Leopard’s Leap Restaurant & Wine Farm

Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards was born at the turn of the millennium from the vision of Hein Koegelenberg, a winemaker and businessman already well known for his stewardship of La Motte in Franschhoek. Where La Motte pursued classical elegance, Leopard's Leap was conceived as something different: an approachable, family-oriented wine brand that could reach drinkers around the world without sacrificing quality or a sense of place.

The name itself draws on the legend of the Cape Mountain Leopard, a critically endangered species that once roamed freely through the Franschhoek Valley. Leopard's Leap has maintained a long-standing sponsorship of the Cape Leopard Trust, weaving conservation into the brand's identity from the outset.

The vineyards draw from prime sites across Franschhoek and the broader Western Cape, producing a wide portfolio that spans five distinct ranges. The Family Collection sits at the top, with structured, age-worthy wines. The Classic range delivers elegant, well-crafted varietals. The Lookout Collection is designed for carefree, everyday enjoyment. The Special Edition offers limited releases. And the Culinaria Collection — available only at the estate — is built specifically to pair with food, reflecting the farm's deep commitment to the marriage of wine and cuisine.

That culinary focus is central to the visitor experience. The Leopard's Leap Rotisserie, led by Chef Christiaan Visser, serves uncomplicated, seasonal food designed to complement the wines in a relaxed family-friendly setting. Hands-on cooking classes and demonstration meals are offered at a professional culinary studio on the property. Wine tastings are available across the full range, with the Culinaria Collection tastings offered exclusively in the tasting room.

The estate's international reach is remarkable for a Franschhoek producer. Leopard's Leap wines are represented in more than 40 countries, with dedicated marketing teams across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa. This global footprint has not diluted the brand's local character — the Franschhoek Valley home remains the heart of operations, and the visitor experience is designed to feel welcoming rather than corporate.

The property itself is set among the vineyards with views across the Franschhoek Valley to the surrounding mountains. The grounds are spacious and welcoming to families — children can explore while parents taste, and the overall atmosphere leans towards sociable enjoyment rather than formal ceremony. The wine ranges are priced to be accessible, with standard tastings starting at R25 per person and the premium Culinaria tasting at R40.

Leopard's Leap won the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism award for Authentic South African Experience, a recognition of its success in combining accessible wines, family-friendly hospitality, and a genuine connection to the Franschhoek Valley landscape. It is a rare estate that manages to serve both the global export market and the weekend visitor with equal conviction.