Stellenbosch, South Africa — For Visio Vintners, a wine brand built on the principles of empowerment, participation and shared prosperity, winning a Gold medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards represents far more than international recognition. It is a powerful validation of a vision more than two decades in the making.
The Stellenbosch-based winery, a partnership between Kleine Zalze Wines and the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust, was awarded a coveted Gold medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) in London for its flagship Alliance 2022, a red blend that exemplifies the quality and potential of Stellenbosch terroir.
Comprising 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 8% Shiraz, Alliance sits at the pinnacle of Visio Vintners’ portfolio and now joins the ranks of some of the world’s most highly acclaimed wines.
The achievement is particularly significant given the stature of the competition. Established in 2004 by the internationally respected wine publication Decanter, the DWWA has grown into the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. This year’s judging attracted nearly 17,000 entries from 58 countries, all assessed through a rigorous blind-tasting process by an international panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and leading wine authorities.
Gold medals are awarded only to wines scoring between 95 and 96 points, placing them among the elite performers of the competition.
For Visio Vintners, however, the recognition extends beyond the wine itself.
Launched as a black empowerment initiative, Visio Vintners is owned and managed through the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust, whose beneficiaries are employees across the Kleine Zalze business. The project was established to create meaningful opportunities for ownership, skills development and long-term economic participation within the South African wine industry.
“This recognition means an enormous amount to everyone involved in Visio Vintners,” says Sandra Koen, Trustee of Visio Vintners.
“Receiving a Gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards validates our commitment to quality and excellence. It is recognition not only of the wine itself, but of the people behind it and the vision that inspired the project.”
According to Koen, the success of Alliance 2022 demonstrates that transformation and world-class quality are complementary ambitions.
“This award shows that empowerment and excellence are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, it provides compelling evidence that South Africa’s empowerment initiatives can produce wines capable of competing with the very best in the world.”
She believes the accolade also sends a positive message about the future of South African wine.
“We hope this achievement inspires other empowerment projects and further strengthens South Africa’s reputation as a producer of exceptional wines across every segment of the industry.”
A Wine Rooted in Stellenbosch
For fellow Trustee Gerald Snyman, the award is also a testament to the exceptional vineyard resources available to Visio Vintners.
“Alliance 2022 reflects both the heritage and diversity of Stellenbosch,” says Snyman. “Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine, providing structure, depth and classic blackcurrant fruit. Cabernet Franc adds aromatic complexity and elegance, while Shiraz contributes spice, richness and texture.”
The grapes are sourced exclusively from vineyards owned by Visio Vintners adjacent to the Kleine Zalze property in Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine-growing regions.
Benefiting from decomposed granite soils, varied elevations and the cooling influence of nearby False Bay, the region consistently produces grapes with exceptional concentration, balance and character.
“Stellenbosch has earned a global reputation for producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends, particularly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc,” says Snyman. “By incorporating Shiraz alongside these classic varieties, Alliance represents a contemporary interpretation of what Stellenbosch can achieve.”
An Alliance of People and Opportunity
The wine’s name encapsulates the philosophy behind the brand.
“Alliance speaks to the partnership at the heart of Visio Vintners,” says Koen. “It represents an alliance between people, vineyards, expertise and opportunity.”
At a time when the South African wine industry continues to pursue meaningful transformation, Visio Vintners stands as an example of what can be achieved when empowerment is built on genuine participation, long-term investment and an uncompromising commitment to quality.
For Visio Vintners, the Gold medal awarded to Alliance 2022 is more than a remarkable achievement. It is a statement about the future of South African wine — one shaped not only by exceptional terroir, but by the talent, ambition and dedication of all the people who contribute to its success.
