Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg, Alto stands among the Cape’s oldest and most storied producers. For over a century, the estate has been devoted exclusively to red varieties: dark and rich in style, marked by graphite and fynbos. “For a New World wine country to reach this milestone is a rarity and underscores the provenance and legacy of the Alto brand, as well as the Stellenbosch region, for making great wines since the early 1900s,” says Bertho van der Westhuizen, the fifth and current winemaker at Alto Wines.
Now, as Alto looks toward its next hundred years, a new design direction honours that legacy while carrying it confidently into the future. What began with the 100th vintage of Alto Rouge has evolved into a complete refinement across the range. Each label has been revisited, simplified and unified – cleaner, modern take on Alto Wines.
The refreshed Alto Rouge takes its cue from the centenary release, with elevated paper stock, refined typography and bevelled foiling that lend a modern edge to a timeless classic. The Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon bring back a personal touch, featuring Bertho’s signature as a nod to Alto’s long-standing tradition of winemakers signing each bottle. The flagship Alto Estate Blend is a carefully crafted blend of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and power, Shiraz for depth and complexity, and a touch of Cabernet Franc to lift freshness and balance. Its traditional black label has been subtly reimagined to mirror the wine’s quiet sophistication. Finally, the M.P.H.S., made only in exceptional vintages, now bears a bespoke label featuring a hand-drawn sketch of Alto’s historic gable, alongside the iconic vintage stamp that nods to the estate’s archival bottlings.
Deeply rooted in heritage yet shaped by modern refinement, this new look marks the next chapter for Alto, a century-old story, renewed for the generations ahead.
Rouge:
Rouge takes on new prominence with three key design updates: Alto, the Gable, and Rouge itself. The logo has been enlarged, the black band removed, and the Gable refined for better balance. The word Rouge now takes centre stage – confident and uncluttered. A premium paper stock, bevelled 3D foiling, and a cleaner finish bring new life to this Alto favourite.
Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon
The evolution continues across Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. A softer cream label replaces the former yellow tone, while Bertho’s signature – replicated from the original – adds authenticity and a personal touch. The cohesive design connects each wine within the collection, uniting tradition and modernity.
Estate Blend
Alto’s flagship Estate Blend proudly keeps its signature black label, a symbol of prestige since the first vintage. The refreshed design retains its timeless sophistication, offering a contemporary expression of the estate’s heritage.
M.P.H.S
Produced only in exceptional vintages, the M.P.H.S. label remains distinct and deeply rooted in tradition. Its aged finish now features a detailed sketch of the Gable – understated yet symbolic – with the vintage stamp preserved as a mark of Alto’s storied legacy.