Mullineux Single Terroir

Founded by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in 2007, Mullineux is one of the most lauded wineries in South Africa, having been named ‘Winery of the Year’ five times by the Platter’s Wine Guide (in 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2023). Chris and Andrea chose the town of Riebeek-Kasteel, just west of Malmesbury in the Swartland, due to its old vineyards planted on granite and schist soils. They reasoned that, with such quality fruit, they could make outstanding wines. It is an understatement to say they have been proved right.

The Swartland is warm and dry in the summer, benefiting from a cooling afternoon breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the region to the West. Disease pressure is low, so spraying is kept to a minimum. The Mullineux philosophy is rooted in sustainable and regenerative viticulture. Their home vineyard, ‘Roundstone’, is a testament to this. The rows are interplanted with native species like fynbos, which provide a habitat for native insects and supersede the need for pesticides. Cover crops, composting, and careful attention to soil vitality allow the estate to retain water more efficiently. The rows are also planted along the contours of the land to reduce soil erosion. In 2025, Mullineux became the first winery in South Africa to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification. By enhancing soil health and making their vineyards more resilient, the wines are more vibrant, complex and expressive.

Single Terroir

Their ‘Single Terroir’ Chenin Blancs and Syrahs are produced in limited quantities. Working with three main soil types: granite, schist and iron, Andrea and Chris believe that soil is “the biggest fingerprint” on their wines. All the grapes are harvested at the same ripeness level and vinified identically, meaning the wines are truly expressive of the soils on which they are grown. The ‘Granite’ wines are characterised by elegant, perfumed fruit and nervy acidity. The ‘Schist’ wines have great depth of flavour and a ripe, spicy profile. The ‘Iron’ wines tend to be the most structured and full bodied.