Villiera Wines

Family-owned and now in its fourth generation, the estate covers 260 hectares of vineyard in the Stellenbosch region, with yields kept to a conservative 8 tons per hectare. The vineyard is planted with equal proportions of red and white varieties, and production splits between Cap Classique sparkling wines (40%), red wines (30%) and white still wines (30%). The estate released its first Cap Classique in 1984. Riddling (the gradual rotation of bottles to collect sediment) is carried out using a gyropalette, and ducks and guinea fowl are deployed across the vineyards in place of chemical pesticides.

The family team includes winemakers Alexander Monro Grier, a nephew of co-founder Simon Grier, and Nathan Valentine, alongside Cathy Brewer (née Grier), who heads sales, marketing and export. Beyond the cellar, Villiera is home to a wildlife sanctuary spanning 220 hectares with 12 dams and marsh areas, housing springbuck, kudu, giraffe and waterbuck, and the estate runs an early childhood development centre and after-school club through the Pebbles Project.

One of the largest private wineries in South Africa, Villiera also produces an alcohol-free wine within its portfolio, extending its range to sober-curious drinkers. The estate has been in operation for over 40 years.