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
At Leonardslee Family Vineyards, sustainability isn’t just a practice - it’s at the heart of everything we do. Nestled within the ancient Leonardslee Gardens, our vineyard thrives in harmony with its surroundings, embracing regenerative farming techniques that protect biodiversity and enrich the land for future generations.
This philosophy extends to Restaurant Interlude, our fine dining experience set within the historic estate. In 2024, Interlude was awarded a Michelin Green Star, recognising our dedication to sustainable gastronomy. From hyper-local ingredients sourced from our own gardens and woodlands to a low-waste, nature-driven approach in the kitchen, we champion a food and wine experience that celebrates the land while preserving it.
It Leonardslee Family Vineyards, we believe great wine and great food should leave a lasting impression - on the palate, not the planet.
