Viljoensdrift Fine Wines & River Cruises

Viljoensdrift Fine Wines & River Cruises


Summertime and the living is easy...we invite you to raise your glass in a toast to summer and the good life.

Whether you are celebrating milestones, birthdays, happy endings or new beginnings, Villion is the ideal companion. A blanc de blancs MCC hand-crafted entirely out of Chardonnay, Villion is elegant with hints of honeysuckle and buttered toast. Popping the cork will provoke tingles of pleasure.




Wines from our record 2011 harvest — the biggest in the history of Viljoensdrift — have been released. Savour the zesty Sauvignon Blanc with asparagus wrapped in Norwegian salmon or pair West Coast mussel paella with the crisp yet creamy Chardonnay.

Looking for the quintessential daytime wine? An off-dry, coral-hued Rosé has joined the flagship River Grandeur line-up. Its crisp texture and voluptuous red berry deliciousness is wonderful for outdoors, perfect for the summer.

Pinotage fans take note: a limited quantity of the 2009 River Grandeur Pinotage Special Selection – Veritas double gold winner, Michelangelo gold medalist and rated one of South Africa's top Pinotage wines — has been released. Complete your Pinotage collection with the 2010 River Grandeur Pinotage and 2010 River Grandeur Cape Blend, an earthy melange of Pinotage and Shiraz.

The ever-popular, pocket-friendly Driftwood Dry White and Dry Red blends offer carefree fun-in-the-sun quaffing at the unbeatable price of R22-50 and R24-50 respectively.

Wines are available at our Riverside Tasting Area or online www.viljoensdrift.co.za/order


Savour the Taste of Summer

On a balmy summer day, few things in life rival the bonhomie of drifting down the river sharing an alfresco meal with friends and family. Pick a picnic from our deli – ciabatta straight from the oven, a choice of pâtes, cold cuts, cheeses and condiments — and step onto our river boat Uncle Ben.
Soak up the sun, trail your feet in the cool water of the Breede River and sip a glass or two of the best from our vineyards as the river route meanders past indigenous Breede River Yellow Wood and Wild Olive trees teeming with a variety of bird species. Pure bliss.



The 60 minute river cruise comes at a mere R40 for adults, including wine tasting prior to departure, and R15 for children between 3 and 16 years. The boat, which can accommodate 40 people, departs daily at 12:00 and thereafter every hour on the hour (depending on bookings). Advance bookings and arrival 30 minutes prior to departure are essential.

Visit www.viljoensdrift.co.za, email rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za or tel 023 615 1017 for further
information and bookings


A Reputation for Excellence

Fred and Manie's unrelenting commitment to working in harmony with nature coupled with a formidable team effort in the cellar and vineyard continue to pay dividends.
Recent accomplishments include 3 stars for Villion at the annual Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge; a pair of gold medals for the 2008 River Grandeur Shiraz and the 2009 River Grandeur Cape Blend at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards; Veritas silver for our 2009 River Grandeur Cabernet Sauvignon; a duo of trophies for the 2011 Pinotage/Cabernet Sauvignon blend at the SA and Roberston Young Wine Shows.




Venturing Further Afield

Argentina and Chile

In August Fred joined a small group of winemakers on a visit to South America hosted by Toneleria Nacional cooperage. After touch-down in Buenos Aires, the group travelled to Mendoza, the heart of the wine industry in Argentina. The fruit of the local vines were sampled at seven wineries, located at the foothills of the mighty Andes, the world's longest north-south mountain range . Overall the quality of the wines was impressive — full-bodied, full of flavour, with soft tannins and deep red colours amongst the reds.



And then it was off to Chile. Highlights included a visit to Toneleria Nacional cooperage, wine tastings at wineries tucked between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean and the scenic splendour of the south with its snow-capped volcanoes, lush landscapes, forests and lakes.

The Netherlands

Wereldse Wijndagen (Global Wine Days) in The Netherlands was the next destination on Fred's wine travels. The three-day trade event organized by leading Dutch wine importers/distributors brought together 100 old and new world wine producers from 12 countries across the globe under one roof. Some 600 wines were showcased and lured 1 100 visitors who were wooed by the offering of fine wines paired with delectable food prepared by a trio of Michelin star chefs from The Netherlands and Italy.



Celebrate Summer and Win

Escape...breathe the fresh country air. Win a blissful weekend for two at Bougain Villa, our self-catering cottage in Montagu, a Breede River cruise and a bottle of Viljoensdrift wine in the Celebrate Summer competition. Join the Viljoensdrift Facebook page and stand a chance to win. Enter today!



Happy Holidays

May this Festive Season bring you pleasant memories and much happiness.
Celebrate each day. Cheers!