South African winemakers have firmly cemented their place on the world’s most prestigious tables. On 8 November, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines was named the World’s Best Rising Star at the Golden Vines 2026 Awards Gala in London—marking an extraordinary second consecutive triumph for the Swartland-Franschhoek team after first claiming the title in Miami last year.
Often dubbed the “Oscars of Wine,” the Golden Vines awards are decided by more than 1,300 of the globe’s toughest palates. Votes are tallied from Michelin-starred sommeliers, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and leading fine wine merchants across over 100 countries. Beyond the glamour, the gala serves a vital philanthropic purpose, raising funds for the Gérard Basset Foundation to support education, diversity, and innovation across the global wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors. Sharing the spotlight in London with legendary Spanish estate Vega Sicilia—named Best Fine Wine Producer for a third consecutive year—the Cape winery’s back-to-back victory proves that its international acclaim is no fluke, but the result of sustained, world-class craftsmanship.
More Than a Single Bottle
Unlike traditional accolades that celebrate a single standout vintage, the Rising Star title honours a producer’s overarching philosophy, consistency, and trajectory. For Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, that identity bridges two distinct Cape winemaking regions: Mullineux in the rugged, dry-land vineyards of the Swartland, and Leeu Passant in historic Franschhoek.
“Although our wines have distinct identities and individual stories, they share a common philosophy of respect for place, a commitment to quality, responsible farming, and an uncompromising approach to winemaking,” says co-owner and head winemaker Andrea Mullineux. “Fine wine merchants, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and other leading professionals taste widely and without sentiment. To be recognised by them in two successive years is incredibly meaningful.”
A Winelands Destination and National Triumph
The partnership behind the brand is a hallmark of South African luxury hospitality. In 2013, winemaking duo Chris and Andrea Mullineux joined forces with entrepreneur Analjit Singh to establish Leeu Passant on his acclaimed Leeu Estates in Franschhoek—creating a seamless marriage of fine wine and world-class Winelands hospitality.
For the partners, the London accolade reaches far beyond their own cellar doors, acting as a halo for the entire country’s culinary and viticultural landscape.
“This recognition at the highest level affirms the country’s growing reputation as a leading maker of fine wines,” says Singh, dedicating the trophy to the vineyard teams, cellar hands, and global sommeliers who champion their bottles around the world. Co-owner Chris Mullineux echoes this pride, noting that the win highlights “the rich heritage of Cape winemaking, the incredible quality of our wines, and the unique and exciting voice we bring to the global conversation on fine wine.”
Eyes on the Next Vintage
While the international wine world toasts their historic double win, life back in the Cape Winelands remains grounded in the rhythm of the seasons. As the 2026 wines quietly take shape in the cellar and harvest planning builds across Franschhoek and the Swartland, the back-to-back trophies serve as fuel rather than a finish line.
“It creates an opportunity to tell a bigger story about South African fine wine,” Andrea reflects. “Now we have to keep pushing ourselves and always strive to make even better wines.”
