Villion Wines

SOUTH-AFRICA, BOT RIVER

Villion Family Wines focus on the production of premium wines. This means that vineyards are selected for specific contributions to create wines of International distinction. Selection criteria include age of the vineyards, sustainable and nature friendly production methods, limited yields, high altitude sites, clone differences and close proximity to the ocean. Villion Family Wines does not limit itself to use fruit only from a specific ward, but actually use the strengths of fruit from different wards, in creating unique styles of wine. 

 

Botriver is a ward in the Walker Bay district, located between Elgin and Hermanus. It is the beginning of the valley and is famous for its relatively cool climate, due to its location near the ocean. This produces wines with nice fresh acids, including the grapes Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. The weathered slate soils also contribute to the success of these cool-climate style wines. 

Winemaker & owner

Villion Wines

Jacobus A.S.Viljoen (Kobie), proprietor of Villion Family Wines, is a descendant of the first French Huguenot, Francois Villion, who made South Africa his permanent residence in 1671. From then on the Villion family (changed to Viljoen later on in the Afrikaans language) made their living from farming the fertile soils of the Cape of Good Hope, focusing on vineyards. Kobie Viljoen, with his twenty years of experience and combining with detailed and focused winemaking, takes hand selected fruit through the processes to capture the essential components of colour, flavour and texture within his wines. Environmental friendly and traditional methods which include spontaneous fermentation and open top fermentations, add to the authenticity of the wines. 

 

Judicious maturation in French oak barrique and timeous maturation in bottle, embodies the essence of the wines created. Kobie Viljoen was educated at the Agricultural College of Elsenburg in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. He obtained a Diploma in CellarTechnology and distinguished himself as one of the top students in his class. During the following 20 years, he attained valuable experience in top South African cellars. 

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“The soul of the land can best be felt through the soles of your feet.” 

Winemaking

Our philosophy

Focus on the production of premium wines.  

  • Vineyards are selected for specific contributions

  • Handcrafted wines are made to delicate perfection

  • Grapes are all selected by hand

  • Sustainable and nature-friendly production methods

Collection

Our wines

Villion Family Wines focuses on the production of premium wines and takes advantage of the cool climate and weathered slate soils within the ward Bot River. This unique terroir produces lively wines from other chenin blanc and chardonnay.

Lionne du VillionBlanc de l’AtlantiqueChardonnayChenin blanc

Lionne du Villion

66% Chenin Blanc, 26% Sémillon, 8% Chardonnay, Botriver, South Africa

Captivating entrance of an array of fruit flavors – ripe peach slices and sun-drenched, sweet apricots. Quirky layers of quince and ripe orange peel. Delectable saltiness of oyster shells and wet stones reveal the wine’s oaky fermentation character. Confident, broad, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is one of perfect balance, a pristine, oyster shell and crushed stone, flinty texture ending in a chalky sharpness.

Blanc de l’Atlantique

75% Viognier, 12,5% Chardonnay & 12,5% Chenin blanc, Bot River, South Africa

Explosive notes of jasmine and spice, cinnamon-dusted apricots and peach slices, ending in an overwhelming bouquet of early orange blossom.

Chardonnay

100% Chardonnay, Botriver, South-Africa

Fresh notes of dried lemon peel are followed by a quirky, salty apple pie crumble aroma, reflecting the spontaneous fermentation character of this intriguing Chardonnay. Secondary layers of toasted almonds and cinnamon prolong the interest. Elegant in style, it finishes with cinnamon spice flavor and citrus crispness.

Chenin blanc

100% Chenin blanc, Botriver, South-Africa

Captivating aromas of freshly cut ripe yellow peach fruit, with layers of dry fruit, vanilla pod and caramel foam. Fruit from this 37-year-old vineyard underlies its complexity and richness in flavor profile. Mouth-filling and layered texture with a lively freshness and delicious minerality.