A Century in a Bottle: The Story of Alto Rouge’s 100th Vintage

Perched on the sun-kissed slopes of the Helderberg, Alto Wine Estate has a story that stretches back over three centuries. But it’s the past hundred years that have truly defined its legacy—a legacy encapsulated in every bottle of Alto Rouge. This year, Alto celebrates something remarkable: the release of its 100th consecutive vintage of Alto Rouge, a wine that has become a cherished part of South Africa’s winemaking soul.

The Beginnings of a Dream

It all began in 1919, not long after the end of World War I, when Hennie Malan, the owner of Groenrivier farm, made a decision that would change the course of history. He sold half of his farm to his brother-in-law but kept the upper portion, naming it “Alto” for its elevated position, which offered breathtaking views over Stellenbosch, the Cape Flats, and beyond. It was a name that signaled more than just altitude—it signaled ambition.

Hennie’s son, Manie Malan, was a young man with a dream, freshly equipped with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University. With the guidance of his friend, the legendary viticulturist Abraham Izak Perold, Manie planted vines that would become the backbone of Alto Rouge: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cinsault, Gamay Noir, and Pinot Noir. The soil, the slopes, the sun—all seemed to conspire to create something extraordinary. And Manie, with the wisdom of his years and the fire of his youth, knew he was onto something special.

The First of Many

By 1922, the first vintage of Alto Rouge was born. Picture it: a young Manie, standing in the cellar he and his father had built, tasting the wine that would soon make history. He knew it was good—very good—but the world wasn’t ready to wait the four years it took for Cabernet Sauvignon to mellow. So, Manie, ever the innovator, blended it with Shiraz and Cinsault to soften its robust tannins, creating a wine that was lush, complex, and drinkable after just two years. It was a bold move, and it paid off.

Word travelled fast, and by 1924, Alto Rouge was being shipped in barrels to London, where it was bottled and sold as a Burgundy-style wine. Imagine the pride the Malans must have felt when their humble farm on the Helderberg was suddenly on the lips of wine lovers across the sea. But Alto Rouge wasn’t just a hit abroad. In 1933, it was finally released in South Africa, where it quickly became a household name, beloved for its rich, approachable character.

A Legacy Passed Down

The story of Alto Rouge is not just one of place, but of people. Manie Malan’s careful stewardship of the vineyard was passed down through generations of winemakers, each adding their own touch while staying true to the essence of the wine. There was Piet du Toit, who took the reins in 1959, followed by his son Hempies du Toit, who would guide Alto Rouge through the last quarter of the 20th century. Each of these men felt the weight of tradition on their shoulders, but they also felt the thrill of innovation.

Over the years, the blend has evolved. Today’s Alto Rouge includes not just Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Cinsault, but also Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, each grape bringing something unique to the table. But no matter the blend, one thing has remained constant: Alto Rouge is a wine that tells the story of its land and its people, a story that is written anew with each passing vintage.

Schalk van der Westhuizen took over as winemaker at Alto in 2001, ushering in a new era for the estate. A seasoned winemaker, Schalk was known for his dedication to both the vineyards and the cellar, overseeing a renewal of Alto’s vines and refining the estate’s reputation internationally, before passing the reins to his son Bertho in 2015, continuing the estate’s legacy of winemaking excellence​.

A Moment to Reflect

As we celebrate Alto Rouge’s 100th vintage, it’s impossible not to look back with a sense of awe. One hundred years. A century of harvests, of hard work, of passion poured into every bottle. Imagine the countless hands that have tended these vines, the countless conversations over a glass of Alto Rouge. Each bottle is a time capsule, a moment in history preserved, ready to be uncorked and shared.

Bertho van der Westhuizen, Alto’s current cellarmaster, feels the weight of this legacy every day. “It’s an honour,” he says, “to be part of something so much bigger than oneself. To be the custodian of a wine that has been loved for a hundred years—it’s humbling. And to think that we’re just getting started.”

As the 2022 vintage of Alto Rouge is released, there’s a sense of continuity, of connection to the past. But there’s also a sense of excitement, of looking forward to the next hundred years. For Alto Rouge is not just a wine—it’s a legacy, a testament to the vision of the Malans and all who followed in their footsteps.

So, as you pour yourself a glass of this iconic wine, take a moment to savour not just the flavours, but the story. A story of a dream that began on a hillside in Stellenbosch and has grown into a symbol of South African winemaking excellence. Here’s to Alto Rouge, and to the next hundred years of history in a bottle.