Western Cape Wine Estate
Alto Wine Estate
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At a glance
Region
Stellenbosch
Established
1693
From Cape Town
40 km
Tastings
Available
What you can do here
Principal cultivars
A look inside Alto Wine Estate
The inside track
The estate
Alto Wine Estate is a historic red wine producer situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, offering wine tastings, food pairings, and dining at Klein Alto Restaurant.
Nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, Alto Wine Estate offers a captivating blend of sensory delights. More than just a winery, Alto promises an enriching experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.
Situated high on the slopes of the imposing Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, Alto Wine Estate stands as South Africa’s oldest red wine estate. The vineyards, trained along trellises, gracefully cling to the steep granite slopes that ascend from 100 to 500 meters above sea level, providing the perfect conditions for cultivating red grape varietals. With a rich historical background, the farm’s initial title deeds trace back to 1693, but it was in 1919 that the estate devoted itself entirely to viticulture.
Over nearly a century, Alto has earned a distinguished reputation as one of South Africa’s most esteemed producers of red wine, thanks to the visionary foresight of farmer Manie Malan and his family. They recognized the property’s unique aspect, soils, and slopes as ideal for crafting full-bodied red wines, hence christening the farm “Alto” in homage to both its altitude and the family’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Wine
Located in the heart of the renowned “Golden Triangle,” Alto Wine Estate benefits from its position on the warmer northern slopes of the Helderberg, making it exceptionally well-suited for red wine production. A visit to this iconic estate offers an unparalleled experience of tasting the wines in the very place where they are grown and crafted.
Guests are invited to leisurely stroll through the operational barrel cellar or relax on the patio or lawn, savouring Alto’s wines while enjoying a picturesque view of the Stellenbosch Hills and Table Mountain. Complementing the wine-tasting experience, Alto offers a Biltong & Wine Pairing as well as Cheese & Charcuterie platters.
Dining
While Alto does not provide a full-service restaurant, guests can enjoy platters alongside their wine-tasting experience.
Wine Tasting
Begin your journey with wine tastings, sampling a selection of Alto’s acclaimed wines. The estate is renowned for its exceptional red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
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Food & Wine Pairing
The estate’s wine and food pairing experience is carefully curated to complement the unique flavours and characteristics of each wine, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes on the palate. Visitors are welcomed to an elegant tasting room where they can savour the breathtaking views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains while immersing themselves in the world of wine and gastronomy.
The expert team at Alto Wine Estate takes great pride in crafting a diverse selection of tasting menus that cater to various preferences and dietary requirements. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to accentuate the nuances and complexities of the wines, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Events & Live Music
Alto Wine Estate offers an idyllic setting for private events, weddings, and special celebrations. The scenic backdrop and excellent wines ensure a memorable occasion.
Gallery
Restaurant
Gallery
Wines
Where to find us
More to explore
More estates in Stellenbosch
Explore the region
Your guide to the Stellenbosch Wine Valley
Explore Stellenbosch with a day built around Alto Wine Estate and its neighbours.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Many estates welcome walk-ins for a casual tasting, but the popular experiences — guided cellar tours, food pairings and heritage tastings — book up fast, especially in season. We'll reserve everything for you as part of your tour.
Custom tour
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