Alto Wine Estate is renovating and we are excited! Just a stone throw away from the estate, Alto’s story continues at their sister property, Bontehoek which was formally known as Bilton Wines. This is where Klein Alto has come to life, a beautifully temporary pop-up space that feels like Alto’s very own summer retreat.
It is everything you love about Alto wrapped in a new setting. While Alto is undergoing exciting renovations, all their beloved experiences remain untouched. They say good things take time, just like fine wine and from what they shared with us, the plans ahead is going to be epic! Mark your calendars for 2027!
Klein Alto is a delightful space where wine tasting meets delicious food, with a menu designed to complement each Alto wine and of course the hospitality remains top-notch.
This beautifully restored cellar building creates an elegant and inviting atmosphere, featuring a light-filled Atrium and an outdoor deck seating that open onto majestic views of the Helderberg Mountains. Perfect for those long summer days, laughter-filled afternoons, all while enjoying a glass of red wine, Alto is known for. And when the weather turns a bit grey, you can cosy up by the warm fireplace, adding a touch of comfort and charm to the experience.
Start your experience with a glass of Alto Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé 2025. Summer practically sparkles in the glass with its beautiful rose-gold hue. Aromas of strawberries and watermelon greets you, while the palate delivers both depth and freshness, with a touch of orange zest that brightens the finish.
The menu at Klein Alto has something for everyone. From starters and mains to shareable boards, decadent desserts and even a kiddies’ menu. While the Alto Rouge Burger is what they are known for, we decided to explore a few of the other tempting options.
The Cut of the Day did not disappoint! It’s a juicy 300g AAA-grade Chalmer beef sirloin, served with caramelised onion puree, rich beef jus, wild rocket salad, hand-cut truffle fries and crispy battered onion rings. When I saw Braised Lamb Shank on the menu, I just couldn’t resist! It falls off the bone, served with Biltong mustard mash, roasted rainbow carrots, caramelised pearl onions, salsa verde and a luscious red wine lamb jus.
We selected the Alto Estate Blend 2022 to be enjoyed with our food, a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds dark fruit, power and stature. The Shiraz adds complexity and depth, while the Cabernet Franc enhances the freshness and balance of the blend. Notes of dark fruit with hints of fynbos, it’s a wine with structure and elegance and the perfect companion to enjoy with a succulent sirloin or slow-cooked lamb shank.
The Lamb Shank was perfectly paired with a glass of Alto Shiraz 2016 Magnum. This elegant vintage has aged beautifully, revealing ripe red fruits, integrated oak and a hint of white pepper. It has a balance between finesse, structure and layered complexity, making it a wonderful wine to complement the rich, lamb shank.
No meal at Klein Alto is complete without a touch of sweetness. We enjoyed the Apple Pannaquettes, draped with maple chantilly and topped with toasted almond flakes and a delicate cinnamon crumble. The Baked Vanilla Cheesecake was equally irresistible, served with a vibrant strawberry coulis and blueberry compote.
The Alto Rouge 2023 is a true South African classic and enjoyed by many wine lovers across the country. This dark ruby wine consists of an exquisite blend of 5 varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz, Merlot and Petite Verdot. The wine bursts with notes of dark fruit and fynbos with a hint of charcuterie and a firm tannin structure that gives it both strength and elegance. It’s a wine that delights and just perfect to enjoy all year round.
The Alto M.P.H.S represents the pinnacle and the ultimate expression of the Alto range. Its name is a tribute to the winemakers who shaped Alto’s legacy (Manie Malan, Piet du Toit, Hempies du Toit and Schalk van der Westhuizen). Made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc, each vintage is different and blended from the very best grapes of that harvest.
Klein Alto charms with its relaxed and welcoming ambiance. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00, with extended hours for Wednesday Date Night until 21:00. Bookings are essential.
Contact Details:
Phone: +27 (0)21 881 3884
Email: info@altowines.co.za
Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
Categories: Klein Alto
