The Golden Vines, often called the Oscars of Wine, was set up in 2021 to celebrate global excellence in fine wine and rare spirits. It also raises funds for the Gérard Basset Foundation, which supports education, diversity and innovation across wine, spirits and hospitality worldwide. Voting is deliberately broad. This year, votes were tallied from more than 1 300 fine wine merchants, Michelin-starred sommeliers and industry professionals in over 100 countries, including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders.

Iconic Spanish winery Vega Sicilia was named Golden Vines Best Fine Wine Producer for the third consecutive year.

Andrea Mullineux Golden Vines

For a Cape producer competing on the global stage to take the World’s Best Rising Star award twice in succession is an exceptional achievement, putting Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines in front of industry leaders who shape fine wine lists and cellars around the world, and it does so for the producer as a whole, rather than for a single bottle or vintage.

"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 Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines co-owner, head viticulturist and winemaker Andrea Mullineux.

Andrea sees the importance of the award in who gives it and what it rewards. “The Golden Vines recognises excellence on a truly international platform, and it comes through the voices of people working at the top of the trade,” she says. “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.”

It also matters that this is not a prize for a single wine in a single good year. The Rising Star title looks at the winery itself: its philosophy, the quality and consistency of its wines, and the direction it is heading. With Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, there are two distinct identities at play: Mullineux in the Swartland and Leeu Passant in Franschhoek, each with its own vineyards and stories. What holds them together is a shared way of thinking about place and farming, an appreciation of Cape wine heritage, and an uncompromising approach in the cellar.

"Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is more than two wineries. It is a partnership, a focused collection of people, places, vineyards, philosophies and experiences that all contribute to a greater whole," Andrea explains. "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. The Golden Vines recognition brings international attention to our entire family of wines."

Back-to-back wins give that idea momentum. Last year's first Rising Star award brought an immediate lift in the cellar and vineyards, and the team felt it well beyond the night in Miami, where last year’s awards ceremony was held.

Winning the World's Best Rising Star at the 2025 Golden Vines was an extraordinary moment for us. There was an immediate sense of excitement and pride, and there is a continued interest and recognition that has followed. It also creates an opportunity to tell a bigger story about South African fine wine. Now we have to keep pushing ourselves and always strive to make even better wines.

— Andrea Mullineux

That wider story was picked up by the winery’s partners. Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines co-owner Analjit Singh, who joined Chris and Andrea in 2013 to found Leeu Passant on his Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, dedicated the award to the people behind it and to those who carry the wines into 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 Singh. "While we as Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines are honoured to receive this award for the second year running, it is our wish that this accolade plays a further role in helping the South African wine industry receive the recognition for excellence on the international stage. 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 added: "The award highlights the rich heritage of Cape winemaking, the incredible quality of our wines, and the unique and exciting voice we bring to global conversation on fine wine."

The timing feels apt. As harvest planning builds for the coming vintage across the Swartland and Franschhoek, the 2026 wines are finding their shape in the cellar. Recognition of this kind does not change the work, but it no doubt sharpens it.