Namibian brandy producer Neuras Wine & Wildlife Estate has secured top honours at the 2026 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards in Cape Town.
Neuras triple distilled brandy 2023 was awarded a double gold medal at the prestigious competition, placing Namibia among the leading wine and spirits producers recognised at the awards.
The winners were announced at a gala ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday.
The award-winning brandy was judged in a blind tasting alongside entries from producers across southern Africa and other markets.
The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards is known for its blind judging process, with wines and spirits assessed by local and international industry specialists.
The awards ceremony brought together producers, sponsors, hospitality representatives and other industry stakeholders to celebrate achievements across various wine and spirits categories.
South African producers dominated several of the major trophy categories.
Saronsberg Shiraz 2023 won both the Shiraz trophy and the Wine Grand Prix, while Boplaas 21YO single cask potstill brandy took home the brandy trophy and Spirits Grand Prix.
KWV was named top producer, while Tahlia Farm Fynbos gin won the gin trophy.
KWV Classic Collection Cape Tawny received the Dessert Wine Grand Prix.
Other trophy winners included Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2025 for its Sauvignon Blanc, Pulpit Rock Louisa Cape red blend 2021 for Cape blend, and KWV The Mentors Cabernet Franc 2023.
Peter Falke Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Stellenrust Cape Wildling Chardonnay 2025, Benguela Cove Estate Pinot Noir 2025 and Ridgeback Signature C 2023 were also among the category winners.
The 2015 Lourensford Cuvée 117 won the cap classique category.
Heineken Beverages South Africa also recorded a strong performance, receiving three platinum awards.
The honours went to JC Le Roux Scintilla 2016, Van Ryn’s single potstill brandy aged 20 years, and Durbanville Hills The Tangram white blend 2024.
For Namibia, the double gold awarded to Neuras triple distilled brandy 2023 provides international recognition for a locally produced spirit and places the country among the producers recognised at this year’s competition.
