As the excitement for the upcoming vintage builds across our vineyards in the Swartland and Franschoek, we are immensely proud to announce that Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines has been named the World’s Best Rising Star at The Golden Vines 2025 Awards Gala that took place in Miami, Florida on 8 November.
This prestigious event, often dubbed the “Oscars of Wine,” celebrates the world’s finest wine estates.
“As a Winemaker rooted in the unique terroirs of South Africa, our recognition at this global gathering is both a tremendous honour and a meaningful affirmation of our commitment to craft, place and purpose, and the incredible potential in the Cape,” says Andrea Mullineux.
The Golden Vines Awards was established in 2021 to celebrate excellence in Fine Wine. The Awards also raise funds to support the Gérard Basset Foundation, an initiative dedicated to education, diversity and innovation in wine, spirits, and hospitality.
With votes tallied from 830 Fine Wine merchants, Michelin Starred sommeliers, and industry professionals from 100-plus countries, the Golden Vines Awards reflects the sentiments of extensive industry expertise from around the world including 41 Masters of Wine, 31 Master Sommeliers, 58 Advanced Sommeliers, and 240 WSET Diploma holders. Results were independently verified by Deloitte.
Other award winners this year include Vega Sicilia for the World’s Best Fine Wine Producer; Weingut Egon Muller as Europe’s Best Fine Wine Producer, Harlan Estate for best Fine Wine Producer in the America’s, and Henschke as Best Fine Wine Producer in the rest of the World.
“As a South African wine producer, we are deeply grateful for this award at The Golden Vines as this recognition at the highest level affirms the country’s growing reputation as a leading maker of Fine Wines,” said Analjit Singh.
“We dedicate this award to our vineyard and cellar teams, and the Fine Wine Merchants, Sommeliers and industry professionals who believe in our wines and share them and our story with the world.” said Chris Mullineux.
Also receiving recognition on the evening were Jean Trimbach who received the Golden Vines Hall of Fame award; Rosa Kruger and the Old Vine Project received the Golden Vines Innovation award; and Cathy Corison received the Golden Vines Sustainability Award.
About Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines
Founded in 2007, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines comprises two of South Africa’s most highly regarded wineries – Mullineux in the Swartland appellation and Leeu Passant in Franschhoek.
Husband and wife team, Chris and Andrea Mullineux, set out in 2007 with a winemaking vision to create truly fine wines that reflect the ancient soils and old vines of the Swartland while embracing regenerative farming practices and modern minimalist winemaking. Their unwavering commitment to quality; their deep respect for the environment; and the incredible quality of their wines has earned them international acclaim, and has led to Mullineux being awarded South African Winery of the Year an unprecedented five times. To date, Mullineux is the only South African winery to have received a perfect 100-point rating from a major US wine publication.
In 2013, the Mullineuxs’ partnered with Analjit Singh and launched the Leeu Passant winery situated on Analjit’s stunning Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. Leeu Passant is focused on expressing the rich winemaking and viticultural heritage of South Africa by working with the Cape’s oldest vineyards, planted in 1900. The vineyard is integrated into Analjit’s Leeu Estates which offers guests the opportunity to be seamlessly immersed into fine wine, fine dining, and luxurious accommodation.