Aruba Nature Adventure Visiting the Eco-Friendly Tour of Alto Vista Winery and More
Alto Vusta Winery Estate Aruba
On the beautiful island of Aruba, nature and innovation come together in surprising ways. Aruba Nature Adventure has long championed eco-tourism and meaningful experiences that connect visitors to the land, culture, and spirit of the island. Today, I’m excited to share a full account of our recent immersive journey to Alto Vista Winery & Distillery, locally run by the Kock family. With this blog, I hope to bring to life what makes this eco-friendly tour so special: hiking through cactus forests, discovering endemic plants, walking the vineyard, exploring not one but two distilleries, and culminating in a rooftop wine and rum tasting under the Aruban sky.
At the same time, I want to recognize Jorge and Bianca, the co-owners of Aruba Nature Adventure, as true eco-ambassadors and entrepreneurs in their own right. Their commitment to sustainable tourism, preservation of Aruba’s natural ecosystems, and local empowerment make them a fitting partner in this story.
Jorge & Bianca: Eco-Ambassadors of Aruba Nature Adventure
Before diving into the tour itself, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the vision of Jorge and Bianca. According to their “About Us” page, Aruba Nature Adventure (formerly Aruba Eco Tours) is managed by Jorge and his life partner Bianca, who are deeply committed to growing eco-tourism in harmony with the island’s future. arubaeco.tours
Their philosophy is rooted in sustainable, low-impact tourism. Every hike includes a plastic clean-up component, and they occasionally organize island-wide beach cleanups. arubaeco.tours Their tours are not just about sightseeing — they are immersive journeys into Aruba’s flora, fauna, archaeology, culture, and history. arubaeco.tours
In their role as eco-ambassadors, Jorge and Bianca not only guide guests across Aruba’s landscapes but also foster environmental awareness, community engagement, and respect for the fragile desert ecosystems. Their stories, knowledge, and passion infuse each tour with meaning beyond mere recreation.
When our management team decided to experience the Alto Vista Winery & Distillery tour, it was Jorge and Bianca who organized and led the expedition — bringing their ethos of respectful exploration to this new dimension of Aruba’s nature and culture.
The Beginning: Hiking Through Aruba’s Cactus Forests
Our tour commenced with a hike through one of Aruba’s most iconic landscapes: its cactus forests. The path led us among towering kadushi (cactus species), walishali plants, and a host of native shrubs that have adapted to thrive in Aruba’s arid conditions. We moved deliberately and quietly, breathing in the desert air, letting the shapes and textures of the flora reveal themselves.
This cactus walk was far more than a photo opportunity. Jorge, ever attentive, pointed out plant adaptations: how some succulents store water, how certain species resist salt spray, and how indigenous flora plays a role in soil stabilization. The contrast between rugged spines and delicate blooms was always present, reminding us that life persists even in the harshest landscapes.
Across the trail, we glimpsed the Alto Vista Chapel in the distance — a spiritual landmark that anchors much local lore. The cactus path seemed to frame the chapel as a beacon, connecting nature and culture visually and symbolically.
By the time we reached the vineyard area, our group was already attuned to the land — ready to deepen that connection through the wine and rum journey ahead.
Entering the Vineyard: Alto Vista’s Estate Winery
Unlike many wineries that import grapes, Alto Vista Winery is a true estate winery. That means all the wines are produced from grapes grown in its own vineyard. Alto Vista Winery In Aruba’s desert climate, that’s a remarkable feat. The Kock family has turned a challenging environment into a place of possibility, harnessing creativity, experimentation, and sheer perseverance.
Walking among the vines, our guide introduced us to the four main grape varietals Alto Vista currently cultivates:
French Colombard Alto Vista Winery+2spencesgirl+2
Chenin Blanc / Chenin Gold (“Chenin Gold” is a variant) batibleki.wheninaruba.com+3Alto Vista Winery+3Alto Vista Winery+3
Syrah (used often in red blends) Alto Vista Winery+3spencesgirl+3batibleki.wheninaruba.com+3
Tempranillo (often in a reserve blend) Alto Vista Winery+2oceanzaruba.com+2
In addition, Alto Vista produces a Rosé and a Port-style wine (Encanto Port Style). Alto Vista Winery+2Alto Vista Winery+2
We learned that harvesting in Aruba is sensitive to timing and microclimates. The vineyard is small, and each vine is nurtured with attention — water management, organic fertilization, and soil care are critical. Attempting wine production in desert soils required trial, failure, adaptation, and perseverance. That struggle is part of what gives Alto Vista wines their distinctive character.
Because of the heat stress and soil constraints, the winery typically conducts two harvests per year to allow the vines a rest period. Our guide explained that while a third harvest is technically possible, it would compromise grape quality and vine health.
Walking through the vineyard, we felt a deep respect for what it takes to coax fruit from the earth in such an environment — a tribute to sustainable agriculture and human ingenuity.
Two Distilleries in One Place: Wine & Rum Side by Side
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Alto Vista experience is that it hosts two distilleries in the same complex — one dedicated to wine production, the other dedicated to Red Star Rum. This dual setup underscores the breadth of the Kock family’s vision: not just to grow grapes, but to create a holistic beverage ecosystem in Aruba.
The Winery Distillery (Wine Production Area)
While “distillery” is often associated with spirits, in this context it refers to the processing plant for wine: fermentation rooms, maceration tanks, presses, aging barrels, and bottling stations. In our tour, we were shown the wine fermentation vats, the aging barrels, and the bottling lines. Our guide explained how each wine varietal is handled differently — white wines like French Colombard and Chenin Gold are fermented at cooler controlled temperatures, while reds like Tempranillo and Syrah require maceration and aging to bring out tannins and body.
We watched the process, smelled the young wine, and saw how filtration and blending decisions are made. The care, cleanliness, and attention to detail were evident — nothing mass produced, but everything artisanal.
The Rum Distillery (Red Star Rum)
Next we transitioned to the rum distillery, an entirely separate facility in the same property. Here, we moved through sugarcane processing, fermentation tanks, copper stills, and the maturation barrels. We learned that Alto Vista sources its sugarcane, ferments it, and distills it into Red Star Rum, named after the red star on the Aruban flag. The rum is then aged — for example, in oak barrels (some from Tennessee) — to develop additional depth.
Our guide also mentioned that the rum portion includes a cocktail experience — so guests may enjoy a signature rum drink in the tasting.
Visiting these two production lines side by side gives visitors a richer understanding of the craft involved in both wine and spirits — how distinct techniques, timing, and raw materials influence outcomes.
Tasting Time: Wines, Rum, and Rooftop Experience
After walking through vineyard and distillery, we arrived at the tasting area, which is elegantly designed to blend indoor comforts with outdoor atmosphere. The tasting is composed as a wine flight, typically of four wines, paired with a charcuterie board (cheese, cured meats, nuts, spreads).
Some of the wines we sampled included:
French Colombard 2023 — a crisp white, bright acidity, tropical fruit notes.
Chenin Gold / Chenin Blanc — a more aromatic white, floral, citrus, stone fruit tones.
Rosé 2023 — delicate pink color, soft berries, refreshing character.
Tempranillo Reserve / Red Blend (Syrah + Tempranillo) — a deeper red or blended red reserve with body, spice, and oak influence. Alto Vista Winery.
At the end of the wine flight, a Port-style wine (Encanto Port Style) is offered as a final touch.
In parallel, we enjoyed a sip or small cocktail made with Red Star Rum, offering a contrast in flavor and spirit. The rum portions tend to be lighter, refreshing, and well suited for tropical enjoyment. We were told they sometimes blend it with fruit or serve a signature rum cocktail.
After the tasting, our hosts encouraged lingering on the rooftop terrace, where sweeping views span the vineyard, the chapel in the distance, and Aruba’s desert hills. The sun was setting, casting warm tones across the land. Relaxing on this rooftop with a wine in hand, side by side with the rum drink, was nothing short of magical.
Many guests said the rooftop moment — wine, landscape, fresh air — was the highlight of the tour.
Two Distilleries in One Place: Wine & Rum Side by Side
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Alto Vista experience is that it hosts two distilleries in the same complex — one dedicated to wine production, the other dedicated to Red Star Rum. This dual setup underscores the breadth of the Kock family’s vision: not just to grow grapes, but to create a holistic beverage ecosystem in Aruba.
The Winery Distillery (Wine Production Area)
While “distillery” is often associated with spirits, in this context it refers to the processing plant for wine: fermentation rooms, maceration tanks, presses, aging barrels, and bottling stations. In our tour, we were shown the wine fermentation vats, the aging barrels, and the bottling lines. Our guide explained how each wine varietal is handled differently — white wines like French Colombard and Chenin Gold are fermented at cooler controlled temperatures, while reds like Tempranillo and Syrah require maceration and aging to bring out tannins and body.
We watched the process, smelled the young wine, and saw how filtration and blending decisions are made. The care, cleanliness, and attention to detail were evident — nothing mass produced, but everything artisanal.
The Rum Distillery (Red Star Rum)
Next we transitioned to the rum distillery, an entirely separate facility in the same property. Here, we moved through sugarcane processing, fermentation tanks, copper stills, and the maturation barrels. We learned that Alto Vista sources its sugarcane, ferments it, and distills it into Red Star Rum, named after the red star on the Aruban flag. The rum is then aged — for example, in oak barrels (some from Tennessee) — to develop additional depth.
Our guide also mentioned that the rum portion includes a cocktail experience — so guests may enjoy a signature rum drink in the tasting.
Visiting these two production lines side by side gives visitors a richer understanding of the craft involved in both wine and spirits — how distinct techniques, timing, and raw materials influence outcomes.
Why This Tour Matters & What Sets It Apart
This is not your average wine cellar visit. There are several distinguishing features:
Desert Viticulture — Growing grapes in Aruba’s arid climate is not trivial. The creative solutions, microclimate management, and persistence needed make each bottle special.
Dual Production — Having both wine and rum distilleries on the same property offers visitors a layered understanding of local beverage craft.
Small-Group & Artisanal — Tours are offered in limited groups, ensuring attention and intimacy.
Authenticity — Everything is made on site, handcrafted, and intimately tied to Aruba’s landscape.
Scenic & Emotional Experience — Hiking, desert plants, chapel views, vineyard beauty, and rooftop sunset bring a holistic connection to land, flavor, and story.
Local Entrepreneurship — The Kock family are visionaries who transformed barren land into a thriving boutique winery & distillery — a testament to local innovation.
Because of these qualities, this tour resonates deeply with the mission of Aruba Nature Adventure: combining nature, culture, and storytelling while preserving integrity and authenticity.
The Itinerary (As We Experienced It)
Here’s a rough outline of what guests can expect on the Aruba Nature Adventure + Alto Vista Tour:
Welcome & Orientation
Meet at the trailhead, meet the guides (Jorge, Bianca, or partners), safety briefing, hydration, and introduction to cactus forest ecology.Cactus Forest Hike
Walk through desert terrain among kadushi, walishali, and other native plant species. Pause for photos, botanical insights, and vantage points of the Alto Vista Chapel.Vineyard Walk & Education
Enter the grape fields, learn about varietals (French Colombard, Chenin Gold, Rosé, Syrah, Tempranillo, Port style), water systems, sustainable practices, and vine challenges.Wine Production Facility Tour
Go inside the winery building: fermentation tanks, aging barrels, blending, bottling. Understand the craftsmanship behind each wine.Rum Distillery Experience
Walk into the rum distillery, learn about sugarcane sourcing, fermentation, copper stills, barrel aging, and the signature Red Star Rum process.Tasting Session
Enjoy the wine flight (4 wines + Port style), Red Star Rum cocktail or shot, paired with charcuterie or light bites. Engage with staff or owners for insight.Rooftop & Sunset Moment
Relax upstairs, overlooking vineyard, chapel, desert hills, and sunset panorama. Sip your wine or rum, enjoy a final reflection on the tour.Farewell & Optional Shop/Walk-Out
Guests may stroll, take photos, visit the shop to purchase bottles, or depart refreshed and inspired.
This roughly 2-hour experience leaves guests informed, inspired, and emotionally connected to Aruba’s land and local craft.
Embracing Local Vision & Environmental Values
This tour aligns with values that Jorge & Bianca advance through Aruba Nature Adventure. As they say in their “About Us,” the company grew from a dream to share Aruba’s natural beauty with integrity, evolving into a mission of low-impact, sustainable tourism. arubaeco.tours
In visiting Alto Vista Winery & Distillery, we witnessed how that vision is respected and magnified. The Kocks’ approach is rooted in regenerative thinking: making something unique while preserving and honoring the land. Our group saw first-hand the balance between agriculture, production, and conservation.
For Jorge and Bianca, this tour is not just another activity — it is a demonstration of what sustainable, local innovation can achieve. It complements their other offerings — hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, cultural trails — by adding a beverage dimension grounded in Aruba soil.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
Aruba is often known for beaches, sun, wind sports, and marine adventures. But behind that surface is a desert heart, rich with life, challenge, creativity, and stories. The Alto Vista Winery & Distillery tour reveals that heart in a way few expect.
From the cactus paths to vineyard vines, from wine vats to rum stills, and into the rooftop sunset with a tasting glass, this journey is immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable. The experience honors Aruba’s land, its people, its entrepreneurial spirit — and invites guests to reflect, taste, and belong.
If you seek an eco-adventure that blends nature, flavor, and story — this is one you must book. Let the land speak to you, let the wines and rum surprise you, let the sunset move you, and let Aruba’s spirit stay with you long after.