KZN wine-lovers and viticulture enthusiasts will get a unique chance to share a table with Alto's winemaker extraordinaire Schalk van der Westhuizen when he journeys to the Zulu Kingdom at the end of October. Alto will host three meet-and-greet events in Umhlanga and the KZN Midlands, allowing guests to chat to the modest winemaker while enjoying a sumptuous meal and sampling some of this award-winning estate's very best varietals.

On October 29, Schalk van der Westhuizen and Alto will host a Food and Wine evening at the Cargo Hold Restaurant at uShaka Marine World. The evening promises to be splendid affair including a five-course meal paired with wines from Alto's world-class collection and the chance to chat to the estate's seasoned winemaker. Tickets are R250 and the evening begins with drinks at 6:30pm.

If a formal dinner is not to your liking, then you can join Schalk van der Westhuizen and Alto for a casual breakfast at the Bar Ba Coa Restaurant in Umhlanga on October 30th. On offer will be an informal chat with the Alto winemaker as well as a host of wines for sampling, including Alto Rouge, Alto Shiraz, Alto Cabernet, Alto Port and Neethlingshof Chenin Blanc. Tickets are R250 and the breakfast begins at 7am for 7:30am. Booking is essential, contact  031 561 4106.

Pietermaritzburg, Hilton and Howick residents can join winemaker Schalk van der Westhuizen at the Fern Hill Hotel and Conference Centre on October 31st for a wine tasting evening hosted by Alto Wine Estate and Makro. Wine-lovers can chat to the distinguished winemaker while sampling a delicious range of canapés and wines, including Alto Port, Shiraz, Cabernet and Rouge as well as Neethlingshof Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer for those who prefer white wines. Tickets cost R100 per person and the evening begins at 6pm.  Booking is essential, contact 033 330 5071.

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. The Alto Shiraz 2010 recently received a gold medal in this year's International Wine & Spirit Competition; a Gran D'OR (double gold) at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards; and has been added to the premium class wine selection for SAA.

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. He began his journey with wine when he was born in the Stellenbosch Winelands on Neethlingshof Estate and says, "Winemaking is my life. It's in my blood and my hands. It is what I know."