Find out the secrets behind South Africa’s beer revolution by taking tours of some of the country’s best breweries.
There’s something for every beer lover on our list of the best SA beer tours:
SAB World of Beer – Johannesburg
SAB is one of the country’s most iconic brands, and has been making high quality, multi-award-winning beer for decades. To see the company’s story, visit the SAB World of Beer in Johannesburg, where you can go on an amazing adventure to discover how the world’s most popular beverage evolved from its beginnings in Ancient Egypt, to the modern techniques used by brewers today.
The World of Beer tours will run on all of the public holidays (except Christmas Day) this festive season. The tours include a walk around SAB’s facilities on the property, where you can see how beer is made, followed by a visit to their museum. Here you can learn about the broader history of beer. After that you will retire to the on-site bar and you’ll be treated to a draft of your favourite SAB beer.
Where: The SAB World of Beer, 15 President Street, Johannesburg
When: Daily with hourly tours from 10.00am to 06.00pm
Cost: Tickets from R105 per adult.
Book: Advance booking is essential. To book, visit worldofbeer.co.za
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Mega Beer Tour – Johannesburg
There’s a really exciting craft beer culture developing in and around Joburg, with small craft breweries popping up everywhere. The Mega Beer Tour from Take You There is a fantastic way to explore the latest in Johannesburg’s craft beer scene.
Every Saturday afternoon a bus will take you from Fourways to three craft breweries in the Magaliesberg, where you’ll be given a tour and free tastings at each facility. There are over 18 different types of beer to taste, so you be sure to find something that suits your palate!
Where: Broadacres Shopping Centre, Valley Rd & Cedar Rd, Johannesburg
When: Tours leave at 11.00am
Cost: Tickets from R500 per adult
Book: Advance booking is essential. To book, visit webticket.co.za
Super Cool Beer Tours – Cape Town
Cape Town has been the centre of South Africa’s beer revolution, and has one of the richest histories of brewing in the country. Take a half-day trip to learn about Cape Town’s brewing heritage with Super Cool Beer Tours.
The trip will take you to SAB’s Newlands Brewery, as well as two craft breweries in Newlands, Woodstock, and Saltriver; and it doubles as a tour of Cape Town. You’ll also be treated to a delicious craft beer and food pairing for lunch.
Where: Pickups can be arranged in Cape Town CBD , Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, Tamboerskloof and Gardens as part of the total cost.
When: Tuesdays – Saturdays from 12.00pm
Cost: R550 per person, includes fees for all tastings and lunch.
Book: Advance booking is essential. To book call 082 922 3322, email [email protected], or fill in the form on supercoolbeertour.co.za
Newlands Brewery – Cape Town
Founded in 1820 Newlands Brewery is South Africa’s oldest working brewery. Currently owned by SAB, it makes nine of the country’s favourite beers – and you can see how it’s all done with a great tour.
After soaking in nearly two centuries of beer making tradition, you can make your way down to the onsite bar for a beer tasting, and two complimentary draft beers.
Where: 3 Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town
When: Tuesdays – Thursdays at 10.00am, 12.00pm and 02.00pm; Fridays at 10.00am, 12.00pm, 02.00pm and 04.00pm; Wednesday evenings at 06.00pm; and Saturdays at 10.00 and 12.00pm
Cost: R80 per person
Book: Advance booking is essential. To book, call (021) 658 7440 or e-mail [email protected]
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Nottingham Road Brewing Company – Durban
Located just one-and-a-half hours out of Durban, Nottingham Road Brewing Company makes some of the finest craft beers in the Natal Midlands. Tours include insights into how these top brewers make their beers and you’ll get a chance to sample one of their many variants.
Whether you’d favour the dark Pickled Pig Porter, the quirky Swinging Samango Mango Ale, or the light Whistling Weasel Pale Ale (our personal favourite) you’ll find a beer to suit your palate.
Where: R103, Rawdons estate, Nottingham Road
When: Tour can run on any day but Sundays and public holidays. Tours usually start at 11.00am but times are flexible
Cost: R90 per person,
Book: Advance booking is essential. To book, e-mail John at [email protected]
