Our Story
The Journey Begins...
Our Story Began in 2015 when Sarah travelled to
Mexico to learn the art of making premium tequila
and mezcal from the master distillers.
In 2016 she then travelled to Canada and
planted 115,000 trees to raise R60,000 which
was the first investment to start the business.
First Investment
First investment of R 900,000 from first partner in business and Leonista brand launched.
Award Winning
Won our first global awards. Made first
million rand in sales. Supplied 200 clients.
Launched Reposado Black
Launched new range Reposado Black. First export sales. Organically certified.
Online Store,
Awards & Exports
Survived Covid-19 and launched an online store over lockdown. Won 2 awards - Blanco Gold Sip awards and Rep Black Silver Sip awards. Export sales going to Australia, Germany, Netherlands, Taiwan and Japan.
1% For The Planet Partnership
Exporting to 10 countries and partnered with Samara supporting their vision to “rewild the Karoo”.
“Leonista” which means “Lion energy or Lion Person” is the first 100% Karoo agave spirit in the country made in the traditional Mexican way. The production process follows an age-old recipe used in Mexico to make agave spirits like Mezcal. It requires the agave plant to be cooked in smoke and fire, hence Leonista’s delicious smoky flavor, similar to that of a Mezcal. Sarah, the Co owner and founder, went to Mexico on a research tour and learnt the process from the maestro distillers there. She fell in love with the spirit because 100% agave spirits, when drunk with respect, are the most energy fueling of all alcohols and don’t give you a hangover. Since it is not made in Mexico it cannot be called Mezcal or Tequila but it is essentially a local Mezcal made using South African Karoo agave that has been growing there for hundreds of years.
Leonista is 100% USDA certified organic and is made
for a conscious consumer who demands something
of a higher quality, handmade and if treated with
respect has energy giving properties and has less
harmful effect on the body.
We also strive to have a positive impact on the world
around us so a % of every bottle sold goes towards
supporting African land and ocean conservation.
Inspired by Patagonia Inc.