The winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
South African producer with two distinct identities: Mullineux, dedicated to the expressions of the Swartland (especially Chenin Blanc and Syrah), and Leeu Passant in Franschhoek, which interprets multi-regional wines inspired by the historic Cape.
- Western Cape · Sudafrica
- Since 2007
- 8 products
The story
The estate grew out of the work of Chris and Andrea Mullineux: the Mullineux project is focused on high-quality production in the Swartland, while in 2013 the Mullineux family joined Analjit Singh to form Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines and establish the Leeu Passant winery at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. The house has grown to become one of South Africa’s benchmarks for terroir-driven wines and for careful vineyard and cellar work.
Production philosophy
The approach focuses on expressing the terroir through sustainable farming and measured winemaking: wines that aim to reflect the soils and local clones, with natural fermentations and minimal use of additives and sulfites.
Terroir and vineyards
Production is based in two areas of the Western Cape: Roundstone Farm in the Riebeek Kasteel district, characterised by soils of shale, granite and iron-rich deposits; and Leeu Passant at Leeu Estates, Franschhoek, which produces multi-regional wines drawing on vineyards from different areas of the Cape.
Awards and recognition
International recognition, including repeated mentions in Platter’s South African Wine Guide and inclusion in Wine & Spirits' Top 100 Wineries in recent years; individual international awards for the producers.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Chenin Blanc
- Syrah
- Clairette Blanche
- Grenache Blanc
- Viognier
- Semillon Gris
- Verdelho
- Grenache (rosso)
- Cinsault
- Carignan
- Mourvèdre
- Tinta Barocca
What makes it distinctive
- An international benchmark for Swartland Chenin Blanc and Syrah.
- Two wineries: Mullineux and Leeu Passant
- Linea Single-Terroir, Old Vines White and Olerasay among the flagship labels
- Sustainable agricultural practices and the transition to regenerative approaches in the vineyard
- Frequently cited among the best South African wineries by international guides and magazines.
