Stellenbosch-based empowerment wine brand Visio Vintners has earned international acclaim after its Alliance 2022 was awarded a coveted Gold medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards in London.
Produced through a partnership between Kleine Zalze Wines and the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust, Visio Vintners was founded on the principles of empowerment, shared prosperity and exceptional winemaking. The award places the brand among the world’s leading wine producers, with only wines scoring between 95 and 96 points receiving Gold status.
The Alliance 2022 is a Stellenbosch red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Shiraz, crafted from grapes grown on the estate’s own vineyards. According to the team behind the wine, the blend reflects both the region’s renowned terroir and the collaboration at the heart of the Visio Vintners story.
Trustee Sandra Koen says the recognition is not only a celebration of quality, but also proof that transformation and excellence can go hand in hand. “The award is recognition not only of the wine itself, but of the people behind it and the vision that inspired the project,” she says.
As one of the world’s most respected wine competitions, the Decanter World Wine Awards attracted nearly 17,000 entries from 58 countries this year, making the achievement a significant milestone for both Visio Vintners and Stellenbosch.