A Beer Lover’s Guide to South Africa: Hone your Craft

Craft beer has become really popular over the last few years in South Africa. There are all kinds of interesting places scattered around the country where you can enjoy some of the best brews that your hard earned money can buy.

My suggestion is that you find cheap flights online and get your beer-loving behind to one of these watering holes:

Gauteng: Gauteng: The people who live in this urban fast-paced jungle love going out they really love Craft beer. If you find yourself in Johannesburg, make your way to Beerhouse in Fourways. They have a wide selection of beers and some really good food. The annual Joburg Festival of Beer (which is held at Pirates Sports Club in Greenside) is also totally worth checking out. Last year in September, more than 3,000 people attended this event and they had the opportunity to sample more than a 150 different brews.

If you find yourself in Pretoria (the capital city of South Africa), make your way to Capital Craft Beer Academy. This amazing restaurant (which is located in Greenlyn Village, Menlo Park) has more than 130 beers on their menu and the food is amazing. Every year in June, the owners of this establishment host their annual beer festival at the Voortrekker Monument.

Tickets to this event sell like hotcakes: 6,000 people attended the 2015 edition and they had the opportunity to sample brews from over 25 breweries from all over the country. Rumor has it that 55 kilolitres of beer was consumed at this year’s event.

If you’re in the capital city in September, make your way to the SA on Tap Craft Beer Festival. This year’s edition will be held at the Botanical Gardens on the 5th of that particular month.

Western Cape: SA fairest province has its fair share of places where you can enjoy Craft beer. Like Johannesburg, Cape Town also has a Beerhouse (in Long Street) with a huge variety of brews. You can also go check out Craft Burger Bar in Sea Point (where you can build your own burger and enjoy a nice selection of
tasty brews).

If you find yourself in the countryside, road trip to Darling and check out the “Slow Quarter”. It’s just up the road from where the concept of Darling Brew was first created. This venue aims to pair each of the Darling Brew craft beers with a selection of inspired light meals that enhance the unique flavours found in these artisan beers and is totally worth checking out.

Kwazulu Natal: Believe it or not, but this province has its own beer route. Start your journey at Robson’s in Valley of a Thousand Hills and make your way to Quills in Botha’s Hill, Nottingham Road in the Midlands, Mtunzini Brewery in Eshowe and Unity Brasserie’s Signature “Cow Bell” in Musgrave. You won’t be
disappointed.

Like Pretoria, Durban also is the host city for the SA on Tap Craft Beer Festival. This year’s edition will be held on the 1st of August at the Durban Amphitheater. Beer lovers will be able to sample over 100 brews from all over the country.

Free State: Every year in February the tiny Free State town of Clarens is invaded by 5,000+ beer lovers for the annual Clarens Craft Beer Festival. More than 70 hand crafted brews are available to sample and booking accommodation in advance is essential. If you love Craft beer this event should definitely be on your to-do list.

North West Province: Every year in June punters flock to the Ale House in Broederstroom for the Solstice Beer Festival. Solstice is in its essence a farmer`s festival originating from ancient times, when people still found the joy and spiritual meaning in the turn of the seasons and the gifts of the land. Definitely a must-attend event for Craft beer lovers.

Eastern Cape: If you find yourself in Port Elizabeth in November, check out the Eastern Cape’s Finest Grapes & Grain Festival. Punters can enjoy tasty beers from 9 different breweries, wine from 7 estates and ciders from 2 cider houses.

Limpopo: Situated 37 km from Bela Bela (Warmbaths) on the Thabazimbi road, L’Abri Fountain Brewery offers a unique experience. Opened in 2013, this brewery is in a rural setting with quintessential African views. There’s a tap room, a restaurant and brewery tours are available.

Northern Cape: I’m speaking under correction, but when it comes to Craft beer this province seems to fall into the Dry County category for South Africa. Rather consider traveling to the other provinces on this list to get your Craft Beer fix.

So, there you have it a Beer Lover’s Guide to South Africa to Hone your Craft. I hope that you’ve found the info in this post useful. If you’re looking for me, I’ll be at one of these breweries or festivals enjoying a tall pint of Craft Beer.

Watch this space for regular updates in the Opinion and Facts categories on Running Wolf’s Rant.