Leeu Passant Winery
Winery Description
Location and History
Talented husband and wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux first established their award-winning Mullineux winery in 2007 at Roundstone Farm, their Swartland base, located just over an hours’ drive north of Franschhoek. In 2013 they partnered with Analjit Singh and started an additional boutique winery, Leeu Passant, in Franschhoek. Mullineux is the only winery to have been awarded Platter’s Winery of the Year five times (in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 & 2023). Their tasting room, called The Wine Studio, where one can taste both the Leeu Passant and Mullineux wines, is based on the prestigious Leeu Estates in Franschhoek. It was designed by eminent Spanish Architect Tomeu Esteva, who wanted to create a luxurious environment in which to taste fine wines.
Wine Tasting
At the Wine Studio located at Leeu Estates, knowledgeable staff guide visitors through tastings of wines from both the Swartland and Franschhoek wineries. The experience is enhanced by elegant glassware and a comfortable, relaxed setting.
The Mullineux Signature Tasting offers a selection of wines from the Swartland winery, showcasing handcrafted wines from granite and shale-based soils, with a particular focus on various expressions of Chenin and Syrah. Guests staying overnight at Leeu Estates receive one complimentary Signature Tasting per person.
Additionally, the Mullineux Single Terroir Tasting features limited edition wines from the Swartland winery, while the Leeu Passant Tasting includes a selection of Leeu Passant wines, produced in Franschhoek and sourced from various South African winemaking regions.
For those interested in visiting the Mullineux Winery in Swartland, wine tasting at Roundstone Farm is available by appointment only, on Fridays. Additional information can be found at https://mlfwines.com/mullineux/about-us/roundstone-farm/.
Restaurant
Accommodation
Leeu Estates, a five-star premium 24-room country house and boutique winery ensconced in 78 pastoral hectares. The sumptuous interiors of the 19th Century Manor House are complemented by the equally spectacular surrounding mountain panoramas. Facilities include two restaurants, a pool, steam room, gym, hair and nail salon.
Tours and Activities
Leeu Estates is also home to the Everard Read art gallery, one of the world’s most renowned and South Africa’s oldest and largest gallery groups. Established in 1913 in Johannesburg, the Everard Read galleries are specialists in contemporary art from South Africa and apart from the two galleries based in Franschhoek, they can be found in Johannesburg, Cape Town and London.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, guests are invited to visit Leeu Spa by Healing Earth, also located at Leeu Estates.