Meet the Producers
The Streeter Family
Leonardslee Family Vineyards, West Sussex
The Streeter family’s journey in wine began when entrepreneur Penny Streeter acquired the 200-hectare coastal wine estate, Benguela Cove, located in Hermanus, South Africa, in 2016. In 2017, she expanded her vision by acquiring Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex and Mannings Heath Golf Club. Her goal was to create a South African-style cellar door experience for Benguela Cove in the UK. Penny’s son Adam is based in Sussex at Leonardslee and oversees the whole estate.
In 2017, the first vineyards were planted at Leonardslee, and by 2018, a total of 38 acres of sparkling wine varietals were established, including England’s first Pinotage planting. Leonardslee is renowned for its Grade 1 listed gardens and magnificent rhododendrons. Streeter believed that if the soils could produce such stunning flowers, they could certainly produce exceptional grapes.
In June 2024, the family released its maiden vintages: Blanc to Blanc 2020, a Brut Reserve 2021, and a Brut Rosé 2021. These wines showcase a sense of place, with all grapes grown on the Leonardslee estates. The Leonardslee Family Wines label, designed by a local Sussex designer, features a swallow to signify the Streeter family’s journey between South Africa and England. The four smaller swallows on the label represent Penny’s four children.
The estate is open for tastings daily and offers two boutique hotels, golf, gardens and several restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Interlude.
PENNY: I wanted to create a South African-style wine destination experience in the UK – a lovely venue with wine tours and tastings and fun events. With Adam managing the Leonardslee estate, we have achieved it. He has set up a great programme of concerts, illuminations and more and has to manage all the details. Being separated by 6,000 miles during lockdown – with me in Cape Town and Adam based at Leonardslee – has had its challenges. It’s been good for his decision-making abilities!
ADAM: She is an amazing entrepreneur and it’s been an incredible experience sharing her journey over the last four years – acquiring the two estates and creating two outstanding hospitality venues and vineyards. Whilst we are in touch constantly, the running of the estate is my responsibility and I have learned a lot – fast! Putting into practice what I have learned from her.
PENNY: We don’t always agree. In fact, we have some quite strong disagreements over operational plans and details! But I like to think of it as creative tension. From this, we make good decisions most of the time and have made incredible progress. It is very much a family affair, with Adam’s wife Beth doing an amazing job as retail manager at Leonardslee. It’s so important to have someone to work alongside you that you can rely on, and to talk things through.