Alto Wine Estate: Stellenbosch’s Red Wine Legacy in the Golden Triangle
Alto’s portfolio, crafted by Bertho van der Westhuizen, is a celebration of Stellenbosch’s red-wine heritage, with the Alto Rouge blend marking its 100th consecutive vintage in 2022. The wines, lauded by Mundus Vini and Veritas, range from single varietals to blends, each reflecting the Golden Triangle’s terroir.
Almenkerk Wine Estate: A Cool-Climate Jewel in the Elgin Valley
Almenkerk’s 15-hectare vineyard thrives in Elgin’s cool-climate embrace, 300–500 meters above sea level, where Atlantic breezes and misty mornings shape grapes with vibrant acidity and minerality. The soils—shale, clay, and sandstone—mirror Burgundy, ideal for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while red varietals like Merlot and Syrah flourish on warmer slopes. Joris, with viticulturist Michael Keown, uses cutting-edge technology—drones, infrared cameras, and electromagnetic soil scans—to optimize planting and pruning, ensuring low yields (6–8 tons/ha) for concentrated fruit.
Meerlust Wine Estate: A Stellenbosch Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
Meerlust’s story begins in 1693, when German immigrant Henning Huising settled on a granite outcrop just 5 km from False Bay, naming his new home “Meerlust,” or “pleasure of the sea,” for its coastal breezes. In 1756, Johannes Myburgh purchased the estate, launching a family legacy that now spans eight generations. Today, Hannes Myburgh, a trained winemaker who studied at Geisenheim and Château Lafite, upholds this tradition as the estate’s custodian, alongside Cellar Master Wim Truter, appointed in 2020 after stints at KWV and global wineries.
Schenkfontein Wines: A Swartland Saga of Family, Grit, and Great Grapes
Named Schenkfontein—after a legendary schoolteacher, Leermeester Schenk, and a modest mountain stream that caught Hennie’s eye—the estate embodies tenacity and vision. Hennie, a seasoned farmer, pivoted to wine when his son Philip’s birth prompted a rethink: with five grandsons, the family farm was too small to sustain them all. Winemaking, Hennie’s forte, became the family’s new frontier.
Ashton Winery: A Robertson Valley Treasure with a Sweet Twist
As a wine blogger for CapeVineMaster.co.za, I’ve visited my fair share of estates, but Ashton’s unpretentious charm and innovative tasting experiences left a lasting impression. From its rich cooperative history to its diverse wine portfolio and a chocolate pairing that had my taste buds dancing, my day at Ashton was a delightful blend of rustic warmth and refined flavor.
Viljoensdrift Estate: A Riverside Gem in the Robertson Wine Valley
Nestled along the Breede River, Viljoensdrift Estate enchants with its rich history, diverse wines, and serene river cruises. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to bold Pinotage, savor a family-friendly escape in the Robertson Wine Valley.