The Chef’s Journey: Alto, Rooted in Tradition
In the world of wine and cuisine, we have the privilege of collaborating with some of the finest establishments. Today, we invite you on a journey that combines the rich history of Alto Wine Estate with the culinary artistry of Chef Matthew Delponte, one of our esteemed clients. Nestled high on the Helderberg Mountains in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Alto Wine Estate epitomizes over a century of winemaking excellence and culinary delight.
A Century of Winemaking Tradition
Alto Wine Estate, renowned for its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional red wines, boasts a century-long tradition of excellence. As the oldest red wine-only producer in South Africa, Alto has not only preserved its heritage but also ensured a seamless transition of expertise. With only five winemakers in its century-old history, including a father-and-son duo, Alto has consistently delivered exceptional wines that have stood the test of time.
Celebrating a Milestone: The 100th Vintage of Alto Rouge
In a year marked by extraordinary milestones, Alto Wine Estate celebrates the production of its 100th consecutive vintage of Alto Rouge, an iconic red blend that has graced wine enthusiasts’ palates since 1922. This year, winemaker Bertho van der Westhuizen and his dedicated team have the honour of contributing to the making of this historic 100th vintage. This milestone speaks to the enduring quality and dedication that defines Alto Wine Estate.
The Chef’s Journey: A Culinary Fusion of Heritage
Our journey takes us beyond the vineyards and into the culinary realm guided by Chef Matthew Delponte, whose roots are intertwined with Alto Wine Estate. Chef Matthew’s culinary journey began early, growing up in his father’s kitchen and inspired by his father as his icon. His formal culinary education included studying at Capsicum Culinary Studio, where he remarkably completed a three-year diploma program in just one year, thanks to his prior experience and background.
Over the years, he honed his skills by working at various renowned establishments in the Cape Winelands. He even ventured into entrepreneurship with House of Ischia, where he crafted homemade pasta before dedicating his full attention to his role at Alto Wines. With a deep Mediterranean heritage, blending Italian and Greek influences, marries classic French techniques with South African flair, creating a truly unique gourmet dining experience, where flavour, texture and visual is at the centre of his creation process.
Craftsmanship in Every Bottle AND on Every Plate
Alto Wine Estate’s commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond its wines to its culinary offerings. Under Chef Matthew’s leadership, the Alto Restaurant presents a menu that celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients with an Italian influence. From the renowned Alto Rouge Burger to Chef Matthew’s signature dishes, each plate is thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with Alto’s exquisite wines. Some of these signature dishes include the Grilled Linefish, Springbok Carpaccio, and the Gnocchi Alla Romana, all of which are featured below to tantalize your taste buds.
In our conversation with Chef Matthew, we also learned of his appreciation for Arable Microgreens, describing them as “fresh, fragrant, and beautiful.” These microgreens, tailored to his specifications, enhance his culinary creations and elevate the dining experience.
Alto Wines hosts their renowned Sunset Rouge evenings, every Friday, where the tasting room and restaurant is open until 9pm, with award-winning wines, delicious food, breath-taking views and live music from local musicians.