An article from Die Burger newspaper, translated from Afrikaans.
One of the Cape Winelands’ greatest attractions is its magnetic pull on people from across the globe. This enchanting region not only draws tourists who return year after year for the stunning landscapes, diverse wine offerings, and Cape hospitality but also captivates individuals to such a profound extent that it places them on a new life trajectory.
Take, for example, Analjit Singh, the enigmatic Indian businessman originally from New Delhi. Singh embodies the transformative charm of the Cape, having put down new roots in Franschhoek. An international traveller in pursuit of business dealings and intriguing destinations, Singh had never set foot in South Africa until 2010. That all changed with a trip to Johannesburg at his daughter’s request to attend the World Cup football final, which incidentally included a visit to Cape Town and the surrounding wine regions.
Fast forward 14 years, and Singh’s Leeu Estates now features a luxurious, stylish rural hotel on the slopes of Franschhoek’s Dassenberg mountains. Complete with its own winery, Leeu Passant Wines caters to the more prestigious segment of the Cape wine offering.
The name “Leeu,” Afrikaans for “lion,” resonates deeply in this context, considering Singh’s surname translates to “Lion” in the Sanskrit language. It serves as a nod to the roots he has established in South Africa, despite his ongoing business interests spread across India and Europe.
“Yes, Franschhoek and the country have truly captivated me, transplanting my roots here,” says Singh. “Before visiting, I had a passing interest in wine, though I’ve always been a keen whisky enthusiast. Yet, since my first visit 14 years ago, the Cape’s wine culture, its history, and the remarkable quality of its wines have made a profound impact on me. The estates I acquired to establish Leeu Estates – complete with restored heritage buildings – are steeped in the country’s wine culture. Naturally, I felt compelled to engage with the industry, marking one of the most rewarding chapters of my time in South Africa thus far.”
Culture, heritage, tradition – these are themes reappearing regularly during any conversation with Singh. His approach is not about replacement and transformation but rather graceful development that preserves heritage while propelling it forward in harmony with established values.
This perspective also explains Singh’s interest in the Afrikaans language. During a discussion involving several South African colleagues, Singh eagerly probes for translations whenever the conversation lapses into Afrikaans.
At one point, I refer to someone as being “sout van die aarde” (salt of the earth). Singh promptly notes the phrase in his phone, along with its meaning. Similarly, the word “gees” (spirit) – used to describe the warmth, amiability and resilience of South Africans – caught his attention.
One such spirited individual is Rosa Kruger, the renowned viticulturist who guided Singh on his path into the Cape wine world. Globally acclaimed for her dedicated efforts to preserve South Africa’s old, historic vineyards, Kruger emphasises their unique quality and character. She introduced Singh to another expatriate with a passion for South African wines: Andrea Mullineux, the celebrated Californian winemaker who, with her husband Chris, heads Mullineux Wines in the Swartland.
Together Singh and the Mullineuxs founded Leeu Passant Wines in 2013. The winery, situated on Leeu Estates, crafts wines from select vineyards around Franschhoek, as well as from fine parcels in other regions, including Stellenbosch and Wellington.
“Leeu Passant aims to produce wines of exceptional quality,” Singh remarks, “but Chris and Andrea have, too, ignited in me a fascination with the Cape’s winemaking heritage, its culture, and the uniqueness of certain old vineyards. These elements resonate with my ethos and philosophy – a connection to this heritage and culture unique to the Cape wine region and its rich history. It’s one of the main reasons I am here today.”
Notably, two wines in the Leeu Passant line-up pay homage to the storied history of the Cape’s established wine industry: a Franschhoek Sémillon from vines over 60 years old, and a Wellington Cinsault from a vineyard nearing 124 years in age. Yes, these venerable vines near Wellington still thrive, annually growing grapes to a plush ripeness.
“I am passionate about nature, gardens, trees, and plants, and just the notion that these vines have stood the test of time, enduring the elements over generations and providing grapes to make wine…” Singh reflects. “It is a tremendous privilege for us as a winemaking team, and if the wine critics are to be believed, the distinctive character of these vineyards is reflected in the wines’ quality.”
Andrea Mullineux, esteemed as one of the New World’s finest winemakers, describes wines from old vines thus: “Coming from a big family, including Italians, I know of hearty, boisterous meals at the table. Wine from an old vineyard is like the elderly aunt at the table’s end – quiet, observant, watching everyone. But when she speaks, it demands attention, for she speaks with authority.”
The Leeu Passant range also includes wines that, while not from such venerable old vineyards, are still among the best in the country: a sublime Chardonnay and a distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon, both sourced from Stellenbosch vineyards. The Chardonnay is truly exceptional, while the Cabernet Sauvignon underscores the fact that this variety is undoubtedly South Africa’s leading red grape.
As a member of the Napa Valley Reserve wine club in California, Singh has a deep appreciation for Cabernet Sauvignon, which he often enjoys blending himself upon visits to Napa.
“So far, my journey into and involvement in the world of wine has been a delightful, enriching, and soul-nourishing part of my life,” he says. “It has reaffirmed for me that one is never too old to learn and that life is an endless journey of discoveries. For this experience, I owe my gratitude to the Cape and to South Africa.”
And thus, he fits the description of being truly “sout van die aarde”.