At Lime Wood, we’ve always believed that the best moments are spent savouring great food and raising a glass of something truly special. That's why we’re beyond excited to share our new partnership with Sugrue South Downs – the boutique producer of English sparkling and still wines from our friends Dermot and Ana Sugrue.
Founded in 2006, Sugrue South Downs is rooted in the creation of exceptional wines from East and West Sussex. The first release of The Trouble with Dreams from the 2009 vintage cemented Dermot’s reputation as one of England’s finest winemakers and now, alongside his wife Ana and our very own Chairman Robin, he is redefining the world of English wine.
We’ve always championed home-grown grapes, and with Dermot and Ana's award-winning wines, we’re proud to continue supporting the incredible talent emerging from our very own soil. From their vibrant fizz to brand-new still white, you will find Sugrue South Downs on our wine list and as our exclusive English Sparkling house pour.
We’ll be cracking open a cellarful of Sugrue South Downs bottles this weekend – so head to Lime Wood to raise a glass with us!
We sat down with Dermot and Ana, wine makers of Sugrue, to learn a thing or two about wine making in Sussex and why English wine is just so great…
Where did your love of English wine stem from?
As a young man growing up in Ireland, I was compelled by music, cycling and, unlike most adolescents my age, a burning desire to produce booze. After a degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia and a couple of vintages working in Bordeaux, I moved to Sussex to study Viticulture and Oenology at Plumpton College, and decided to fatally dedicate myself to growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in England. It's been a passionate twenty-year love affair.
Tell us about why Lime Wood and Sugrue South Downs are a match made in wine heaven.
Lime Wood and the beautiful hotel surroundings are the perfect backdrop to opening a special bottle (or two) with friends and family. Every time we visit, we are staggered by the enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise of the team who make the enjoyment of drinking even more of a pleasure than it already is: wines just taste better at Lime Wood.
Why is English wine so great?
England is at the northernmost latitude where viticulture is possible and there is something so hopelessly romantic, and, at times, nerve-wracking about making wines 'on the edge'. But out of struggle, as the saying goes, comes success. When it all comes together, English wine can offer a balance of perfect fruit and soaring acidity, and the ability to age, quite unlike any other.
Describe having a glass of The Trouble with Dreams in 3 words.
Precision, minerality, poise.
We’ve got to ask… where did the name Bonkers Zombie Robot Alien Monsters from the Future Ate My Brain (Sur Lie) come from?
Bonkers began as an embryo of an idea in the perfect 2022 vintage and grew from there. Despite the faintly ludicrous name, it's a serious wine – and a methodically crafted one at that. A blend of two excellent vintages – 2022 and 2023 – aged partially in new American oak and in large, old French barrels, Bonkers represents our unique take on English still Chardonnay... with a drop of Irish humour.
What’s on the agenda for the Sugrue family this Spring?
Spring is a busy time in the vineyards for us with new growth and the risks of spring frosts to contend with. Ana and I are thrilled to soon be hosting small groups of tastings by appointment, so we'll have our hands full welcoming our first visitors from next month. And we'll be launching our very first still rosé in April – just in time for the sun to come out.
And finally…
Robin, our Chairman at Lime Wood Group (also a big wine enthusiast at heart!) and Investor Director at Sugrue shares why he is such a supporter of English still and sparkling wine.
“It is great to see Sugrue South Downs at Lime Wood – these artisanal wines perfectly complement our ethos of offering genuine and authentic hospitality whilst celebrating craftsmanship and indulgence. Both Lime Wood and Sugrue South Downs are deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Dermot’s eco-conscious winemaking aligns perfectly with Lime Wood’s dedication to sourcing locally and where possible reducing environmental impact.”
To keep up to date with news, tastings, and exclusive offers from Sugrue South Downs, sign up here - always a fascinating read. Also, keep your eyes peeled for exclusive winemaker events at Lime Wood and an exciting competition to come!
Our Head of Fitness, Justin shares an insight into functional breathwork and why it is so important. Not just a wellness fad, functional breathwork has so many benefits, from improving overall physical health, improving sleep quality and helping to manage stress and anxiety to name a few.
With the most wonderful time of the year fast approaching, it’s time to start Christmas shopping! We know how tricky it can be to find the perfect pressie for your loved ones so whether you are looking for stocking fillers, festive treats, the one who loves self-care or the one who has everything, look no further!
These little beauties are so delicious and extremely easy to make. Great for an on-the-go breakfast or mid-morning snack – releasing energy slowly to keep you going until lunchtime. They will keep in the fridge for a week, but we doubt they’ll last more than a couple of days!
