Villiera

Cousins Jeff and Simon Grier started the family-owned Villiera Wines outside Stellenbosch in 1983 and embarked on an extensive replanting of classic and local varietals. Cathy Brewer (née Grier) later joined the family team to head up the sales, marketing and export divisions. The introduction of hi-tech cellar facilities for the production of still wines as well as Méthode Cap Classique combined with a unique wine business philosophy has seen Villiera developing into one of the largest private wineries in the country.

Award-winning winemaker Jeff Grier crafts a range of wines characterized by a strong reflection of Villiera's unique terroir and the retention of the distinct aromas and flavours of the different varietals. The Griers have been pioneers in the Cap Classique category and their innovative approach has been evident other categories as well as in their business.

The Villiera vineyards have been run by Simon Grier since 1983 and are approximately 180 hectares in extent. Yields are a conservative 8 tons per hectare to ensure fruit quality. The varietal mix is in a constant state of flux depending on consumer demand. In the early 1980s, Villiera's vineyards were approximately 5% red. This situation has changed and they now consist of about 40% red vines. The vineyards are labour intensive as employment is vital to the region.

Our emphasis for the future will be to continue the use of hand labour in the vineyards, but greatly improve productivity, as well as to expand and fine-tune our irrigation systems and head in the direction of organic viticulture.

The Villiera cellar is functional and spacious. As wine production has increased, the cellar has expanded to accommodate this. The first foundations were laid in the early 1940s and since the Grier family purchased Villiera in 1983, additions to the cellar have almost been an annual event. Today the cellar can handle 2 800 tons of grapes producing red, white and sparkling wines. The equipment utilised allows maximisation of quality potential. At Villiera, we also believe that consumers should witness the production process in order to enhance their enjoyment of wine. Therefore, a self guided tour, providing a bird’s eye view of activities, was established in 1996.