WHY WE CREATED ALTO WINE CLUB: A WINEMAKER’S PERSPECTIVE

This is not a subscription where you receive a random selection. Alto is about choice, connection and care – an invitation to curate your own experience of Montalto, and to be part of something a little closer to the source.

A CLUB THAT STARTED IN THE VINEYARD

Chief Winemaker Simon Black has been working with Montalto’s estate vineyards for more than 15 years. Over that time, he’s helped shape a wine portfolio that celebrates the diversity of the Mornington Peninsula, from the coastal elegance of Montalto’s Chardonnay to the complexity of our Pinot Noir.

“We’ve always had an incredibly engaged audience,” says Simon. “Visitors who come to The Cellar Door or dine at the estate often ask how they can continue that connection – how they can get their hands on certain wines that might not be widely available.”

According to Simon, the idea for Alto evolved naturally.

“We wanted to find a way for people to stay close to Montalto without relying on the usual allocation model or set wine packs. Alto gives people that connection, but with freedom. They choose what they love – and we make sure they’re the first to know when something special is released.”

THE NAME MEANS SOMETHING, TOO

While not tied to a specific area on the estate, Alto – derived from the Latin word for “high” – felt like the perfect name for something elevated in both offering and intention.

“We chose the name because it represents where we aim for in everything we do,” says Simone Goddard, Alto Wine Club Coordinator, who works closely across Montalto’s wine communications and customer experience.

“It’s a reference to elevation – not just in terms of quality, but in how we connect with people. Alto is about offering something thoughtful and generous. We didn’t want it to feel transactional. We wanted it to feel personal.”

WHY PERSONALISATION MATTERS

Unlike many other wine clubs, Alto doesn’t send members a fixed pack. Instead, members are invited to choose their own selection from the full Montalto portfolio – including pre-releases, small-batch bottlings, museum vintages, and limited allocations not available to the general public.

“It’s incredibly important to us that people don’t feel locked into something that doesn’t suit their taste,” says Simone. “You can be a Pinot lover, a Chardonnay enthusiast, or someone who just wants a few beautiful bottles for the weekend – and Alto makes space for all of that.”

That flexibility is part of the broader Montalto philosophy: respecting the individual, and never compromising on quality.

A CLUB THAT GROWS WITH THE SEASONS

Alto members receive regular shipments throughout the year but they’re never surprised by what arrives. Before each release, members are sent a reminder to log in, explore what’s new, and make their selections.

“There’s a rhythm to it,” Simon explains. “Each season brings a different energy in the vineyard, and we love reflecting that in the wines. It might be the first taste of a new vintage in autumn, or something rare from the museum cellar in winter. We’re always thinking about what will feel meaningful to the people who support us.”

And for those who prefer to skip a delivery? That’s fine too. Membership is flexible, with no minimum spend or lock-in periods. As Simon says, “we’d rather have a smaller group of highly engaged members than a large number who feel disengaged or overwhelmed.”

SPECIAL ACCESS TO LIMITED RELEASES

One of the most-loved benefits of Alto is early access to limited releases – often before they hit the public website or cellar door shelves.

Recent examples include:

• The 2022 Single Vineyard “The Eleven” & Tuerong Chardonnays
• Back-vintage Pinot Noir releases from the Montalto cellar
• The inaugural release of “The Eleven” Chardonnay

These wines often sell out in weeks – sometimes days. Alto members have the opportunity to secure them first.

EVENTS, EXPERIENCES AND SOMETHING EXTRA

Membership isn’t just about wine deliveries. Throughout the year, Montalto offers Alto members special invitations to in-person events, private tastings, pre-release previews, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

“We recently hosted an Alto-only tasting in The Wine Room,” says Simone. “It was a small, intimate event with Simon walking members through current and back vintages. For many of them, it was their first time meeting the winemaker – and it completely changed how they experienced the wines.”

And if you ever have a question or need support, you’ll be looked after by Simone Goddard, Alto’s dedicated Wine Club Coordinator. With years of experience across Montalto’s customer experience team, Simone brings warmth, knowledge and genuine care to every member interaction – whether it’s helping you curate your selection, tracking down a special bottle, or planning a visit to the estate.

JOINING ALTO WINE CLUB

Joining the club is simple and free. Once signed up, members are notified ahead of each scheduled delivery to confirm their selections.  Most importantly, members get access to:

• Exclusive wines not available elsewhere
• Special pricing across the Montalto portfolio
• First access to new and limited releases
• Invitations to member-only tastings and events
• A more personal connection with the winemaking team

“It’s really about offering value in more ways than one,” says Simon. “We want people to feel like they’re part of the Montalto community – not just receiving bottles, but staying connected to the place and the people behind them.”

A FINAL WORD FROM SIMONE

When asked what she loves most about Alto, Simone doesn’t hesitate.

“For me, it’s hearing from members. The little notes people leave when they place an order, or the stories they share about opening a bottle for a birthday or anniversary – those moments matter. That’s what wine is for. That’s what Alto is for.”

JOIN ALTO WINE CLUB

Ready to choose your own path through Montalto’s award-winning portfolio?

Alto is open to all wine lovers who want something more curated, more connected, and more considered.

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