The remarkable background and insight into one
of the most environmentally friendly and socially
motivated family vineyards in South Africa.
Family owned Villiera was established in 1983 by cousins, Jeff and Simon Grier. They immediately embarked on an extensive replanting of the classical and local varietals. Later Cathy Brewer (née Grier) joined the family team to head up sales, marketing and export divisions. Over the years hi-tech cellar facilities for the production of still wines as well as Méthode Cap Classique, combined with a unique winemaking philosophy, developed Villiera into one of the largest private wineries in the country.
Dear to their hearts: environmental awareness,
upliftment projects and mentorship programmes.
The close relationship between the Grier and the Rangaka family, from a neighbouring vineyard, have culminated in M’Hudi Wines. 100% owned by the Rangaka’s with Villiera assisting with production and marketing, not only are these wines sold in South Africa but they also grace the shelves of Marks & Spencer in the UK.
There are many vital aspects to the upliftment projects, one is the Zenzile Gardening Project; a vegetable garden on Villiera providing an income for previously unemployed from the nearby township. Another is the Day Care Centre where teaching takes place from early childhood under the care of trained pre-primary teachers who look after the farm workers’ children. Expert supervision and training is provided by the Pebbles Project. In addition an After School Club has been formed where there is a safe environment, where children can complete homework while parents are still at work. Once again the supervision and training is provided by the Pebbles Project and the Anna Foundation.
In 2006 a very positive move took place…
Villiera became a fully accredited member of the wine industry and ethical trade association. The important mission: to improve working conditions, prohibit child labour, excessive working hours, unfair discrimination as well as a healthy, safe environment and a right to a living wage.
There is a strong focus on water conservation, recycling and greening with the planting of 10 000 trees in progress. This has led to a superb and vibrant eco system including huge flocks of Guinea fowl and pheasant as well as steenbok Cape foxes, Grey mongeese, porcupines and Blue cranes. They maintain 35 owl boxes in the vineyards some containing Barn owls many with crows, Egyptian geese and swarms of bees. An eco friendly approach, which has led to Villiera being suppliers to Marks & Spencer (UK) and Woolworths in South Africa.
Cathy Brewer explains, "In addition, we are totally committed to the environment both in our buildings, where walls are 330 mm thick for further insulation, roofs are white to reflect heat, and our water use is monitored and recorded. Waste water is settled, sent through a marsh area to purify before entering an irrigation dam, then into a drip system and back into the vineyards. Hot water cylinders are being changed to solar."
Nothing wasted!
All recyclable material is collected by previously unemployed and sold for their own account. Glass is returned to Consol for remelting or to be recycled by a bottle washing plant. Wine tanker sediment is sold and turned into products for the wine industry and cattle feed. Grape skins are composted and either used in the vineyards or the gardening project. Vegetables are cultivated by hand and not sprayed (not registered organic).
175 hectares in Stellenbosch has been set aside as a wildlife sanctuary this includes 10 dams, marsh areas that attract huge diversity of bird life. Indigenous olive trees are grown in old milk containers and when a year old, bought from the staff and planted out. In addition 8000 indigenous trees have been planted.
Vineyards are planted with rye or oats in winter to prevent erosion and excessive water. In spring, rolled flat providing a mulch in summer, which increases humus and maintains cooler soil conditions preventing excessive water loss.
Vineyards have been reduced from 300 to 200 ha and the crop established at 1800 tons. "The aim is to improve conditions," says Cathy, "pushing up the average age and yield, while uprooting vineyards not producing quality grapes at the same time increasing the area of fallow land left to nature."
The properties are not only in Stellenbosch but in the Stanford area, where the past 11 years have seen the cleaning of alien vegetation, leaving coastal fynbos with river frontage on the Klein river with a Melkhout and olive forest. A private nature reserve shelters abundant small game including bontebok, Red hartebeest, eland, Burchell zebra and gemsbok as well as the most glorious bird life. No animals are killed on the farm. Many years back 500 Mole snakes were brought in to eradicate moles and mice.
Internationally Domaine Grier was founded in 2006 when they acquired a 22 hectare vineyard and cellar in The Roussillon District, South of France. The range from Domaine Grier will reflect both classic and modern styles, adding another dimension to Villiera’s superb range.
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