Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines

Feb 21, 2019 | Uncategorized

Mullinex Family Wines was established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullinex. Within a very short time period the winery established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and on the international front. The Swartland has a very unique geology which allows for exploration of its various terroirs through Western Cape classic varieties like Chenin Blanc and Syrah, among others.

The Mullineuxs are humbled by how winemaking enables them to interact with the ancient history of mother rock. Growing up in Nothern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist, in charge pf the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines. To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the year in 2016.

Eleanor Asks…

  • What is technology bringing to your business/work?

As we farm sustainably and make our wines with minimal intervention, we don’t necessarily make use of all the wine technology out there. However, IT certainly makes our business more efficient in connecting with our customers around the world.

  • Which is the local dining place you would personally suggest?

The Swartland village of Riebeek Kasteel is where our company started, and we have always loved a restaurant there called Mama Cucina and send all our customers there!

  • Do you have a nice anecdote you would like to share?

UK wine writer Neal Martin was introduced to the first vintage of our wines in 2009 at a restaurant in London. He was offered 2 sweet wines to taste blind – one was our Straw Wine 2008 and the other was Ch. d’Yquem 1989. He gave the Straw Wine 96 points and the Yquem 95. His comment was ““F**king hell, that’s good.” Excuse the vernacular… Certainly “Mullineux” is a name to look out for in the future.”  Just to be tasted alongside such a legendary wine as Yquem, was hugely encouraging for us!

  • Would you recommend our service to importers worldwide?

So far, yes!

  • Do you have a message to send to buyers of your wine?

Thank you for buying our wines. We hope you get as much enjoyment drinking them as we do in working the vineyards to produce the best possible grapes and guiding them through fermentation to produce wines we love to drink!