Grier, Jeff
Winemaker - Villiera Wines - Stellenbosch
Contact: wine
Website: Villiera Wines.
After graduating from Stellenbosch University in 1979, Jeff Grier gained international experience in Europe before returning to South Africa in 1981. A further 3 years of local experience gave him confidence to go it alone.
In 1983, the Grier family purchased Villiera and Jeff took over the wine making function in 1984. A ten year royalty agreement with Jean Louis Denois from Champagne ensured regular contact with Europe. Although the focus of Villiera was on Methode Cap Classique in the early years, Jeff recognized the potential for Villiera to excel in other styles. Each trip to Champagne involved visits to other regions in Europe and the desire for knowledge took him to the New World as well.
In 1987 Jeff became a Cape Wine Master. His research report was The role of Champagne in the development of sparkling wine proudced by the Methode Champenoise around the world. He was now sufficiently qualified and experienced enough to tackle a relatively large range of wines on his family Estate. This has led to exciting growth for Villiera and numerous personal achievements for Jeff Grier:
- 1995 - John Platters Wine Man of the Year
- 1997 - Diners Club Wine Maker of the Year
- 1999 - winner of WINE magazines Chenin Blanc Challenge
- 1999 - winner of the Paarl Vintners Challenge (best Cape Blend)
- 2000 - Paarl Region's Wine Personality of the Year
- 2005 - Winner of Calyon Trophy for the best Bordeaux Blend in South Africa
- 2005 - NMK Shultz award for the best LBV style Port
Jeff and Villiers have won numerous medals, awards and trophies for various wines in the range, including 17 Veritas Double Gold awards in the last 10 years and 5 SAA Trophies ( 4 for Best Cap Classique and one for Best White). In 2002 Jeff ensured that Villiera was amongst the top 10 SA producers in both the Veritas competition and the Trophy Wine Show (South Africa's two main annual bottled wine competitions).
