Our Team

CHRIS MULLINEUX was introduced to the world of wine while studying accountancy at the University of Stellenbosch. After braving his way through accounting, he enrolled into winemaking for a second degree, and then took a position starting up a boutique organic winery in Tulbagh, where he was in charge of the vineyards and cellar for 5 very enjoyable years. In addition to stints at de Trafford and Rustenberg wineries in South Africa, Chris has also worked harvests at top wineries in Cote Rotie, Bandol, the Languedoc, Roussillon, and California. Over the years, his exposure to the people, vineyards and wines of the Swartland has lead to a growing love for, and firm belief in the region, and Chris looks forward to many creative and hard working vintages here with his family.

ANDREA MULLINEUX developed her passion for wine at the family dinner table, growing up in San Francisco. After studying Viticulture and Oenology at UC Davis, and completing a handful of harvests in the Napa Valley, Andrea  worked in Stellenbosch, and then in Chateauneuf where on the same trip,  she met Chris at a wine festival in Champagne! Andrea’s love for South African wine (and Chris) brought her back to South Africa where they learnt that their compatibility extended into the vineyards and cellar. When Andrea is not hard at work in the cellar, her creative energies flow into the kitchen where she loves cooking up a storm, glass of wine in hand.

KEITH PROTHERO was born in England, but has spent most of his life in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He worked in the financial services industry for over 35 years, and decided to retire as early as possible to concentrate on his real passion, wine! Keith has an incredible zest for life. He is an active fundraiser for the Pebbles Charity, and loves nothing better than sharing a bottle or two of fine wine with friends. He is married to Rita and they live in London and Somerset West, South Africa.

PETER DART was born in Johannesburg and spent some time in the UK before returning to South Africa to complete his schooling and tertiary education. He trained and qualified as an accountant and worked in South Africa prior to returning to the UK in 1989 to work with the Standard Chartered Group in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He is married to Debbie and lives in Cape Town. Their son Cassidy resides in London where he works in the wine trade. Peter’s interests include property speculation and management, watching all sport but especially UK football, and travel.

NICOLA TIPPING started life as a scientist then a software engineer but in 2004 decided to make a career out of her passion for wine. She joined Berry Brothers & Rudd in the UK where she held a number of positions in sales and customer relations. After being approached by Lay & Wheeler she joined them as their Fine Wine Sales Manager. She has also worked short stints consulting for an on-trade retailer and then for Waitrose in their internet wine sales division. In 2010 Nicola decided to escape the gloomy weather and she returned to South Africa and started working with Mullineux Wines soon thereafter.

JZ joined Mullineux Family Wines on January 21st, 2009 (at 5:15 p.m. to be precise). Already a world traveler – 40 odd flights under his belt and counting. JZ aspires to one day follow in his parent’s footsteps and join them in the cellar for punch-downs and wine tastings, and though he’s starting to be rather “helpful” in the cellar, we wont go into too much detail for for fear of Child Labour accusations.

PARKER, named after Andrea’s favorite actress, Parker Posey, and JAKE (named after a certain successful rugby coach) are the much loved, energetic family hounds. Their winery duties are extensive and include vineyard rodent wrangling and the chasing of barrel sales people.