Visio Vintners is a great wine brand and wine critic Tim Atkin agrees, rating their Icon Wine a 92 out of 100. From their sauvignon blanc to the cinsaut rosé, this black-owned brand proves that excellence and empowerment pair perfectly.
Hanry Ferreira, winemaker extraordinaire, did not mince her words when talking about Visio Vintners Wines. As far as she is concerned, when it comes to the quality of the wine, you really cannot fault anything from Visio Vintners.
“If you do purchase one of [our wines], I think you will not only be pleasantly surprised by it but it can become your new household wine,” she said.
Visio Vintners, a black-owned wine brand established in 2018, is a collaboration between the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust and Kleine Zalze Wines in Stellenbosch.
According to Sandra Koen, a trustee of the Kleine Zalze Empowerment Trust, the collaboration supports the transfer of skills in wine farming, farm management, winemaking and wine marketing to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The trust owns 51% of the company and Kleine Zalze Wines owns 49% of the company. The beneficiaries are all workers of Kleine Zalze Wines,” Koen shares.
The star performers
Ferreira says their mission is not to create just an okay black-owned wine.
“We want it to be great wine that can stand alone, regardless of who owns it. The wine quality remains the most important thing for any brand, especially for a new one finding its footing,” says Ferreira.
Visio Vintners offers a selection of wines that have quickly become favourites, including their sauvignon blanc and cinsaut rosé, both perfect for summer sipping.
Imagine lounging by the pool, cheese board in hand, and a chilled glass of Visio Vintners Sauvignon Blanc to complete the scene.
Ferreira describes this wine as light, refreshing, and delightfully uncomplicated. The wine’s flavour profile is a balanced blend of tropical fruit notes from warmer climates and green aromas from cooler areas.
“It tastes fruity, giving the perception of sweetness without actual sugar, making it a happy, easy-drinking wine for any occasion,” Ferreira explains.
Meanwhile, their cinsaut rosé, dubbed the ultimate summer wine, boasts subtle watermelon and pomegranate notes, delivering a smooth and refreshing experience. And yes, men can enjoy it too.
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The icon wine
Visio Vintners’ Icon Wine, Koen’s personal favourite, is a bold blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, shiraz, and pinotage, crafted from Stellenbosch’s premium vineyards.
“It’s unique to Visio and developed to be the icon wine of the brand,” Koen shares. “It’s very easy to drink, soft on the palate, and ideal even for someone like me who isn’t a big wine drinker,” she adds.
Ferreira agrees, emphasising the accessibility of Visio’s wines. “We cater to everyday wine drinkers and those looking for something a little more special. There’s something for everyone,” she says.
This wine embodies the partnership between the workers’ trust and Kleine Zalze Wines. “The Visio logo, a circular design formed by eight V-shapes, symbolises optimism, growth, and a visionary mindset – a perfect representation of the brand’s ethos,” explains Koen.
Even wine critic Tim Atkin rated Visio’s Icon Wine an impressive 92 points out of 100.
If you’re keen to experience Visio Vintners firsthand, visit the Kleine Zalze tasting room, where a special Visio Vintners chocolate and wine pairing will take place over the festive season.
With their focus on quality and a visionary alliance at its core, Visio Vintners is crafting a legacy that’s as inspiring as it is delicious.
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