The South African Brandy Foundation (SABF) is excited to announce the relaunch of the SA Brandy Route, offering a fresh way to explore South Africa’s rich brandy heritage. With new digital tools for planning your journey, locals, tourists, and brandy enthusiasts can now experience an array of distilleries, tasting rooms, and vibrant urban hubs, all featuring enhanced visitor experiences, innovative food pairings, and exceptional mixology.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
For over 330 years, South Africa has been producing brandy, with the first distillation, known as brandewijn or “burnt wine,” recorded on a ship in Table Bay in 1672. Since then, it has transformed into a refined, award-winning spirit enjoyed worldwide. Christelle Reade-Jahn, director of the SABF, emphasizes, “The SA Brandy Route is a journey into South African heritage. Each Brandy Home and Brandy Hub tells a unique story, from historic cellars in the winelands to contemporary cocktail bars in the city. By enhancing the visitor experience and supporting our members with training and tools, we ensure this tradition remains relevant and celebrated.”
Experience Brandy Like Never Before
The reimagined SA Brandy Route features Brandy Homes and Brandy Hubs, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in unique experiences. Visit the multi-sensory KWV House of Fire, enjoy owner-led tastings at boutique distilleries in the Klein Karoo, or indulge in world-class mixology in Cape Town’s lively atmosphere.
Brandy Homes are SABF-accredited producers offering guided tastings, cellar tours, and food or cocktail pairings that highlight each region’s distinctive flavor identity. Meanwhile, Brandy Hubs serve as urban gateways to South African brandy culture, providing curated tastings and expertly crafted cocktails, along with helpful information for exploring nearby Brandy Homes and wine routes.
Reade-Jahn notes, “The SA Brandy Route seamlessly complements existing wine routes popular with both local and international visitors. It’s the ideal addition to a day of wine tasting.”
Exciting Upgrades and New Offerings
Upgrades across all 19 Brandy Homes in the Western Cape began with a thorough audit by hospitality consultant Jonathan Steyn, leading to enhanced training in service, brandy knowledge, and visitor engagement. SABF has also equipped these Homes with specialized brandy stemware to better showcase the spirit’s depth and complexity.
In Calitzdorp, Boplaas Distillery, known for its brandy since 1880, has unveiled a new tasting room alongside the distillery. Sixth-generation distiller Daniel Nel shares, “We’ve maintained our traditional style while expanding the space to include a lounge for our potstill tastings, featuring our eight-, 12-, 17-, and 20-year-old brandies. This upgrade is perfect for attracting new customers and travelers to the region.”
Brandy’s versatility shines through inventive culinary pairings. At Boschendal Estate outside Franschhoek, aged XO brandy now complements classic South African desserts like Malva pudding and peppermint crisp tart. Zaid Adams, Director of Food & Beverages at Boschendal, states, “We aim to embrace our cultural heritage while reshaping perceptions about brandy.”
At Tokara Wine Estate, award-winning XO Brandy is paired with handmade chocolates, showcasing the estate’s commitment to authentic Cape brandy. General Manager Karl Lambour remarks, “Inclusion in the Brandy Homes network reflects our dedication to heritage, innovation, and terroir.”
Visitors to Van Ryn’s Distillery near Stellenbosch can look forward to expert-led tours and tastings paired with decadent chocolates. Each Brandy Home and Hub assures easy access to authentic South African brandy experiences.
Join the Brandy Revolution
At Lanzerac Wine Estate, the elegant Craven Lounge offers an extensive spirits menu featuring premium brandies and curated tasting experiences led by expert brandy ambassadors. Food & Beverage Manager Johan van Zyl explains, “We are striving to change the perception of South African brandy, which many locals only see as a mixer.”
In Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Cause|Effect Cocktail Kitchen showcases over 80 South African pot still brandies. Founder Kurt Schlechter emphasizes, “Pot still brandies offer incredible smoothness and complexity. Our cocktails highlight these qualities, making brandy tourism an untapped treasure in our national tourism offering.”
Reade-Jahn concludes, “With the relaunch of the SA Brandy Route, we hope to deepen connections to place, culture, and craftsmanship, creating new opportunities to explore our beautiful winelands and inspiring visitors to take the spirit of South Africa home with them.”
To learn more about the South African Brandy Foundation and the SA Brandy Route, visit our website and plan your journey into the heart of South African brandy culture tour visit www.sabrandy.co.za
