96 of 800 Alto Wines, Stellenbosch
Alto wines in Stellenbosch is about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town off of Annandale Road. It is one of South Africa's oldest red wine estates with the original deeds dating back to 1693. The farm’s position on the warmer northern slopes of the Helderberg mountain make it ideally suited to red wine production like Cabernet and Shiraz for which Alto has won many awards through the years. The current winemaker is Bertho van der Westhuizen, the fifth winemaker in the estate’s history - all five winemakers' portraits are hung in the wine tasting room.
The Location
Alto has quite a small tasting area with one of the most beautiful, intimate spaces overlooking either the vineyards on the terrace or a fireplace inside. I would recommend booking in advance as I can imagine the tasting room will get quite busy during peak times. The tasting room is perfectly suited for groups of 2-10 people with parking right on the doorstep. There's a ramp which makes it easy for people in wheelchairs or for mothers with prams.
The Wines
The Alto Wine logo is very well recognised in South Africa with the Alto Rouge being a firm favourite, available in retailers nationwide. Both the Alto Rouge and Cabernet Sauvignon has just won Double Gold at the Michelangelo Awards 2018. Furthermore, Tim Atkin has awarded the Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 with 93 points; Alto MPHS 2013, 94; Alto Rouge 2016, 90; and, Alto Signature Red Blend 2015, 94. In July at the 2018 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards, the title of Best Cabernet Sauvignon overall was awarded to Alto for its 2014 vintage.
Biltong and Wine Pairing
You could spend the entire day at alto as you can also order a cheese platter and even wine by the glass. Their barrel room is just on the other side of the tasting room and they welcome you to take a stroll completely free of charge. 
Alto wines has a series of free food and wine pairing recipes here:https://www.alto.co.za/recipes-pairings/ Alto Wines is open Mon - Fri 9AM - 5PM and Sat - Sun 10AM - 4PM Tel: +27 21 881 3884.