Leeu Estates
Hotel · Cape Winelands
Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Highlights
Wine estate with art, spa, fine dining, and acclaimed wines
Wine estate with art, spa, fine dining, and acclaimed wines
"Tell us about this place. What should we know from the outset?A whitewashed Cape Dutch–style cellar at Leeu Estates and Spa in Franschhoek is the perfect setting to taste Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines. It's a collaboration between wine industry pioneers from the Swartland region, Chris and Andrea Mullineux, and Leeu Collection owner Analjit Singh. Uncluttered and stylishly spartan, the wine studio is an intimate space, with several tables for two and two large tables for 10 to 15. It’s worth peeking at the art collection, too, which includes many life-size bronzes and paintings largely by South African artists. An art collection—that's a nice touch. What are the other patrons like?Everyone here is interested in wine—fine wines in particular. About half the guests are international—folks who will gamely pay to have their favorite bottles shipped directly to their door. Got it. Speaking of favorite bottles—how's the vino? They're especially known for their Chenins and Syrahs, beautiful and elegant wines that stand up to any Old World wines. Each selection is a true expression of the Swartland, a wine region north of Cape Town known for its maverick winemakers. Perfect. Can we get a bite to eat here, or should we nosh on something beforehand?There’s no food in the wine studio; the focus is exclusively on the grape. There are, however, breadsticks to cleanse the palate, and a plethora of restaurants nearby in the village of Franschhoek. Alright, noted. How about the staff—did they know their stuff?Knowledgeable and educated in wine, the staff all holds qualifications from either WSET, the Cape Wine Academy or PYDA. Everyone’s very passionate about what they’re pouring, and about viticulture generally. Excellent. Now, tell us: With so many other wineries in the area, why are we coming here?The Leeu tasting studio offers an opportunity to sample highly rated limited-availability wines; in fact, some may be sold out but still available for tasting on the farm in Franschhoek. This is definitely a setting to impress; book a table for two in winter and you’ll be treated to an intimate, romantic setting in front of a warming fire." - Jane Broughton
"Leeu Estates is known for its cozy retreat atmosphere during the low season in Cape Town, where guests can enjoy a goblet of Pinot Gris while chatting with legendary winemakers Andrea and Chris Mullineux. The estate offers an only-in-the-low-season experience with its crisp air, clean surroundings, and the unique smell of fynbos shrubs."
"The Gallic-inflected village of Franschhoek has been transformed in recent years, most of it due to the efforts of a wealthy Indian businessman who fell in love with the town and began investing heavily in it. Leeu Estates, a 17-room hotel and winery on a 168-acre estate in Franschhoek, is just one manifestation of that love. The elegant manor house doubles as a private gallery filled with paintings and sculptures from some of South Africa’s top contemporary artists (a Lionel Smit painting in the dining room, a Beezy Bailey sculpture in the foyer, and Angus Taylor’s massive bronze and granite figure titled Reflective Resonance in the garden). Don’t miss a complimentary tasting at the Wine Studio: the estate’s Mullineaux & Leeu Family Wines are constantly hailed as some of the best in the country." - Sarah Khan
"A whitewashed Cape Dutch–style cellar at Leeu Estates and Spa in Franschhoek is an intimate, romantic setting in which you can taste the highly rated limited-availability Mullineux and Leeu Family Wines, which are made by Chris and Andrea Mullineux in partnership with Analjit Singh, Leeu Collection’s owner. Uncluttered and stylishly spartan, the wine studio is an intimate space, with several tables for two and two large tables for 10 to 15. It’s worth peeking at the art collection, too." - Jane Broughton
"Nestled between the mountains and a river within the picturesque Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estates is situated on 68 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos. The luxury estate boasts a spa and outdoor pool. The elegant, spacious rooms and suites are either located at the refurbished 19th-century Manor House or around the estate amongst gardens, oak trees and vineyards. Each comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea-and-coffee making facilities. Guests can relax at the pool, work out in the fitness centre or get pampered at Leeu Spa. There is also a library at the old Manor House. An array of activities is offered in the area, such as cycling and hiking. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles and car hire can be arranged. Franschhoek Monument is 2.1 km from Leeu Estates and the nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 47 km away." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
