The upcoming streets
It's been nearly eight years since the pioneering Streeter family – owners of one of South Africa's most profitable wine estates, Benguela Cove Lake in Walker Bay – put down roots in Sussex, and in that time they've seen several firsts.
Zimbabwean-born Penny Streeter and her son Adam created England’s first golf and wine estate when they planted 37 acres of vines at Mannings Heath Golf Club, near Horsham, in 2017. A year later, they were responsible for the UK’s first Pinotage vineyard when, as part of their reimagining of Leonardsley Lakes and Gardens, they placed the vines outside the historic house.
Working with their family and team of experts, their work to develop these two Sussex properties into a South African-style wine destination has been fast and transformative. Not only have they breathed new life into the 240-acre Leonardsley estate, they have also renovated the Grade II listed house – built by William Egerton Hubbard in 1852 – with a 10-bedroom boutique and fine dining restaurant, Interlude, which achieved Michelin star status within a year of opening and, earlier this year, achieved Green Star status and was voted one of the UK’s top 100 restaurants.
Three miles down the road in Mannings Heath, visitors can play golf, tour the vineyards on golf carts and stay at the recently opened Vineyard Hotel.
This summer the Streeters celebrated another milestone with the launch of their first English sparkling wine.
“This has been a huge project and a project of love since the family first purchased the property in 2016 with the goal of creating a vineyard destination that celebrates wine, nature, food, art and design,” says Penny. “To finally be able to taste and share our English sparkling wine with the public and those who have supported us on our journey is truly special.”
Produced under the supervision of winemaker Johan Faure, the wines include a Blanc de Blancs from the 2020 harvest and a Brut and Rosé from 2021, the latter the first English sparkling wine to be made with Pinotage in the blend. Each bottle features a migratory swallow label, which often ends its long journey from Africa in Sussex, just like Penny, who travels between her home and the vineyards in South Africa and her English sparkling wine estate.
3 Wines for Afternoon Tea Week (12th-18th August)
Leonardsley Brut Reserve 2021, £45
Crisp green and red apple flavours with a soft layer of berries and sweet notes of brioche and almonds on the nose, beautifully complemented by a smooth creaminess on the palate. This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is a wonderfully versatile blend with qualities that will suit all aspects of afternoon tea. leonardslee.co.uk
Henri Blanc de Blanc 2018, £39.99
A refreshing and robust 100% Chardonnay with rich flavours of baked apples, pastries and tangerine peel. This wine pairs well with creamy elements of afternoon tea, such as egg mayonnaise sandwiches or buttery pastries – the acidity softens the richness and makes it lighter in flavour. virginwines.co.uk
Ostbrook Sparkling Rosé 2015, £38
With over five years of fermentation, this Pinot Noir-dominant blend has a bold, vibrant flavour, with berry notes giving way to tart cherry and spice notes that will pair well with rich, savory elements of afternoon tea, like chicken liver parfait, or robust desserts like Black Forest cake. oastbrook.com
Many paths
Great British Wine Tours has teamed up with Horsham District Council to launch six tours focusing on wine and cultural experiences in the Horsham area.
In the East, the Explore Wealden Wine Trail is a new partnership between Wealden District Council and 12 vineyards in East Sussex including Beacon Down in Heathfield, Coes Farm near Rotherfield, Henners and The Secret Vineyard in Herstmonceux, Hidden Spring in Horam, Rathfinny in Alfriston and Wildwood in Eridge.
