Bertho van der Westhuizen

The Climb

Bertho van der Westhuizen began at Alto in Stellenbosch in 2003 as a harvest worker, then moved through cellar and winemaking posts at Citrusdal Cellars in Citrusdal and Kleine Zalze Wines just outside Stellenbosch. He later handled winemaking for Boschendal reds and the Brampton range of whites and reds at DGB Boschendal and Brampton, before returning to Alto Wine Estate in 2015 as cellar master and winemaker.

Today

The current appointment is winemaker, a post that began in 2015 and continues. The work is terroir-driven, with vintage decisions shaped by the conditions of the block and the season. Speaking about ripening conditions, he said, "The January and February heat waves stayed away and we had cool evenings and moderate day temperatures. This allowed grapes and tannins to ripen optimally before harvesting."

Signature

Bertho's signature wines include Alto Rouge 2015 and La Residence Heritage Blend.

In Their Words “The January and February heat waves stayed away and we had cool evenings and moderate day temperatures. This allowed grapes and tannins to ripen optimally before harvesting.” “The winter of 2014 was perfect, enough cold with good rain. When the summer came, it provided perfect growing conditions for the grapes to ripen optimally.”

Recognition

The recognition here is in the scope of the cellar: winemaking roles and cellar master duties at Alto Wine Estate.