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Harvest began 2 weeks earlier than last year, catching some producers by surprise. Fortunately, as bubbly producers we anticipate starting early and we don’t take holiday in January. Imagine relaxing on the beach and receiving a call that the grapes are ready.
  
The early start (8 January) was a function of an early Spring and stable, dry conditions thereafter. The vineyards are extremely healthy at this stage and we have experienced very even ripening which is always good. The yield is down and the berries are small due to the dry conditions but this only helps to intensify the flavours. We are happy at this stage.

    

     
In December we experienced flooding in the Agly Valley (France) and conditions are cold now which can only benefit the Domaine Grier vineyards during their dormant period. Demand for our unique wines from France grew in 2014 and we have been inspired to purchase an additional block of vineyard. It is strategically positioned near the entrance to our existing vineyard and it is bordered by a river which forms a pool at the one end. Large trees near the river are an exciting feature of this block of organic Merlot, which is a variety we know well.

  

 
 

 

The Klink Wine Tourism Awards
    
 

In our last Newsletter we mentioned that we were nominated for the "Tread Gently" award. It is an award voted on by consumers and we are proud to announce that we won the category.

  

We are overjoyed that our environmentally responsible approach is being acknowledged and rewarded.
  
Many thanks to those who voted!

  

 
 

 

Wine Label Design Awards
     
As you know, in 2014 we made the bold and somewhat risky decision to change our labels. The new design emphasised our environmentally responsible philosophy and the innovative use of illustrations on the back label instead of words has received much positive comment.

    

Our whites moved over to the new look with the 2014 vintage and our first 2013 reds (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) have just been released with their new look.
  
"We feel the change has been a great success which was recently reinforced by the inaugural Wine Label Design Awards. We received a silver award in the label range category which essentially places us in shared second place in the competition for this category. This result is extremely satisfying because it confirms that the wines we are so proud of, are attractively and relevantly packaged, according to a panel of experts."

 
 

 

Game Drives
     

We are hosting a game drive evening on 5th March. The evening begins at 17h30 and includes a guided drive through part of our vineyard into the Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will see numerous antelope and bird species.
   
Upon your return to the Wine Sanctuary, you will experience a tasting followed by full moon picnic on the terrace (cost of R300 per person). To book, contact Ivonia on 021 865-2002 or email
Ivonia@villiera.com
  
Mondays-Fridays we conduct drives from 8:30 to 15:00 and on Saturdays we conduct drives at 9:00 and 13:00. Your contact person for bookings and information on game drives is Rene on 021 865-2002 or email
rene@villiera.com.

 
 

 

Young Wine Experience
     

On the 28th February we are offering you the opportunity to taste some of our young wines out of the tanks, along with the existing bottled versions.   
  

    
This is a late morning event starting at 11h00 and appropriate canapés will be served. The cost will be R150 per person and space will be limited so please book with Ivonia on 021 865 -2002 or email Ivonia@villiera.com.

 
 

 

Wine Club
     

If you have not yet joined our Wine Club, simply email club@villiera.com to receive your membership form. For further information & benefits, contact Rene on 021 865-2002.
  
All new members to join at the farm or when placing an order for delivery (minimum order of a case) will receive a bottle of Monro 2006, free of charge. Please leave an open compartment in one of your boxes for the free bottle.
      
We are also taking part in numerous other events all around South Africa, Germany and the UK. Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter where we will keep you updated.

 
 

 

Queries & Private Wine Tastings

Gauteng   Western Cape
Karen Green
083 2974215

karen@imagine.co.za
  Villiera
(021) 865 2002 / 3

wine@villiera.com
  
  
  
 

We are situated 40km from Cape Town, 20 km from Paarl and 10 km from Stellenbosch.
Take exit 39 from the N1 highway.
Travel 2 km down the R304 in the direction of Stellenbosch.
Villiera is on the right corner of the R304 and R101, opposite the Koelenhof winery.

 

  

 

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