History of Mullineux
The Mullineux estate was founded in 2007 by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, a husband-and-wife team united by their shared philosophy of terroir expression, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for Swartland’s viticultural heritage. Chris, originally from South Africa, studied viticulture and oenology at Stellenbosch University before gaining hands-on experience in France and California. Andrea, a graduate of the prestigious University of California Davis viticulture program, worked with top producers in Napa and in the Rhône before settling in the Cape.
Their joint vision was to highlight the Swartland's extraordinary old vines and soil diversity through refined, site-specific wines. In 2013, Indian entrepreneur and wine enthusiast Analjit Singh joined the project, enabling the creation of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. This partnership marked a turning point in the estate’s development, leading to a dedicated winery in Franschhoek and the birth of the Leeu Passant label, which focuses on historic vineyards from across the Cape.
Mullineux’s rapid rise to prominence has been underscored by numerous accolades, including Platter’s Winery of the Year (2014, 2016, 2019, and 2020) and Andrea Mullineux’s selection as Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016. The estate is widely recognised for helping to redefine the identity of South African fine wine on the global stage.
Region and Vineyards
Mullineux is firmly rooted in the Swartland, a dry, rugged, and sun-drenched region north of Cape Town. Once overlooked in favour of cooler-climate areas, the Swartland has emerged as a leading source of low-yielding bush vines grown in soils that are among the oldest and most diverse on earth. The region’s lack of irrigation and wide diurnal ranges allow for a long, slow ripening period, resulting in concentrated, well-balanced fruit.
The estate draws from over 20 vineyard parcels, each selected for its geological character and suitability to the varieties. These include granite soils on the Paardeberg, which contribute freshness and purity; schist-rich sites on Kasteelberg, which yield structure and density; and iron-rich soils near Malmesbury, which bring power and depth. Vines range from 35 to over 70 years of age, many of which qualify for certification under the Old Vine Project, an initiative to preserve and celebrate South Africa’s historic vineyards.
Farming is conducted sustainably, with minimal intervention and a focus on soil health and biodiversity. By sourcing from such a broad range of sites, Mullineux is able to craft wines of remarkable detail, structure, and site expression.
Wine Range of Mullineux
Mullineux produces wines under three primary categories, each reflecting a unique approach to terroir and winemaking. The Signature Range includes the widely acclaimed Old Vines White, a textured, layered blend dominated by Chenin Blanc, and the Mullineux Syrah, known for its plush aromatics, savoury complexity, and mineral backbone. These wines represent the core philosophy of the estate: balance, clarity, and expressive structure.
The Single Terroir Range explores the nuance of specific soil types with bottlings such as Granite Chenin Blanc, Schist Syrah, and Iron Syrah, each vinified and aged separately to articulate the subtle variations of place. These wines are made in very small quantities and have become collector favourites for their precision and ageability.
Finally, Mullineux is celebrated for its Straw Wine, a luscious, intensely concentrated sweet wine made from sun-dried Chenin Blanc grapes. A true benchmark in the style, it reflects the same artisanal ethos as the rest of the portfolio. Under their Leeu Passant label, the team explores historic vineyards in Stellenbosch, Wellington, and Franschhoek, reviving classic Cape blends and traditional techniques with outstanding results.
Did you know?
Andrea Mullineux has served as Chairperson of the Cape Winemakers Guild, a prestigious association of South Africa’s leading winemakers. Under her leadership, Mullineux became the first producer to be awarded Platter’s Winery of the Year four times, a feat unmatched in South African wine history.
