Villiera leaves Western Wines

Published: 23 July, 2008

Premium South African producer Villiera Wines has become the first agency to leave Western Wines following its purchase by Constellation.

Recent start-up company Crush Wines has now been appointed sole UK agent for the off-trade.

Owned and run by the Grier Family, the Stellenbosch-based winery produces about 150,000 cases of wine a year.

Retailing at 5.99 to 10.99, the Villiera range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Bush Vine Sauvignon Blanc, Cellar Door Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz.

Crush Wines will also represent the Villiera Methode Cap Classique quality sparkling wines and the Down to Earth range as well as new black empowerment project M'hudi.

Chris Ellis, the director of Crush Wines said: I have known the Griers since the early 1990's, and their reputation for quality, experimentation and dedication to the UK market is second to none.'

Constellation are yet to announce if they will continue to run Western Wines agency and which, if any, of that company's portfolio will transfer to to Constellation.

Much speculation has surrounded the possibility that Cono Sur, which is owned by Concha y Toro, may move to its mother company's UK office.

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