For many guys, the idea of browsing art galleries, antiques, and boutiques is not the ideal way to spend a holiday…or any other day. But a visit to a brewery is a whole other thing. South Africa has a reputation for producing quality beer, so whether you visit a macro brewery or the little guy on the corner with exclusive craft beers, you’ll want to do more than just a little browsing brewsing.

Here are 5 great breweries to visit in South Africa:

SAB World of Beer

Address: 5 President Street, Newtown Precinct, Johannesburg
Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm.

Cost: R55 (including 2 beers and a World of Beer glass)

Contact: +27 (0)11 836 4900

South African Breweries’ (SAB) World of Beer offers a fun and informative 90 minute tour that takes you through the history and heritage of brewing in South Africa – from the tombs of Egypt to a township shebeen. Venture through a greenhouse of raw ingredients, discover ancient Mesopotamian brewing techniques, and learn how different recipes spread across Europe. The brew House and Malting facilities are impressive and multimedia displays create an interactive experience. The tour ends at the On Tap Pub and Restaurant where you can enjoy two free beers. The Tangards and Toggs shop offers a selection of clothing, caps, glasses, and accessories in your favourite brand of local beer.

The Nottingham Road Brewery

Address: Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands

Contact: +27 (0)33 266 6728 / [email protected]

The Nottingham Road Brewery lies in the heart of the Midlands Meander, on the shady ground of the elegant Rawdon’s Hotel. This thriving independent brewery is a favourite among locals and tourists, and offers an outstanding selection of naturally brewed ales and lagers. Part of their success lies in the fact that they only use the purest spring water drawn from an artesian well on the grounds. Combined with the finest quality hops and malted barley, their distinctive beers are characterised by a smooth, well-rounded flavour. Take home a souvenir from the gift shop, which not only stocks their original beers, but also fun items such as “Certified Beer Drinker” T-shirts.

Gilroy’s Brewery

Address: Ngwenya Village, Muldersdrift, Magaliesberg
Tours: Saturdays at 11am (booking advised)

Cost: R90 (including beer and fun)

Contact: +27 (0)11 796 3020 / +27 (0)73 357 2897

At Gilroy’s Brewery, on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Steve Gilroy presents a humorous insight into the myths, legends, and secrets of beer. Explore the process of brewing hand-crafted beers, from smelling the hops to tasting the final product. Gilroy’s uses only the finest ingredients and has four award winning beers to show for it. So laugh, learn, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, savour craft beer at its finest, and discover how only Gilroy’s can have an “Ode to the Raised Middle Finger” that is more inspiring than offensive.

Newlands Brewery

Address: 3 Main Road, Newlands, Cape Town

Tours: Weekdays at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm; Saturdays at 10am. “Brewmasters Walk” tours are held on Wednesdays at 6pm or other weekdays at 5pm (booking essential).

Cost: R30 (including 2 drinks)

Contact: +27 (0) 21 658 7440 / [email protected]

Discover the making of SAB’s famous beers by touring the Newlands Brewery. You’ll get a fantastic beer experience, learn about the 200 year old tradition of beer making, and sample some of South Africa’s finest, freshest beers. Take the “Brewmasters Walk” tour and enjoy sundowners while you get to know the people behind the award-winning brand.

Triggerfish Brewing

Address: Intersection of De Beers Avenue and Broadway Road, Somerset West

Open: Wednesday and Thursday, 10am – 7pm; Friday, 10am – 9pm; Saturday, 10am – 5pm.

Contact: +27 (21) 851 5861 / +27 (82) 887 6888 / [email protected]

Triggerfish Brewing is passionate about beer. Set in an unassuming, ramshackle building, this beer tasting bar offers a selection of hand crafted fine ales using only premium malt, hops, yeast, and water with no additives or preservatives. Despite its small size and limited availability, Triggerfish Brewing has become a respected brand in the Western Cape.

What breweries do you recommend visiting in South Africa?

Image 1 courtesy of SAB World of Beer

Image 2 courtesy of Gilroy’s Brewery

Image 3 courtesy of Triggerfish Brewing