Villiera is a well-known property in the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa. It was started as a family-owned business in 1983 by cousins Jeff and Simon Grier and Cathy Brewer (née Grier), who later joined to head up sales, marketing, and export divisions.
Villiera has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Cap Classique, a South African sparkling wine style made using the traditional Champagne method.
In recent years, the current directors of Villiera have been planning for succession as they approach their mid-sixties.
In 2021, the property was sold to Iwayini, the South African subsidiary of Grands Chais de France (GCF). GCF is a family-owned company run by the Helfrich family and one of France’s largest wine producers.
Iwayini
Iwayini, which had previously purchased Neethlingshof, a winery in Stellenbosch, searched for a Cap Classique producer to complement their portfolio. The purchase of Villiera was a logical fit for Iwayini, and the Grier family will remain involved in the running of the Villiera business in the meantime to ensure continuity.
Xander Grier, the nephew of Simon, will continue to work as a winemaker at Villiera.
Domaine Grier (France)
Villiera embarked on an international venture in 2006 when they invested in a small vineyard in the Roussillon region in the South of France.
They acquired a 22-hectare vineyard and cellar near the town of St Paul de Fenouillet. Varieties planted include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Maccabeu and Chardonnay. The range from Domaine Grier reflects both classic and modern styles, adding a new dimension to Villiera’s offering of superb wines.
Domaine Grier Brut
Lively and fresh to drink now with hints of brioche, raspberry and spice. The finesse on the mid-palate extends to complexity on the finish and the use of Blanc de Noir in the blend lends an attractive coppery, golden hue to the appearance.
- Méthode Traditionnelle (Bottle fermented sparkling wine; can’t call it Champagne as not made in the region of Champagne).
- Blend of the classic Champagne cultivar (Chardonnay) and Spanish “Cava” cultivar (Maccabeu) including a portion of Blanc de Noir (Carignan).
- 6 years on the lees; lively and fresh with hints of brioche, almond, and spice; raspberry fruit on the mid-palate and dry finish.
- Ideal as an aperitif, delicate seafood dishes, and berries/frangipane deserts.
Produced in the Roussillon Region of France from vineyards owned by Villiera Wines South Africa.
Pebbles Project
It’s worth noting that the Villiera property is more than just a winery. It is also home to the Pebbles Project, a non-profit organization that provides education programs and health, nutrition, and social work services to children from farming communities.
The property also includes the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary, which conserves indigenous flora and fauna.
