UK Wine Entrepreneur Penny Streeter’s Benguela Cove Estate Joins 100 World’s Best Vineyards

UK wine entrepreneur Penny Streeter - who is set to launch the first wines from her UK vineyards at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Sussex in 2024 - has seen her South African vineyard, Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, ranked in the top 100 of The World's Best Vineyards for the first time. 

Leonardslee is set to produce an estimated 70,000 bottles annually, with sparkling wine cultivars comprising 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier. The 240-acre estate near Horsham features Michelin Star dining at Restaurant Interlude, luxury accommodation and Grade I Listed gardens, created originally by the Loder family, the great Victorian plant collectors. 

"I’m thrilled that Benguela Cove is recognised as one of the World's Best Vineyards, ranking 53rd, from some 65,000 worldwide. We achieved this in just ten years since acquisition," says Streeter. "It confirms the tireless dedication of our vineyard and hospitality teams, the commitment to sustainability, and our passion for producing exceptional wines." 

The World's Best Vineyards is a prestigious annual list that promotes exceptional wine tourism experiences globally. The Voting Academy, consisting of over 500 leading wine experts, sommeliers and travel experts, nominated vineyards based on criteria including ambience, activities, cuisine, staff, views, value for money, and quality of the overall experience. 

Streeter acquired the struggling Hermanus wine farm in 2013 and transformed it into an award-winning wine producer and hospitality venue. Benguela Cove produces 350,000 bottles annually under the guidance of winemaker Johann Fourie. The estate's South African origins and unique terroir are reflected in its wines, which continue to win accolades year after year, says Fourie: 

The estate’s commitment to conservation and sustainability is only matched by its passion for winemaking. It is a World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Conservation Champion and a leading ecotourism wine destination. The vineyard is situated in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere, uniquely positioned at sea level with the longest seaboard of any vineyard worldwide. 

Streeter has brought her vision to the UK, creating new vineyards in Sussex at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in 2018 with the guidance of Fourie. "It's an honour to see our efforts acknowledged on a global scale, and it only strengthens our resolve to continue delivering the best experiences for our visitors. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey." 

The first wines from the UK vineyards will be available in 2024, marking a significant milestone for Streeter and the UK wine industry. With her proven track record in South Africa, UK wine lovers have much to look forward to. 

For more information, visit www.benguelacove.co.za. 

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Editors notes

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is a family-owned vineyard estate, near Horsham in West Sussex, which features ‘the finest woodland gardens in England’, Grade I Listed, as well as a Michelin Star restaurant and luxury vineyard accommodation.

The 240-acre estate was established by Sir Edmund Loder, the great Victorian plant collector, and now includes a Sussex Wine vineyard, with the first release of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier sparkling wine in 2024.

The estate features outstanding displays all year round. In the spring this includes rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The collection is exceptional in its diversity and maturity, with several rare ‘champion’ trees, threatened in their natural habitat.

The gardens offer a protected ecosystem for rare wildlife such as Emperor Dragonflies and Damselflies, White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak butterflies and migratory and native birds - Kites, Great Tits, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Nightingales.

The estate reopened in April 2019, following acquisition and two years’ intensive work by entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE to restore the woodland gardens after eight years of closure and neglect under previous ownership. It was the largest garden restoration project in the United Kingdom since Heligan 30 years before.

Since further restoration work in 2021, visitors can also stay in the luxury vineyard hotel after dining at Restaurant Interlude in Leonardslee House, the Grade II Listed Italianate mansion house, to experience the Michelin Star multi-course tasting menu created by chef Jean Delport.

Visitors can view a magical world in miniature at the Beyond the Doll's House exhibition, which depicts the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1:12 scale. They can then enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the mansion house, making for a great family day out. It is one of the top places to visit in Sussex and is open all year round except Christmas Day.

For great days out, there is an extensive programme of entertainment that includes winter garden illuminations and light trails, wine and beer festivals, photo and art exhibitions, live music events, cooking and gardening demonstrations, arts and crafts fairs, modelling and toy shows, and children’s events and adventure trails.

Vineyards –

Leonardslee Estate: Acquired 2018 - 3.1 Acres - 2018 First vines planted - 4,000 Estimated bottles Experimental planting of Pinotage - 2022 First estate Pinotage

Mannings Estate: Acquired 2017 - 34 Acres - 2017 First vines planted - 70,000 Estimated bottles Sparkling wine cultivars 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier - 2024 First release of wine