Streets ahead

It’s been almost eight years since the pioneering Streeter family – owners of one of South Africa’s most profitable wine estates, Benguela Cove Lagoon in Walker Bay – put down roots in Sussex, and during that time they’ve experienced many firsts.

Zimbabwe-born Penny Streeter OBE, and her son, Adam, set up 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 re-imagination of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, they laid down vines outside the historic house.

Together with their family and team of experts, their work to develop these two Sussex venues into a South African-style wine destination experience has been quick and transformative. Not only have they breathed new life into the 240-acre estate at Leonardslee, they’ve renovated the Grade II Listed house – built by William Egerton Hubbard in 1852 – with 10 boutique bedrooms and fine dining restaurant, Interlude, which achieved a Michelin star within a year of opening and, earlier this year, achieved green-star status and was voted in the UK’s top 100 restaurants.

Three miles down the road at Mannings Heath, visitors can play golf, tour the vineyard on golf buggies and stay in the recently opened Vineyard Hotel.

This summer, the Streeters celebrated yet another milestone with the launch of their first English sparkling wines.

‘This has been an immense undertaking and a project of love since the family first purchased the estate in 2016 with the vision of creating a vineyard destination that celebrates wine, nature, food, arts and design,’ says Penny. “To finally be able to taste our English sparkling wines and share them with the public and those who have supported us on our journey is really special.’

Produced under the watchful eye of winemaker Johann Fourie, the wines include a Blanc de Blancs from the 2020 vintage and a Brut and Rosé from 2021, the latter is the first English sparkling wine to be made with Pinotage in the blend. Each bottle label features the migratory barn swallow, which often ends its long journey from Africa in Sussex, much like Penny, who journeys between her home and vineyards in South Africa and her English sparkling wine estate.

3 wines for Afternoon Tea Week (August 12 to 18)

Leonardslee Brut Reserve 2021, £45

Crisp green and red apple notes with a soft layer of berry and sweet hints of brioche and almonds on the nose, rounded off nicely with a soft creaminess in the mouth. This blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is a lovely allrounder with qualities that will match all aspects of an afternoon tea. leonardslee.co.uk

Henners Blanc de Blanc 2018, £39.99

A refreshingly crisp 100 per cent sparkling Chardonnay with rich flavours of baked apples, pastry and tangerine zest. This pairs well with the creamier elements of an afternoon tea, such as egg mayonnaise sandwiches or buttery pastries – the acidity will cut through the richness and make it taste lighter. virginwines.co.uk

Oastbrook Sparkling Rosé 2015, £38

An explosion of blackberries, cherries and strawberries and beautifully buttery brioche aromas thanks to over five years on the lees, this Pinot Noir dominant blend is bold and bubbly. More berry flavours on the palate give way to sour cherry and spice that will pair well with rich savoury elements of an afternoon tea, such as chicken liver parfait, or intense desserts like Black Forest gateau. oastbrook.com

Trails a plenty

Great British Wine Tours has teamed up with Horsham District Council to launch six tour itineraries focused on wine and cultural experiences in the Horsham District.

In the East, Explore Wealden Wine Trail is a new partnership between Wealden District Council and 12 East Sussex vineyards 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.