What Can I Expect

Learn the noble act of Sabrage - the art of opening a bottle of wine with a sabre! Leonardslee Family Vineyard in West Sussex invites the two of you to enjoy a tour and tasting with an extra special twist.

This idyllic wine  estate near Horsham is a wonderful place to visit with stunning views, acres of vines, an on-site restaurant and hotel.

Your host will explain the history of the estate and its family-run ownership, before enlightening you about how a bottle of Leonardslee wine is grown and produced. You’ll then head to the lovely tasting room to test the resulting wines.

Leonardslee’s sister estate in South Africa Benguela Cove produces a rather fine Cuvée 58 rosé, which is the perfect wine for trying your hand at the ancient art of sabrage.

Sabrage dates back to the French Revolution, when Napoleon’s soldiers would use their swords to open bottles of Champagne. It’s quite the party piece and this ceremonial way of popping a cork is bound to attract admirative gasps!

It’s all about the technique. Your host will show you how to handle the bottle and sabre, then they will teach you how, with one confident swipe, you will take off the cork and the top of the bottle in a single movement.

To celebrate the day you learned to open a bottle of bubbles with a sabre, you'll be invited to savour a glass of the rosé you opened. Buy your Leonardslee sabrage vouchers for two online now!

When Is It Available

• This experience is available throughout the year on Wednesday to Sunday 
• Session times generally start at either 12:00 or 15:00 

Suitable For

• Minimum age 18 

Spectators

• Not suitable for spectators

Anything Else

• We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking around the vineyard and estate grounds
• If you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, please contact the booking operator at least 48 hours in advance
• Cancellations made within 48 hours of the scheduled experience may incur a fee