Conservation-first wine estates are proving that premium experiences and sustainability are inseparable. Two extraordinary wine estates connected by vision and owner, Penny Streeter OBE, are leading a global shift in wine tourism: Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate in South Africa and Leonardslee Family Vineyards in England.
Benguela Cove: Where Wine Meets Wilderness
Nestled in the Walker Bay region, near Hermanus, Benguela Cove holds the distinction of being a WWF Conservation Champion and certified sustainable by both the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) scheme and Travelife Gold.
This dual commitment creates something rare: a destination where guests can indulge in world-class wine experiences, while knowing their visit supports critical environmental protection.
The estate’s 2.7-kilometer stretch of ocean-facing vineyards – the longest in South Africa – sits within a lagoon nature reserve. Here, endangered blue cranes nest alongside the vines, and the ecosystem thrives because of, not despite, the wine estate’s presence.
The estate’s deep commitment to the land is evidenced through its low-yield farming approach, which prioritises quality over quantity. Conservation shapes every decision – from vineyard management to the design of the 13 waterfront villas that blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Leonardslee: The Restoration Revolution in Sussex
Seven thousand kilometres away in West Sussex, England, Leonardslee Family Vineyards tells an equally compelling conservation story through restoration. When Penny Streeter purchased the Grade I listed Leonardslee Gardens in 2018, she took on what experts called “the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe.”
The magnificent 240-acre estate, home to rare trees and exotic plants, had been closed for a decade and was nearly lost forever.
Today, ancient woodlands and meticulously restored gardens welcome visitors who can experience this botanical treasure, while enjoying award-winning English sparkling wines.
Leonardslee’s commitment to the land is underlined by its certification as Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB). The estate-grown wines, produced from carefully tended vines on clay Sussex soils, ensure adherence to rigorous environmental and ethical practices.
The estate’s recognition as #56 on the World’s Best Vineyards 2025 list proves that conservation credentials enhance the visitor experience.
The Global Shift and Legacy
These two estates are trailblazers in a fundamental shift in what travellers seek from wine destinations. Today’s visitors increasingly prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. They want substance behind the scenery and assurance that their presence makes a positive impact.
At Leonardslee, the restoration project has created jobs, protected heritage, and revived local ecosystems while establishing one of England’s premier wine destinations complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
As travellers plan their next wine country escapes, Benguela Cove and Leonardslee Family Vineyards offer an inspiring model: world-class wine experiences don’t require environmental compromise. In fact, the estates proving most successful on the global stage are those that put conservation first.
For more information visit www.benguelacove.co.za
