines. However, the poor summer of 2012 prompted Dermot to seek additional fruit sources.

In 2013, Dermot met Alice Renton, who had planted Mount Harry Vineyard in East Sussex. Recognizing its potential, Dermot took over management and produced the first successful harvest that year. This collaboration led to the creation of the acclaimed Cuvee Dr Brendan O'Regan and ZODOwines.

In 2021, Ana joined Dermot full-time, maturing Sugrue South Downs into a more robust operation. With ten vintages at Mount Harry and fourteen at Storrington, they leased Coldharbour Vineyard in 2022. This meticulously managed 7.35-hectare site in West Sussex quickly became their second "Grand Cru," with Dermot’s wines winning multiple awards.

Looking Ahead

In May 2023, Sugrue South Downs purchased Bee Tree Vineyard near Wivelsfield Green in East Sussex. Planted in 2015, this warm, wind-protected site, comprising mostly Pinot Noir, offers an idyllic setting for their new winery. The serene location, filled with birdsong, promises exciting future vintages. We are lucky enough to get hold of a couple of their new releases from this idyllic location.

Bee Tree Vineyard Pinot Meunier Rosé 2019 - Made entirely from the Pinot Meunier variety, this sparkling rose delivers abundant peach, rosehip and red berry aromas with a delightful hint of stony minerals. Excellent balance on the palate, with persistent fine bead and a long dry finish. 

Bee Tree Vineyard Blanc de Noirs 2021 - Blending of Pinot Noir and Meunier, this is a rounded and fruity sparkling wine with attractive rosehip and wild strawberry aromas and a long dry finish. Its superior depth and body make a gorgeous pairing with tuna tataki or chicken liver pate.

The journey of Storrington Priory Vineyard and Sugrue South Downs is a testament to Dermot Sugrue’s passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking. As they continue to grow and innovate, their story remains an inspiring example of what can be achieved with vision and hard work.