Sustainability at Leonardslee Family Vineyards
Sustainability at Leonardslee Family Vineyards
We are dedicated to regenerative viticulture and sustainability, qualities that define every bottle.
Our vineyards are set within two beautiful locations, at Leonardslee Wine Estate and Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, where they thrive within their natural borders. Surrounded by ancient oak forests, fishing ponds, grade I listed historic gardens & woodland and serene lakes.
We are committed to nurturing the land with regenerative practices that enrich both the ecosystem and the quality of our grapes.
Rooted in Nature
At Leonardslee Family Vineyards in West Sussex, we're pioneering a future where exquisite wines and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. We believe in nurturing the land that nourishes us, and implementing regenerative practices that benefit both the ecosystem and the quality of our grapes.
Cover Cropping: Our vineyards are mosaics of biodiversity with over 14 different plant varieties within the work rows. We mulch our under-vine areas which adds organic matter to increase the soil health.
Minimal Tillage: We keep soil disturbance to a minimum, maintaining a healthy microbial community that supports water retention and nutrient cycling.
Animal Integration: We will be introducing animals like Dolly sheep to help reduce mechanisation and Runner ducks to control pests to naturally fertilise our vineyard floor.
Sustainable Wines of Great Britain
At Leonardslee Family Vineyards, we are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable viticulture in Great Britain. Our commitment to the environment has been recognized with the prestigious Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Trade Mark, a testament to our dedication to ecological wine production.
Our Sustainable Practices
- Minimal Inputs, Maximum Care: We manage our vineyards sustainably, utilizing minimal pesticide and fertilizer inputs. This practice ensures the health of our vines and the quality of our wine, while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
- Soil & Biodiversity: Our efforts extend beyond the vines. We actively work to protect our vineyard soils, conserving the environment and promoting biodiversity. The rich, balanced soil not only supports our vines but also nurtures the local flora and fauna.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Each hectare of our vineyard is cultivated with the goal to minimize our carbon footprint. By optimizing our practices and reducing emissions, we contribute to a healthier planet.
Michelin Green Star for West Sussex's Restaurant Interlude
Restaurant Interlude, located within the historic Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, earned its first Michelin Green Star in 2024, making it the first restaurant in West Sussex to receive this honour. This award recognizes the restaurant’s exceptional sustainable practices and commitment to ethically sourced, seasonal cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef Jean Delport.
The Michelin Star award organisers said: “It’s quite an achievement to hold both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, but that’s exactly what the team at Interlude have managed thanks to their continued efforts towards sustainable gastronomy.
Interlude restaurant sources much of its ingredients from the 240-acre Leonardslee Gardens, including honey from seven beehives and sap from birch trees. The menu, which changes seasonally allows guests to experience the essence of Leonardslee Estate, with dishes reflecting the flavours of each season such as berries in summer, mushrooms in autumn, and preserved fruits and vegetables in winter.
“We are thrilled to have won our first Green Star,” said owner Penny Streeter OBE. “Sustainability has been central to Interlude's identity from the beginning. This award is a tremendous endorsement of the hard work of our talented team in creating memorable dining experiences and their care for our environment."
