Stay and Play Summer with Stellenbosch
Alto is situated in the heart of the ‘Golden Triangle’ and the farm’s position on the warmer northern slopes of the Helderberg makes it ideally suited to red wine production. The diversity of the farm allows for enormous complexity in the vineyards. With their range of wines made entirely from grapes grown on the estate, the foundation for Alto’s success over the years has always been its remarkable terroir and consistency.
Summer Canapé and Wine Pairing
Discover the epitome of relaxation at Alto with their fresh Summer Canapé and Wine Pairing, a delightful experience running throughout the summer season. If you’re planning a Stay and Play experience in Stellenbosch, this is a must-try for all wine lovers. Experience a tasting adventure highlighting four of the estate’s award-winning wines, each artfully paired with four mouthwatering canapés. Remember to secure your spot by making reservations 24 hours in advance – it’s an invitation to savour the essence of summer in style.
First Pairing
Wine: Alto Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2023
Canapé pairing: Salmon Croquette, basil pesto, lemon mayo and crispy capers.
Experience the allure of Alto Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2023, a delicious wine of refreshing fruitiness. Delicate notes of pomegranates, the succulence of stone fruit and the burst of freshly crushed berries. This beautiful rosé finds its perfect match in a meticulously crafted canapé. Picture a Salmon Croquette nestled on a bed of aromatic basil pesto, adorned with a zesty lemon mayo and crowned with irresistibly crispy capers. The Alto Rosé, with its nuanced flavours, harmonises seamlessly with the salmon’s richness, the tangy mayo and the satisfying crunch of the capers, creating a symphony for your palate that is not to be missed.
Second Pairing
Wine: Alto Rouge 2021
Canapé pairing: Inspired by their Alto Rouge burger, a mini homemade Beef Slider topped with smoked tomato and bacon chilli jam, mustard mayo, mozzarella, pickles and fresh rocket.
Experience a tasteful journey with Alto Rouge 2021, a rich fusion of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Merlot and Petite Verdot that paints the glass with its deep ruby allure. This versatile wine invites you to a culinary adventure, perfectly complemented by a mouthwatering canapé inspired by Alto Rouge’s renowned Alto Rouge burger.
Imagine a mini homemade Beef Slider, a culinary masterpiece featuring the bold flavours of smoked tomato and bacon chilli jam, a kick of mustard mayo, creamy mozzarella, tangy pickles and a finishing touch of fresh rocket. Each bite unfolds a symphony of tastes that mirrors the nuanced notes of the wine.
Third Pairing
Wine: Alto Shiraz 2018
Canapé pairing: Springbok loin wrapped in prosciutto with wild mushroom pepper jus.
The Alto Shiraz 2018 is setting the stage for a canapé pairing that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine a Springbok loin, expertly enveloped in prosciutto and accompanied by an enticing wild mushroom pepper jus.
Beyond the palate-pleasing canapé pairing, Alto Shiraz 2018 emerges as a masterpiece, striking the perfect chord between traditional spice and refined tannins. As the Shiraz’s aromatic dance of violet and spice unfolds, it gracefully complements the nuanced gamey notes of the Springbok. The jus, infused with wild mushrooms and pepper, becomes a culinary orchestra, enriching the wine’s ripe plum and meaty undertones. Picture the prosciutto leaving a smoky imprint, adding a delightful touch to the finish, creating a lingering and layered flavour experience.
Fourth Pairing
Wine: Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Canapé pairing: AAA-grade Chalmar sirloin with onion puree and a mushroom sauce.
The award-winning Alto Cabernet Sauvignon becomes the maestro of this culinary symphony, seamlessly blending its elegant, full-bodied, fruit-driven character with the robust tannins that make it truly exceptional. The sirloin takes center stage as the onion puree dances on the palate, finding its partner in the wine’s nuanced notes, enhancing the overall experience. Meanwhile, the mushroom sauce elevates the affair, accentuating the lingering flavours of black currant, cherry and plum.
Farm Tour
Harnessing the maritime influence of the ocean, the farm cultivates robust varietals within its vineyards. With elevations ranging from 100 to 500 meters above sea level, the highest slopes host the growth of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, benefitting from the gradual ripening induced by the south-easterly wind.
Alto Wine Estate boasts a diverse range of main varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Petit Verdot and Merlot. A sprawling 93 hectares are under vine, solidifying Alto’s reputation as one of the oldest and distinguished red wine producers, a testament to its enduring commitment to viticultural excellence.
Bottling
Every element of the winemaking process at Alto Wine Estate is meticulously executed on the premises. From the cultivation of grapes in the vineyards to the intricate stages of harvesting, maturation and fermentation. The estate adheres to the stringent standards set for Estate wines, ensuring that every nuance of the production occurs within its boundaries.
A remarkable facet of their winemaking operation involves a state-of-the-art bottling mobile truck. Picture this innovative vehicle strategically positioned, ready to receive the liquid gold of their efforts. The wine, carefully nurtured through the stages of fermentation and maturation is now in the final stages of becoming the illustrious Estate 2022 wine which they were bottling at the time of our visit.
In a mesmerising display of precision and craftsmanship, the wine flows seamlessly from the tanks and barrels, making its way into each awaiting bottle. There is nothing quite like the sound of bottles clinging in the air. Alto Wine Estate’s commitment to crafting exceptional Estate wines is not just a process, it’s a symphony of skill, passion, and dedication.
Alto Wine Estate is a destination where every visit unfolds into a memorable experience. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, the estate offers not just a glimpse but a journey into the world of wine. From the moment you arrive, the ambiance is set for an unforgettable Stay and Play adventure in Stellenbosch, where the beauty of the landscape enhances every sip and every moment becomes a cherished memory. Alto Wine Estate is a destination where the experience lingers long after you leave, etching itself into the tapestry of your most treasured memories.
Contact details
Phone number: 021 881 3884
Email: info@altowines.co.za
Physical address: Alto Wine Estate, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
Categories: Alto Wine Estate
