Villiera Wines
is located near Koelenhof on the north-western edge of Stellenbosch. The estate was established by the Grier family in 1983 and soon developed into an important producer of still wines and bottle-fermented Cap Classique. Since 2023, Villiera has belonged to the French family group Les Grands Chais de France. The combination of South African origin, established experience and new investment shapes the estate's development today.
Cap Classique plays a particularly important role. Villiera's first Tradition Brut was created in 1984 in collaboration with French sparkling-wine specialist Jean-Louis Denois. The grapes are picked early, gently whole-bunch pressed and, after secondary fermentation in the bottle, matured for an extended period on the lees. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir form the basis of this fresh, finely sparkling style.
Today the Cap Classique collection ranges from the well-known Tradition Brut and Tradition Brut Rosé to the zero-dosage Brut Natural and the longer-aged Monro Brut. The portfolio is complemented by more modern styles such as Pearls of Nectar and selected limited bottlings. The different wines show both linear freshness and more mature notes of yeast, pastry and nuts.
Still wines are also firmly established in Villiera's profile. Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and the aromatic Jasmine blend are at the centre of the white range. Among the reds, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are key varieties. The reserve bottlings Monro Merlot and The Clan broaden the portfolio with more structured wines that spend longer in the cellar and bottle.
The vineyards cover around 180 hectares and are planted roughly equally with white and red varieties. Villiera is a member of the Old Vine Project and produces several wines from certified old-vine vineyards. Some of the vineyards are dry-farmed, while the remaining areas use efficient drip irrigation. According to the estate, the still wines ferment spontaneously in the cellar. Depending on the wine, amphorae are used alongside wooden barrels.
Environmental and social projects have been part of the operation for many years. Together with neighbouring farms, Villiera established a protected area of more than 200 hectares where giraffes, zebras, kudus and numerous bird species live. The estate has also planted more than 100,000 indigenous trees, uses solar energy and supports education and healthcare services for local families through the Pebbles Project.
Villiera therefore combines the experience of a long-established Stellenbosch producer with an especially broad selection of Cap Classique, white wines and red wines. At Vin Africa, wine lovers will find the classic Tradition Brut alongside characterful Chenin Blancs, Merlots and selected reserve wines from northern Stellenbosch.