South Africa’s oldest red wine estate, Alto Red Wine Estate, will be exhibiting a fantastic range of world class wines at this year’s TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival to be held on the rooftop of the Gugulethu Square Mall on the 25 and 26 May. The event offers wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to sample a selection from one of the world’s leading wine producers.

On offer for festival attendees will be the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Shiraz and the unmistakable 2009 Alto Rouge. The cab sav is made from the grapes of un-irrigated, north-facing vines in the Stellenbosch Winelands and promises to be a full-bodied, mouth-watering wine. The ruby-red Shiraz offers delicate spices and is an excellent accompaniment to a hearty oxtail, a roast and even a good old South African braai. Alto Rouge is one of the wineries most popular choices. It consists of an exquisite blend of four varietals – Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Schalk van der Westhuizen, award-winning Alto winemaker says, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to showcase our wines at this exciting event. The TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival offers a wonderful platform for us to introduce our wines to a fresh collective of vibrant and enthusiastic wine consumers. We have no doubt that this diverse festival will be a huge success for both Alto and the suburb of Gugulethu”.

With a history of winemaking that dates back to 1920, Alto is South Africa’s oldest red wine estate. Located in the Stellenbosch Winelands, this magnificent winery has crafted an extensive portfolio of internationally acclaimed red wines. Alto’s current viticulturist, Schalk van der Westhuizen is only the fourth Alto winemaker in their estate's eight decade history. His sheer devotion to the Stellenbosch Winelands and its produce continues to lead Alto into the future.

Alto will be joined by at least 50 other wineries at the 2nd TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival at the end of the month. The festival organisers anticipate at least 3000 attendees over the two day duration of the event. The festival is the brainchild of Lungile Mbalo and Mzoli Ngcawuzele. Mzoli is best known as owner of the successful restaurant called Mzoli’s Place and as a property developer constructing the first mall to be built in Gugulethu - The Gugulethu Square Mall.

Editor’s NotesEVENT INFO:Dates:25th and 26th of May 2012.

Festival Opening Times:Friday, 25th May 2011 - 16h00-21h00                            Saturday, 26th May 2011 - 15h00-21h00                       

Venue:On the roof-top of the Gugulethu Square Mall, which boasts around 600 car parking bays.  It is centrally situated and very easy to locate within the community.  

Gate Fees:R80 per person

Tickets:•    Online at Webtickets (www.webtickets.co.za) or •    From Cape Town Tourism visitor centres (credit cards only) or•    At the festival doors

For more informationGugulethu Wine Festivalwww.gugulethuwinefestival.co.zaLungile Mbalolungile@guglethuwinefestival.co.za   072 128 8009

SponsorshipSharon CooperHot Salsa Mediasharon@hotsalsamedia.co.za074 461 0544

Media & PRViv QuannHot Salsa Mediaviv@hotsalsamedia.co.za084 486 2136