South Africa’s craft beer industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, gaining increasing consumer popularity. South Africans are known to be the world’s most enthusiastic beer drinkers per capita, consuming an average of about 60 litres per person annually. This demand has provided a lucrative opportunity for the craft beer sector.
Craft beer distinguishes itself by using 100% natural ingredients without any additives, preservatives, thickeners, or stabilisers. Craft breweries prioritise quality and taste over cost-cutting measures, unlike mass-produced beers, resulting in a longer brewing process and uncompromising standards.
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The Garden Route region has actively embraced this trend, witnessing a proliferation of microbreweries in recent years. Here are five notable craft beer breweries worth visiting on your next trip to the Garden Route:
1. Tsitsikamma Microbrewery
Picture: Tsitsikamma Microbrewery gallery
Located between the Tsitsikamma Village Inn and Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, the Tsitsikamma Microbrewery offers a unique selection of locally brewed beers on tap. They constantly experiment with new recipes and brewing methods, resulting in distinctive Tsitsikamma craft beer flavours.
- Where: Darnell Street, Stormsrivier, South Africa
- Website: tsitsikammavillageinn.co.za
2. Sedgefield Craft Brewery
Picture: SedgeCraftBrewery / Instagram
Sedgefield Craft Brewery is a family-owned and operated establishment that produces high-quality handcrafted beers. They adhere to traditional brewing techniques and offer a range of six beers, including Blonde Ale, Irish Red Ale, India Pale Ale, Weiss beer, Porter, and the sought-after American Pale Ale, “Tiddly Tortoise.” These beers are handcrafted without maize or preservatives, using only premium local and imported hops, barley, yeast, and filtered water.
- Where: The Sedgefield Craft Brewery, Scarab Village, Sedgefield
- Website: facebook.com
3. Red Bridge Brewing Co.
Picture: Red Bridge Brewing Co. / Facebook
Red Bridge Brewery Co is a Knysna-based micro-brewery specialising in hand-crafted small-batch beer. They are named after the local Red Bridge that spans the Knysna River and is a favourite local gem for outdoor activities and sunsets.
They are a family-owned business and pride themselves on crafting beers using their South African-built equipment. They do everything in-house, from recipe development, brewing, and packaging, with pride and a whole lot of draughts.
- Where: 5 Noble Street, Knysna
- Facebook: redbridgebrewing.co.za
4. South Cape Breweries
Picture: Glenhoff Craft Beer / Instagram
Established in late 2012 in Mossel Bay, South Cape Breweries introduced their first beer, Glenhoff Lager, and later expanded their range to include an Ale and Weiss beer. What began as a hobby eventually evolved into a business to share the joy and experience of their beers with the Mossel Bay community and visitors. South Cape Breweries uses the finest ingredients, including specially purified water, to craft their quality beers.
- Where: 8 Nywerheids Park, Voortrekker Street, Mossel Bay
- Website: southcapebreweries.com
5. Barrington’s
Barringtons in Plettenberg Bay. Photo: Travelbug Rose
Barrington’s Brewery is located in Plettenberg Bay and boasts ‘five hundred litre brewhouse and ten thousand litres of fermentation tanks.’ They supply their customers with a wide array of high-quality craft beers. Barrington’s produces five flagship beers, German Hefeweizen, Irish Stout, American Lager, English Ale, American Pale Ale, and spontaneous and seasonal batches.
- Where: Barrington’s Piesang Valley Road Plettenberg Bay
- Website: barringtonsplett.co.za
Beyond the captivating craft beer scene, the Garden Route offers a wealth of attractions and activities throughout the year. Whether you choose to visit Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, or Knoetzie, this enchanting region promises a memorable experience. Indulge in the magic and wonder of the Garden Route by booking your next holiday in one of our luxurious self-catering villas.
