South African winemakers have received major international validation after Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines was named the World’s Best Rising Star at the Golden Vines 2026 Awards Gala in London on 8 November—securing the title for a second consecutive year following its 2025 win in Miami.
While the Golden Vines celebrates global excellence in fine wine and rare spirits, its real commercial weight for local agriculture lies in who casts the ballots. Winners are decided by more than 1,300 fine wine merchants, Michelin-starred sommeliers, Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, and WSET Diploma holders across over 100 countries—the exact industry leaders who shape fine wine lists and cellars around the world. Sharing the podium in London with iconic Spanish estate Vega Sicilia, named Best Fine Wine Producer for a third consecutive year, proves that Cape terroir is commanding sustained recognition at the top tier of the international market.
Terroir and Responsible Farming at the Core
Unlike single-bottle competitions, the Rising Star award evaluates a producer’s long-term trajectory, consistency across vintages, and viticultural philosophy. For Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, that foundation spans two distinct Western Cape growing regions: Mullineux in the Swartland and Leeu Passant in 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 viticulturist and 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 as the World’s Best Rising Star in two successive years is incredibly meaningful.”
Credit to Vineyard and Cellar Teams
Founded in 2013 when Chris and Andrea Mullineux partnered with Analjit Singh to establish Leeu Passant on his Franschhoek estate, the operation has consistently championed Cape viticultural heritage alongside cellar precision. For the partners, the back-to-back recognition puts Cape fine wine directly in front of the international gatekeepers who shape global wine lists and cellars.
“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,” says Singh, dedicating the accolade directly to the people working the blocks and cellars. “We dedicate this award to our vineyard teams, cellar hands, and the fine wine merchants, sommeliers, and industry professionals who believe in our wines and share them and our story with the world.”
Co-owner Chris Mullineux adds that the title 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.”
Focus Shifts to the Coming Harvest
Beyond its industry awards, the Golden Vines also raises funds for the Gérard Basset Foundation, supporting education, diversity, and innovation across the global wine, spirits, and hospitality sectors.
Back in the Western Cape, however, celebrations remain grounded in seasonal realities. With the 2026 wines finding their shape in the cellar and harvest planning building across the Swartland and Franschhoek, the team is already focused on the coming vintage.
“It creates an opportunity to tell a bigger story about South African fine wine,” Andrea concludes. “Now we have to keep pushing ourselves and always strive to make even better wines.”
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