Mullineux
Summary
Founded in 2007 by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, this boutique Swartland producer sources fruit from 30 hectares across the region's distinctive granite, schist, and iron-based soils, focusing primarily on exceptional Syrah and Chenin Blanc. Their minimal intervention approach emphasizes native yeast fermentations and terroir expression, helping them rapidly ascend to prominence and elevate Swartland's international reputation in just over a decade.
Heritage & Leadership
Mullineux was founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Chris and Andrea Mullineux in South Africa's Swartland region. The couple brought complementary experience to their venture: Chris had previously worked at Tulbagh Mountain Vineyards in South Africa, while Andrea, originally from California, had honed her skills at notable wineries including Cakebread and Viader.
A significant development occurred in 2013 when Indian businessman Analjit Singh became a partner in the business, leading to the company being renamed Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (though many still refer to it simply as Mullineux). The winery became part of the Leeu Collection, which encompasses luxury accommodations and other wine interests in South Africa.
Despite this ownership evolution, Chris and Andrea Mullineux have remained the winemakers and driving force behind the wines. Their work has garnered substantial recognition, with Andrea Mullineux being named Wine Enthusiast's Winemaker of the Year in 2016. The winery has also received multiple 5-star ratings in Platter's South African Wine Guide, South Africa's most respected wine publication.
Vineyards & Wines
Rather than operating as a single estate, Mullineux sources grapes from multiple vineyard sites throughout the Swartland region. They work with approximately 30 hectares of vineyards spread across the area's distinctive terroir. The Swartland region is characterized by its hot, dry climate with cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean.
The winery's vineyard sources are primarily distributed across three soil types that define the Swartland: granite, schist, and iron-based soils. Many of their vineyard sources feature old, dry-farmed bush vines, which contribute to the concentration and character of their wines.
Mullineux has built their reputation on two primary varieties: Syrah and Chenin Blanc. They also work with traditional Mediterranean varieties well-suited to the Swartland climate, including Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Clairette Blanche. Their flagship offerings include single-terroir Syrahs that highlight the different soil types of their vineyards.
The winery's portfolio extends to distinctive sweet wines, including their "Straw Wine" made from air-dried Chenin Blanc grapes and "Olerasay," a solera-aged sweet wine that has received significant critical acclaim.
Philosophy & Practice
Mullineux adheres to minimal intervention winemaking techniques that aim to express the character of their Swartland vineyards. Their approach begins with native yeasts for fermentation rather than commercial strains, allowing for a more site-specific expression in the finished wines.
For their red wines, particularly Syrah, Mullineux typically employs limited new oak, with aging often taking place in neutral French oak barrels and foudres. They practice whole-bunch fermentation for portions of their Syrah production, a technique that can add aromatic complexity and structural elements to the wines. Throughout the winemaking process, they use minimal sulfur additions.
The winery is a member of the Swartland Independent Producers (SIP), an organization that promotes sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking practices in the region. While Mullineux follows many organic and biodynamic principles in their vineyard work, they operate without formal certification in these areas.