When Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines was crowned the World’s Best Rising Star at the 2025 Golden Vines Awards in Miami, the Western Cape didn’t just gain an accolade; it gained a shining affirmation of its unique winemaking soul. Often called the “Oscars of Wine,” this global recognition transcends mere industry news, spotlighting the Cape’s rich heritage and defining the next echelon of local wine tourism.
For a region built on the intersection of ancient terroir and luxury lifestyle, this award is a victory for every Cape farm that believes in quality over quantity.
The Power of Place: Swartland Meets Franschhoek
The success story is anchored in a dual dedication to place. Husband and wife winemaking team, Chris and Andrea Mullineux, began their journey rooted in the rugged, ancient soils of the Swartland appellation. Their philosophy, centred on regenerative farming and minimalist intervention, is about letting the land truly speak.
“As a winemaker rooted in the unique terroirs of South Africa, our recognition is a meaningful affirmation of our commitment to craft, place, and purpose, as well as the incredible potential in the Cape,” notes Andrea Mullineux.
The partnership with Analjit Singh elevated this vision, extending it to Leeu Passant in Franschhoek. Here, the focus shifts to preserving the Cape’s rich viticultural history, specifically by working with some of South Africa’s oldest registered vineyards—some planted as far back as 1900. These century-old vines, painstakingly tended, are the living embodiment of the Cape’s heritage, yielding wines of profound depth and structure that simply cannot be replicated.
From Farm to Five-Star Experience
For locals and international visitors alike, the Golden Vines award offers a tangible invitation to experience world-class wine firsthand. Leeu Passant, situated within the breathtaking Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, is not just a cellar; it is a destination.
The integration of the winery into the estate means guests are seamlessly immersed in a five-star environment that marries fine wine with art, fine dining, and luxurious accommodation. This is where the story shifts from the cellar to the consumer’s glass. Tasting a wine hailed as the ‘World’s Best Rising Star’ in the very valley that produced it is the ultimate Western Cape lifestyle moment.
This isn’t just about enjoying a glass; it’s about participating in a legacy. The honour, verified by 1,200 fine wine experts including Masters of Wine and top sommeliers globally, firmly positions the Cape not as a developing region, but as a leading maker of fine wines, ready to be explored and savoured at the highest level.
A New Chapter for Cape Pride
The sheer magnitude of this award—the first time a South African winery has achieved such global recognition from the Golden Vines—underscores the dedication of the entire team, from the vineyard hands to the partners. As Analjit Singh said, this recognition affirms the country’s growing reputation.
For the Western Cape, this is a clear call to action: celebrate the local success story and take pride in the quality flowing from the oldest vines. Mullineux & Leeu has opened a golden door for the entire industry, proving that dedication to place and purpose can indeed earn global acclaim. The reward is not just for them, but for every Capetonian who calls this beautiful wine landscape home.
