Leonardslee Family Vineyards: Award-Winning English Sparkling Wine in the Heart of Sussex
Discover Leonardslee Family Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, Leonardslee Family Vineyards is one of England's most exciting new wine estates, dedicated to producing world-class traditional method sparkling wines. Founded and owned by Penny Streeter OBE, the estate combines 200 years of horticultural heritage with South African winemaking expertise, drawing on knowledge from the family's sister estate, Benguela Cove, in the Western Cape. Located across two beautiful Sussex sites, Leonardslee offers visitors a complete wine country experience: cellar door tastings, guided vineyard tours, Michelin-starred dining, luxury accommodation, championship golf, and a vibrant calendar of seasonal events.
Whether you arrive to taste a flight of award-winning sparkling wines, enjoy a leisurely brunch overlooking the vines, or settle in for an overnight Michelin-starred escape at historic Leonardslee House, the estate invites you to slow down and savour the spirit of Sussex.
The Story Behind the Estate
The story of Leonardslee Family Vineyards is a modern-day Cinderella tale. Owner Penny Streeter OBE, once living in homeless accommodation, built an international business empire before falling in love with the historic Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in Sussex. In 2016, the Streeter family acquired the Grade I listed estate, undertaking what has been described as the largest garden renovation seen in Europe in the last 30 years.
Penny brought with her a wealth of winemaking experience from her South African estate, Benguela Cove, and decided to plant vineyards at Leonardslee, continuing the estate's two-century tradition of horticultural excellence. She recruited South African winemaker Johann Fourie, one of the country's most respected talents, and viticulturist Barry Anderson to lead the project. Together they have planted 15 hectares of vines in the chalky, cool-climate terroir of the Sussex High Weald, with the first Leonardslee wines released in 2024.
The estate's distinctive wine label, designed by local Sussex artist Will Parr, features a swallow symbolising Penny's migration between South Africa and England, surrounded by four smaller swallows representing her four children, a quiet reminder that this is, above all, a family venture.
The Vineyards and a Commitment to Sustainability
Leonardslee's vineyards are set within two remarkable locations: the Leonardslee Wine Estate near Mannings Heath and the surrounding Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Both sites are bordered by ancient oak forests, fishing ponds, and serene lakes, creating a biodiverse environment where vines thrive within a living landscape.
The estate has been awarded the prestigious Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Trade Mark, reflecting a deep commitment to regenerative viticulture. Cover cropping with more than 14 different plant varieties enriches the work rows, while minimal tillage preserves a healthy microbial community in the soil. Future plans include introducing Dolly sheep to reduce mechanisation and Runner ducks to manage pests naturally.
Sustainability is recognised throughout the wider estate too. The on-site Restaurant Interlude was awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2024 for its hyper-local, low-waste kitchen philosophy, sourcing ingredients from the estate's own gardens and woodlands. A Green Vineyard Audit Certificate further demonstrates the team's dedication to environmental responsibility.
The Wines
Leonardslee's signature collection focuses on three traditional method sparkling wines, all crafted from estate-grown fruit and aged on the lees for complexity and finesse. Each bottle reflects the chalky soils and cool climate of the Sussex High Weald.
Blanc de Blancs 2020
A pure expression of 100% Chardonnay, the Blanc de Blancs 2020 is crisp, mineral, and finely textured. Judges at the International Wine Challenge 2025 praised its "bright lemon attraction on nose and palate with a hint of cream. Great balance between freshness and fruit." The wine received 90 points at the IWC and an outstanding 94 points at the Decanter Vintage English Sparkling panel tasting, alongside 92 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards. RRP: £60.00.
Brut Reserve
The flagship Brut Reserve is a classic blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, with 20% fermented in French oak and 6% reserve wine included in the final blend. After 30 months on the lees, it emerges rich, bready and structured, yet beautifully balanced. Susie Barrie MW called it "really savoury, a rich, bready, hedonistic style that has lovely mouthwatering acidity." The 2021 vintage earned a Gold Medal at the WineGB Awards 2025, an impressive 95 points at Decanter, and 94 points at the IWC. RRP: £39.50.
Brut Rosé
The Brut Rosé is a delicate pale pink blend of 56% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier and a distinctive 10% Pinotage, a nod to the family's South African heritage and a rare find in English sparkling wine. Vibrant red fruit and wild strawberry notes combine with a gastronomic, slightly phenolic finish. Decanter awarded it 92 points, with the IWC giving it 90 points. RRP: £39.50.
Leonardslee Collection
The flagship gift box brings together the complete estate sparkling range, beautifully presented in a presentation case. The Leonardslee Collection is a popular choice for celebrations and gifting, priced at £136.00.
Catalina Sémillon
For collectors and enthusiasts seeking something rarer, the Catalina Sémillon from the sister estate Benguela Cove offers a still white wine experience at £100.00 per bottle.
Leonardslee Spirits and Pantry
Beyond sparkling wine, the estate distils its own gin and vodka in small batches and produces a curated pantry range inspired by the Leonardslee gardens.
Distilled Spirits
- Leonardslee Gin, a botanical London dry style, £34.00.
- Leonardslee Vodka, smooth and clean, £34.00.
- Leonardslee Botanical Garden Gin (100ml), a travel-sized pour, £9.50.
Pantry Favourites
- Leonardslee Honey Summer Blossom (250g), £5.99
- Leonardslee Strawberry Preserve, £5.99
- Leonardslee English Breakfast Marmalade, £5.99
- Leonardslee Butter Shortbread Tube (160g), £5.00
- Leonardslee Clotted Cream Fudge, £3.99
- Leonardslee Whole Bean Coffee (250g), £5.99
- Leonardslee Jam & Spread Trio Hamper, £12.00
- Leonardslee Luxury Biscuit Tin Set, £20.00
Lifestyle & Gifts
The Leonardslee shop also stocks a wide selection of lifestyle accessories, including a Leonardslee Gin Glass (£8.00), Floral Tea Towel (£4.99), Floral Scarf (£16.00), Notebook (£8.99) and Bamboo Travel Cup (£6.00). Gift vouchers for wine tastings, dining and overnight stays can also be purchased through the online shop.
Wine Experiences and Tastings
Leonardslee's cellar door programme is one of the most generous in England, offering everything from a quick walk-in flight to immersive multi-hour vineyard tours and overnight stays. Each experience is hosted by the in-house wine team and rooted in the estate's regenerative philosophy.
Drop-In Wine Flights
For visitors with limited time, the Sussex Sparkling Wine Flight offers a self-guided tasting of three of the estate's acclaimed sparkling wines, available daily from 11am at the Wine Estate Tasting Room. No booking is required, simply arrive, sip, and enjoy. Priced at £15 per person, it's the perfect introduction before a garden walk or long lunch.
Sparkling Wine Masterclass
Held in the Grand Drawing Room of the historic Leonardslee House, the Sparkling Wine Masterclass is a curated tasting of the estate's sparkling cuvées, hosted by in-house wine specialists. Lasting 45 minutes and priced at £35 per person, it explores traditional method winemaking, the Leonardslee vineyard philosophy, and the art of tasting.
English Sparkling Wine Tutored Tasting
Run Wednesday to Sunday at 11:00 and 17:00, this guided tasting introduces the full Leonardslee Sparkling collection, from the pure and refined Blanc de Blancs through the vibrant Brut Rosé to the bold, beautifully aged Brut Reserve. Booking is required.
Vineyard Tour & Tutored Tasting
Climb aboard a comfortable golf buggy for a guided tour of the rolling estate vineyards. This immersive 2 - 3 hour experience covers sustainable growing, harvesting and terroir, including behind-the-scenes access to areas not open to the public and a tutored tasting flight. Tours run Wednesday to Sunday at 12:00 and 15:00 in summer (12:00 in winter).
Brunch, Vineyard Buggy Tour & English Sparkling Tasting
A relaxed 2 - 3 hour package combining a leisurely brunch, guided buggy tour through the vines, and a tutored sparkling tasting. Ideal for weekend getaways.
Tutored Wine Tasting & Two-Course Dinner
Perfect for late afternoon bookings, this experience pairs a tutored tasting of the estate's signature cuvées with a sunset dinner, an ideal way to end a day in the Sussex countryside.
Guided Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
A classic pairing of vineyard walk and tutored tasting, ideal for groups and curious newcomers alike.
Sparkling Wine Masterclass and Michelin-Starred Dining
For a true day-long celebration, pair the Masterclass with lunch or dinner at Restaurant Interlude, the Michelin-starred, Green Michelin-starred restaurant located within Leonardslee House. Chef Jean Delport, a finalist on BBC's Great British Menu 2025, leads a multi-course tasting menu inspired by the estate's gardens, woodlands and kitchen gardens. The full Sparkling Wine Masterclass and Gourmet Dining package can be reserved online or purchased as a gift voucher.
The Ultimate Leonardslee Experience
The Ultimate Leonardslee Experience is the estate's flagship package: a one-night stay for two at Leonardslee House, a tasting menu dinner for two at Restaurant Interlude, breakfast, and optional early arrival to explore the gardens, including rare after-hours access. Bespoke pricing is available on enquiry, with customisable gift vouchers for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Dining at the Estate
The Vineyard Kitchen
At the heart of Leonardslee Wine Estate sits The Vineyard Kitchen, a relaxed, farm-to-table restaurant celebrating the finest ingredients from Horsham, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and Surrey. The seasonal dining menu offers two courses for £30 per person or three courses for £36.50 per person, served Wednesday to Saturday from 17:00 with the last table at 19:30. Brunch is available daily from 08:30, Sunday Roasts are served every Sunday lunch, and a beautifully presented Afternoon Tea is offered Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00 - 14:30. The restaurant also hosts live music from Jason & Faye Knight on the first Friday of each month.
The Spike Bar
For a lighter bite, The Spike Bar offers a casual selection of sandwiches, savoury pies and sweet treats, with afternoon tea available by pre-booking. Walk-ins are welcome daily.
Restaurant Interlude
Tucked inside the historic Leonardslee House, Restaurant Interlude is the estate's fine-dining jewel. Awarded both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, and recently named Best Restaurant with Rooms of the Year in England 2025 - 2026, Interlude's tasting menu is shaped by what grows in the surrounding gardens and woodlands. Lunch and dinner are available on select days, with advance booking essential. Reservations can be made via the Interlude website.
The Clocktower Café & Courtyard
Located within the gardens, the Clocktower Café serves locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, seasonal lunches, and Leonardslee sparkling wine by the glass, ideal for a light bite between garden explorations.
Stay in Style: Two Hotels, One Estate
Leonardslee House
The Grade II-listed Leonardslee House offers 10 ultra-luxurious rooms, each individually styled with elegant modern touches and timeless heritage features. Set within 240 acres of lakes and woodlands, it is just steps from Restaurant Interlude, making it perfect for romantic getaways, special occasions and Michelin-starred culinary escapes.
The Vineyard Hotel
Across the road, nestled in the woodlands of the Wine Estate, The Vineyard Hotel is a boutique 9-bedroom retreat overlooking the surrounding vineyards. Each room offers bespoke furnishings and en-suite bathrooms, with electric vehicle charging now available on site. A self-catering cottage sleeping eight is also offered for families and groups.
Mannings Heath Golf Club & Wellness
The estate is home to Mannings Heath Golf Club, the UK's first Golf and Wine Estate. Two exceptional courses, the 18-hole Waterfall Course and the 9-hole Kingfisher Course, are set against the rolling Sussex countryside, alongside a tennis court, driving range and golf academy.
Art and Sculpture in the Gardens
Beyond wine, food and gardens, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is also a living gallery. The estate is currently in the final months of showcasing the monumental works of South African sculptor Anton Smit, including the iconic 7-metre Faith sculpture standing beside Leonardslee House. In partnership with the Surrey Sculpture Society, a dynamic programme of British sculpture runs throughout the gardens, with all pieces available for purchase.
Weddings and Private Events
Leonardslee offers two enchanting wedding venues, each with its own character. The 17th-century Leonardslee Wine Estate, home to the Latilla Campbell Suite, can host up to 110 seated guests and 150 for evening receptions. Winter wedding packages for December 2026 start from £120. The estate was a finalist at the Wedding Industry Awards 2026 and a regional finalist at the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026, with over 50 five-star reviews on Hitched.
Leonardslee House offers an intimate wedding-weekend setting with ten boutique ensuite rooms, Michelin-starred dining, and Italianate gardens that are perfect for romantic ceremonies. For corporate meetings, private dining and team-building days, the Venue Hire brochure can be downloaded as a PDF, with rooms accommodating 12 to 100 delegates.
Events Calendar 2026
Leonardslee runs one of the most exciting year-round event programmes in Sussex. Highlights from the What's On calendar include:
- Clutch Tour 2026 at Mannings Heath Golf Club - 10 - 14 August 2026, 07:00 daily.
- Evening Amongst the Vines - 14 August & 11 September 2026, 18:00 arrival.
- Casks & Vines: An Evening With Ole Bison Bourbon - 21 August 2026, 18:00 arrival.
- Summer Wine and Dine at the Vineyard Kitchen - 27 August 2026, 18:30 - 21:00.
- Murder Mystery at Leonardslee Wine Estate - 31 October 2026, 18:00 - 21:30.
- Fireworks Night - 5 & 6 November 2026, 17:00 - 21:00.
- Chef's Seasonal Showcase 2026 - 13 November 2026, 18:30.
- Winter Wine & Dine - 21 November 2026, 13:00 - 16:30.
- Christmas Party Nights - 4, 5, 11 & 12 December 2026.
- Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa - 19 & 20 December 2026, 12:00 - 15:00.
- New Year's Eve at Leonardslee Wine Estate - 31 December 2026, from 19:00.
Awards and Recognition
Since releasing its first wines in 2024, Leonardslee has rapidly earned its place on the global wine stage. In 2025, the estate debuted at No. 56 in the World's Best Vineyards and collected accolades across multiple competitions:
- WineGB Awards 2025 - Gold Medal for the 2021 Brut Reserve.
- Decanter Vintage English Sparkling Panel Tasting (July 2025) - 95 points (Brut Reserve 2021), 94 points (Blanc de Blancs 2020), 92 points (Brut Rosé 2021).
- Decanter World Wine Awards 2025 - 92 points (Blanc de Blancs 2020), 90 points (Brut Rosé 2021).
- International Wine Challenge 2025 - 94 points (Brut Reserve 2021), 90 points each (Blanc de Blancs 2020, Brut Rosé 2021).
- Restaurant Interlude - Michelin Star, Michelin Green Star, and Best Restaurant with Rooms of the Year in England 2025 - 2026.
- Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Trade Mark awarded to the estate.
- Finalist at the Wedding Industry Awards 2026 and regional finalist at the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026.
Plan Your Visit
Leonardslee Wine Estate is open Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00, and is located at Hammerpond Road, Mannings Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PG. The estate is just a short drive from Brighton and London, with Gatwick Airport nearby. A second venue, Leonardslee House, sits at Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP.
For bookings, enquiries, and gift vouchers, contact the team on 0330 1235 891 or email info@leonardslee.co.uk. Media enquiries should be directed to press@leonardsleegardens.co.uk. The full range of wines, pantry items and gifts is available through the Leonardslee online shop, and the estate is active on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Whether you arrive for a single glass of Sussex, a long weekend at Leonardslee House, or to mark life's milestones among the vines, Leonardslee Family Vineyards is a place where heritage, hospitality and quiet luxury meet, a true celebration of modern English wine.