Sun Powered
We are powered by the sun. In 2010, we installed the largest, privately-owned, roof-mounted, solar power generation facility in South Africa. It supplies most of our needs outside of harvest time. Wine is often described as "sunlight in a bottle," and we truly live up to that. We further conserve energy through greater use of natural light, insulation, energy-efficient equipment and lighting, and timers on energy-intensive machinery.
The Villiera Family
Villiera is an estate guided by family values and managed by a dedicated team. However, the estate's success rests on a greater Villiera family of loyal staff, many of whom have been with us for over 20 years. This dedicated team is committed to the quality and service that defines our brand.
A Wealth of Experience
At Villiera, there is an abundance of experience. Our senior viticultural and winemaking teams, the "wise old owls" have been keeping a beady eye on activities here for over three decades. Their long-standing presence and deep knowledge are the foundation of our quality and are actively being passed on to the next generation of staff.
Unlocking Nature
We use environmentally friendly farming methods, believing that a healthy natural environment is key to exceptional wine. We have rehabilitated a large tract of land, returning it to its natural state, which allowed us to create a natural guest experience, the Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary. We naturally replenish our soils with winter cover crops and recycle all available water for irrigation purposes. This holistic approach has led to a vibrant, flourishing ecosystem on the estate.
Carbon Offset
We’ve been enthusiastic tree planters for many years, but our wildlife sanctuary development has provided a unique opportunity to offset our carbon footprint by planting over 100,000 indigenous trees. We have prolifically planted spekboom, one of the most efficient carbon-binding plants, making a tangible investment in the future of the planet.
The Personal Touch
We know our vineyard intimately. Our viticultural team knows each square meter, and the winemakers join them during harvest to physically taste and decide when to pick. The vines are hand pruned, canopies are hand-controlled, and the grapes are hand-picked. This careful, personal attention at every stage is what leaves an impression on the wine.
Sustainable Farming
We farm as naturally as possible without compromising the annual harvest. Techniques are employed to limit the driving of tractors up and down rows, which limits soil compaction and burns less fuel. We rely on natural predators to control pests, and we attract birds of prey to scare off grape-eating birds. We capture all our winter runoff water and strictly control its use for irrigation. Furthermore, social sustainability is a priority, witnessed through our support for the Pebbles Project, the Owethu Clinic, and our on-site farm crèche.
Measured Progress
Our team is thorough in evaluating the effectiveness of any new practice. We only adopt new methods once we are assured of the proven benefit to our business and, most importantly, our wine quality. Innovation is crucial, but we don't wildly adopt new methods. This is the oldstory of the tortoise and the hare: steady, measured steps ensure lasting quality.
