How to Spend Summer at Alto Wine Estate: Festive Events and Experiences

Tucked in the heart of Stellenbosch’s scenic Winelands, Alto Wine Estate ties together a rich heritage of world-class wines, breathtaking views, and curated dining experiences that capture the spirit of South Africa’s wine culture.

This festive season, the wine farm has a delightful lineup of special events, tasting experiences, and culinary highlights designed to make the most of their last few months on-site before a temporary relocation.

Guests can enjoy everything from Wednesday Date Nights and curated tastings to special gatherings like Sunset Rouge and a festive Christmas lunch. Here’s all you need to know.

Summer dining and Alto’s new Wednesday Date Night offer

Alto Wine Estate’s restaurant is unveiling a new summer menu featuring returning favorites like Patagonian squid and Caesar salad, along with fresh additions for the season. Highlights include a seared venison loin with truffle cauliflower purée and a “textures of berry” dessert, perfectly paired with Alto’s Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. Lunch is served from Tuesday to Sunday.

New this season is the Wednesday Date Night: a four-course menu paired with a bottle of Rouge or Rosé, launching Wednesday, 20 November and available every Wednesday!

Stay updated on all mid-week specials by visiting Alto’s website. Table reservations are essential and can be made via Dineplan.

When: Wednesdays, 11am to 9pm (Available from 20 Nov, Wednesday Date Night) | Friday, 11am to 9pm (Sunset Rouge evenings) | Saturday & Sundays, 11am to 5pm | Closed on Mondays
Where: Alto Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch

Wine tasting experiences in Stellenbosch

The Tasting Room experiences at Alto Wine Estate offer a range of pairing options that underscore the unique varietal profiles and winemaking methods. This summer, let the expert sommeliers guide you with a collection of Alto’s award-winning wines matched with smoked craft cheese pairing, biltong pairing, or a summery canapé selection.

Smoked Cheese and Wine Pairing: Taste Alto Rouge, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Estate Blend wines paired with carefully smoked cheeses for R160 per person
Biltong and Wine Pairing: A classic South African experience, enjoy Alto’s wine selection with biltong varieties for R160 per person
Summer Canapé & Wine Pairing: Celebrate summer with Italian-inspired canapés paired with four wines for R225 per person. Available Fridays to Sundays by 24-hour advance booking only

Cost: Various costs, bookings for tastings done via the website

When: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm | Closed on Mondays
Where: Alto Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch

Sunsets, al fresco dining and live music, every Friday

End the work week off right with Sunset Rouge evenings, every Friday at the restaurant at Alto Wine Estate. Here you can take in spectacular sunset views coupled with live music performed by local artists – the full lineup can be seen here.

On the dining front, a curated selection of wines will be available for sale by the glass or bottle and can be accompanied by a limited menu from our restaurant, including the popular Alto Rouge burger, steak and chips and our cheese and charcuterie platters.

Cost: No cover charge, but table reservations are required via Dineplan

When: Every Friday, from 5pm to 9pm. Last food and drink orders at 8pm
Where: The restaurant at Alto Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch

A Christmas Eve lunch celebration at Alto

Gather the group for a family-style, four-course feast set in the scenic restaurant. The curated menu is built around the concept of sharing and features a range of festive dishes to share.

Dine on an artisanal breadboard, rare roast beef and gnocchi Romano to start, followed by rolled lamb shoulder, smoked pork belly and seared rainbow trout served with a selection of sides. To end, choose between two options of delectable desserts. Note that the wine farm is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Cost: R695pp including a 4-course menu, reserve your space via Dineplan

When: Tuesday, 24 December from 12pm
Where: The Restaurant at Alto Wine Estate, Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch

Need to know: Alto Wine Estate will start renovating in early 2025

As Alto undergoes extensive renovations beginning in early 2025, the estate will temporarily relocate to its sister farm, Bontehoek, where a pop-up tasting room and restaurant will continue to welcome wine enthusiasts and visitors.

Until then, make sure Alto Wine Estate tops your list for unforgettable memories and a unique festive experience this season in Stellenbosch.