Leonardslee Family Vineyards

A Sussex vineyard, home to the UK's first commercial Pinotage vines and a pioneering link to South African winemaking heritage.

https://www.leonardsleefamilyvineyards.com

Hammerpond Road, Mannings Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PG, Get directions

Nearest station: Horsham (2.6 miles).

Public tours

Private tours

Self-guided tours

Tasting room

Restaurant or café

Dog friendly

Child friendly

Online shop

Winery on site

Walking trail

Disabled access

Award-winning

Hosts weddings

Organic or sustainable

Open year-round

While we update listings frequently, we suggest confirming important details with the vineyard to avoid any surprises.

What's the vibe

Nestled within a historic 240-acre Grade I listed estate, Leonardslee Family Vineyards offers a luxurious and immersive experience, blending fine wine with art, nature, and exceptional dining. It's a destination where tradition meets natural beauty, creating a sophisticated retreat.

Visiting information

Leonardslee Family Vineyards is part of the wider Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens estate, which is generally open year-round, closing only on Christmas Day.

Wine Experiences:

Sussex Sparkling Wine Flight: Walk-ins are welcome for a self-guided wine flight, perfect for spontaneous visits.
Tutored Tastings: Guided English sparkling wine tastings require advance booking and are available Wednesday to Sunday.
Vineyard Tours: Guided tours, often by golf buggy, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards and conclude with a tutored tasting. These require booking and run Wednesday to Sunday.

Dining & Accommodation:

Restaurant Interlude: A fine dining experience with a Michelin Star and Green Star, located in Leonardslee House. Advance booking is essential.
The Vineyard Kitchen: Offers seasonal dining with views of the Sussex countryside, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner on select days, as well as afternoon tea (pre-booking required for afternoon tea).
Clocktower Café: A more casual option for refreshments, light lunches, and sparkling wine by the glass, open daily. Dogs are permitted in the semi-outdoor Alpine House.
Accommodation: The estate features Leonardslee House, a 9-bedroom boutique hotel, and a self-catering cottage.

Special Events:

The vineyard hosts various events including wine masterclasses and sabrage experiences. The wider estate also offers year-round events, such as open-air cinema.

Family & Pet Friendly:

The estate is generally family-friendly, offering children's menus and activities. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens.

The Wine

Leonardslee Family Vineyards specialises in producing exquisite English sparkling wines, primarily from classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. They also cultivate the UK's first commercial Pinotage vineyard, adding a unique dimension to their collection. Their current range includes a vibrant Blanc de Blancs, a balanced Brut Reserve, and an elegant Brut Rosé.

The wines have garnered significant acclaim, notably in 2025. The Brut Reserve 2021 received an impressive 94 points at the International Wine Challenge and a Gold Medal at the WineGB Awards. Their Blanc de Blancs 2020 scored 90 points at the International Wine Challenge and 92 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, while the Brut Rosé 2021 earned 90 points from both the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards.

Leonardslee is committed to sustainable viticulture, holding the prestigious Sustainable Wines of Great Britain Trade Mark. They employ regenerative practices such as cover cropping, minimal tillage, and plan to introduce animal integration to enhance soil health and biodiversity. The estate produces its own wines, with a dedicated winemaking team overseeing production.

Getting here

By Car
From the M23/A23, head South, take the Handcross exit, and follow the B2110. From Horsham, take the A281 South for approximately 10 minutes. The postcode for navigation is RH13 6PP.

By Public Transport
The nearest train station is Horsham. From Horsham station, you can take the Number 17 bus directly to a stop outside Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, which is a 4-minute walk to the entrance. Please note the bus does not run on Sundays. Alternatively, the nearest bus stop "The Dun Horse, Mannings Heath" is a 2-minute walk, and Horsham station itself is about a 16-minute walk to that bus stop.

What's nearby

While Leonardslee Family Vineyards offers a wealth of experiences on-site, the surrounding West Sussex area provides additional attractions.

Other Vineyards:

Mannings Heath Golf & Wine Estate (sister estate)
Bolney Wine Estate

Notable Restaurants:

Giggling Squid, Horsham – Popular Thai restaurant.
The Olive Tree, Horsham – A highly-rated Mediterranean restaurant in Horsham town centre.

Notable Hotels:

Leonardslee House – A boutique hotel offering luxury accommodation directly on the estate.
South Lodge, Horsham – A grand country house hotel known for its luxury and dining.

Notable Attractions:

Warnham Local Nature Reserve – A tranquil reserve perfect for wildlife spotting and walks.
Horsham Museum & Art Gallery – Explore the history and art of Horsham.