Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem







Mon-Friday + public holidays, 9am-5pm Sat, 9am-3pm | |
![]() | 021 865 2002 |
![]() | Villiera Wines Cnr R101 & R304, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch Stellenbosch |
![]() | https://www.villiera.com/ |
![]() | @villiera |
![]() | @villiera.wines |
![]() | villierawines |
Villiera Wines is one of Stellenbosch’s wine family institutions – the fourth generation is now involved in the business and the long-term experience has paid off. It produces world-class Cap Classiques (sparkling wine), as well as premium red and white wines, and besides this has a proud track record of sustainable farming practices – it’s a leader in the field.
Did you know that this is the 50-year celebration of Cap Classique in South Africa? Cap Classique is specifically a South African term for sparkling wine made in the traditional method. In the 1980s Villiera formed a joint venture with Champagne specialist Frenchman Jean Louis Denois to create some of the best Cap Classique in the country.

The brand has a non-vintage range (there are three types, a brut, a brut rosé, and the Starlight, which is lower in alcohol), a vintage Cap Classique and a reserve Cap Classique. To give you some idea of how good it is, in a blind-tasting Winemag.co.za’s editorial director Christian Eedes wrote that Villiera’s Monro did not come far behind French brands – these Cap Classiques are up there with the world’s best.

Villiera’s wine-tasting experience is not only very enjoyable, it’s also reasonable: only R40 per person to taste six wines. The tasting room is a lovely, modern space called the Wine Sanctuary, which extends out onto a terrace area shaded by some old oak trees. It’s lovely to experience the wine tasting there, when the weather permits.

Villiera produces about 40% Cap Classique, and 30% each of red and white wines. The farm has won many awards, and the reserves in particular are worth trying. A standard tasting costs only R40 per person for six wines, while the reserve tasting is extra.

Villiera, in partnership with two neighbours, has created a reserve of 220 hectares. It has plenty of water on it, attracting loads of birdlife, and has been stocked with game such as kudu, springbuck, waterbuck and even giraffe. Plus over 100 000 indigenous trees have been planted on the farm. A game drive takes two hours and also includes a tasting of Villiera wines.

---
Villiera Wines is open Monday to Saturday, but if you want to drink on Sunday too, see who is open.
Here are some more unusual wine farms worth a visit.
We’re heading into low season. Here are some good accommodation deals.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.
Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.
Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
Filini at Radisson Cape Town Foreshore
Tiramisu martinis, lasagne crocchetta and more
Cape Town’s top African drumming ...
A layered story of South Africa’s musical traditions
What locals don’t know about Table ...
Cape Town’s highest bar (no ticket needed), free tours + more
Fridays at East City's Harrington Street
Bar hop in one building, from happy hour to live music
Things to do at Spier Wine Farm in ...
Everything you never knew about Spier unpacked by us
Jazz nights at Dutchies by Grotto Beach
6pm to 8pm every last Friday of the month
Rum, brandy & gin tastings with your ...
Unusual cuts prepped in-house and a curious gin atomiser
Norval Foundation, the art museum with ...
Unmissable summer exhibitions, picnics amongst the sculptures, & more
Thailand's full moon party comes to ...
3 days with top DJs, laser shows, and poolside fun
Two Oceans Aquarium's free beach ...
Every 3rd Sat of the month in Milnerton, Muizenberg, or Blouberg
The hidden seaside bistro on the ...
Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing
Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...
DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach
Meet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...
From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato
Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...
The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone
Everything you need to know about Ceres ...
Cherry products and picking, foam party & live music as the sun sets
Amazing cocktail & food specials at ...
Daily happy hour, free starters & welcome drinks, and more
Ficks, Hermanus’s tidal pool ...
Just as wonderful at night & during the cooler months
The café creating space for ...
It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it