Cape Town might be celebrated for its wines, but brandy holds a place of quiet prestige in South African history. With over 300 years of distilling heritage, the Cape has become a destination where old-world traditions meet new-world creativity. Brandy here is not an afterthought. It’s a craft, a ritual, and in many cases, a revelation.
If you love the smooth complexity of aged spirits, Cape Town offers several memorable stops for brandy tasting, each with its own charm, story, and character. These experiences pair beautifully with mountain views, fine food, and the relaxed rhythm of the Cape lifestyle.
1. Van Ryn’s Distillery: A Heritage Worth Sipping
Founded in 1845, Van Ryn’s is often considered the spiritual home of South African brandy. Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, this award-winning distillery produces some of the most highly rated potstill brandies in the world. The setting is elegant, the cellars are atmospheric, and the brandy is layered and luxurious.
Visitors can choose from curated tastings that pair brandy with artisanal chocolate, coffee, or charcuterie. Guides walk you through the distillation process, the importance of oak barrels, and the way time shapes flavour. Even if you’re new to brandy, this is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with it.
2. Tokara: Refined Views, Refined Brandy
Known for its wines and incredible location at the top of Helshoogte Pass, Tokara also crafts a standout potstill brandy. Made from Chenin Blanc grapes and aged for over a decade in French oak, the Tokara XO is velvety and sophisticated, with hints of vanilla, spice, and dried fruit.
What makes a visit here even more special is the surrounding beauty. From the tasting lounge, you can look out over rolling vineyards and distant peaks while sipping a spirit that has aged with the same quiet patience as the landscape around it. It is a complete experience, one that blends flavour, art, and atmosphere.
3.Boplaas: The Karoo Spirit in Stellenbosch
You might associate Boplaas with the Klein Karoo, but their Stellenbosch tasting room brings the warmth and heritage of Calitzdorp right into the Winelands. This family-owned distillery is best known for its ports and Portuguese varietals, but their potstill brandies are equally deserving of attention.
Boplaas brandies are distilled using time-honoured methods and matured in barrels that lend rich, spicy depth to every sip. The experience here is down-to-earth and welcoming. It’s a contrast to some of the more polished venues, but in the best way possible. You feel like you’re part of something real, where every bottle has a family story behind it.
4. KWV Emporium: A Playground for the Curious
In Paarl, the KWV Emporium invites guests into a modern, interactive space where the world of brandy is explored through taste, education, and even a bit of experimentation. Known globally for its 10-year and 12-year potstill brandies, KWV also produces limited-edition releases that brandy lovers seek out.
At the tasting room, you can enjoy classic brandy pairings, try brandy-infused cocktails, or even blend a small batch of your own to take home. It’s fun, polished, and full of flavour. For anyone who likes a balance of tradition and innovation, this is a stop that delivers both.
5. Pienaar & Son: City Spirit, New Energy
Right in the heart of Cape Town, Pienaar & Son Distilling Company offers something a little different. This urban micro-distillery focuses on craft spirits made with precision and personality. While gin is their flagship, their small-batch brandy has developed a cult following for good reason.
The tasting experience is intimate, personal, and refreshingly modern. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want a deep dive into Cape Town’s craft distilling scene. You’ll leave with an appreciation for the younger generation of South African distillers who are bringing energy and creativity to a centuries-old tradition.
Stay in Style at O’Two
After a day of tastings and scenic drives, few things feel better than slipping into comfort. O’Two Hotel offers a boutique home base just minutes from the city centre, but with panoramic views over the Atlantic and the kind of relaxed luxury that pairs perfectly with a post-dinner brandy.
Whether you’re enjoying a rooftop sunset, booking a spa treatment, or toasting the day’s discoveries in your suite, O’Two makes every moment feel refined and restful.
From Barrel to Glass, the Cape Delivers
The Cape’s brandy trail is full of stories. Some are steeped in tradition, others are fresh and bold, but all of them reflect the care and creativity that define South Africa’s craft culture. Whether you prefer your brandy neat, in a cocktail, or paired with something sweet, there’s a place here waiting to share its secrets with you.
You don’t have to be a brandy expert to enjoy it. You just need curiosity, an open palate, and a willingness to slow down and savour.
