Explore the best Craft Breweries on the Garden Route

Posted on 21 June 2024 By Tsoku Maela

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.


ALSO READ: Things to do in George: unearthing the Garden Route gem


 

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.

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.

Craft breweries in the garden route

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.

4. South Cape Breweries

Craft breweries in the garden route

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.

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.

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.

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ALSO READ: A classy pub crawl: 5 wine Bars in Stellenbosch




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