Lock, stock and wine barrel: Stellenbosch Wine Live 2018

Some of the finest vineyards from Stellenbosch will descend on the Wanderers Club this weekend. Wine lovers and vinophiles are urged to attend.

Picture: iStock

Stellenbosch is coming to Johannesburg for Stellenbosch Wine Live, where 40 of the university town’s winemakers and estates will showcase why (Wine of Origin) WO Stellenbosch is so revered.

This is the first time the event will run over three days at Wanderers Club. Featured are global roleplayers like Alto. Tim Atkin’s annual report on South African wines has singled out numerous top achievers and one of the brightest is the Stellenbosch red wine maker, Alto Wine Estate. Almost every wine in its portfolio rated a score of 90 and above in Atkin’s opinion.

It is a significant accolade and Alto has acquired a global following. Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 scored 93/100, Alto MPHS 2013 scored 94, Alto Rouge 2016 was given a remarkable 90 (for a wine that is still often available for under R100) and Alto Signature Red Blend 2015 reaped 94. Also at Stellenbosch Wine Live is Neethlingshof.

Cellarmaster De Wet Viljoen has made a splash this year with The Caracal 2016, an elegant Bordeaux-style red-blend. The estate’s eco-friendly approach to viticulture has reaped huge rewards and, in fact, The Caracal is inspired by the indigenous birdlife and caracals who have been attracted to the Renosterveld on the estate.