Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville invests in South Downs winery

Bonneville is one of three new investors in Sugrue South Downs with two former hoteliers also joining the team.

The investment comes as the winery looks to cement its place as one of the most renowned producers of English sparkling wine, with Robin Hutson and Paul Chittick also coming on board.

Hugh, who also starred in Paddington and Notting Hill, said: "Robin introduced me to Sugrue South Downs a few years ago and The Trouble With Dreams instantly became my favourite sparkling wine.

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“It's thrilling to have wines of such superb quality being made in the South Downs by experts like Dermot and Ana [Sugrue, who run the winery]. I'm delighted to be involved in this award-winning company, which is going from strength-to-strength."

The family-owned winery, run by Dermot and Ana Sugrue, was first set up in 2006 and is in Bee Tree Vineyard between Haywards Heath and Lewes.

The winery is preparing for its next harvest with a set of large old oak barrels which will be used to produce the wine.

The winery’s premier wine, The Trouble With Dreams, won WineGB awards in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

Investment from Hugh Bonneville comes alongside Robin Hutson and Paul Chittick of The Pig Hotel in Arundel.

Robin, now chairman of Sugrue South Downs, 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.”

Peter Chittick added: “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.”

The winery has also launched its new website as part of the continued investment.

The changes come as owners Dermot and Ana adapt to new parenthood having just had their eight-week-old son, Ronan.