The Family

Grier Family: The Grier family is into its fourth generation as a family business. Grandfather Grier arrived in South Africa from the United Kingdom in the 1920’s. He studied at Elsenburg and started a poultry business. The second generation of Griers (Robin and Alexander Snr) took it a step further and were involved in developing County Fair, added value poultry business and planted some vineyard. The third generation (Jeff, Simon and Cathy) were more interested in what to drink with poultry and started a wine business (Villiera) in 1983.

Jeffery Monro Grier: Studied at Stellenbosch University as a winemaker. After gaining practical experience locally and overseas he started at Villiera in 1983. In 1987 he became a Cape Wine Master and is responsible for wine production both at Villiera and Domaine Grier. 

Simon Monro Grier: Studied at Stellenbosch University but he was more interested in the outdoors, dovetailing perfectly with Jeff who was more interested in the cellar. Simon is responsible for the vineyards at Villiera and he has become a recognized authority in environmental aspects. 

Cathy (nee Grier) Brewer CWM: Studied computer science at UCT. After the family purchased Villiera wines she opted for a career change and went to study at Prue Leiths school of Food & Wine in London. She joined Villiera in 1987 and currently heads up the sales and marketing departments. She is also a Cape Wine Master. 

Alexander Monro Grier:  Studied BSC Food Science at Stellenbosch University. He decided that was not for him and went about gaining practical experience as a winemaker both in South Africa and overseas for 12 years before joining Villiera Wines as a winemaker in 2017. Alexander is the first of the 4th generation Griers to join the team.


Villiera Wines
021 865 2002