Cape Town may have made a name for itself with its wines, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The city and surrounding Winelands have quietly become the home of some of the most impressive Cape Town distilleries. From gin to rum, vodka to brandy, these distilleries are perfecting the art of crafting top-notch spirits.

While you could try to visit them all on your own, we suggest leaving it to the experts and taking an organised tour of the best Cape Town distilleries. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey of the senses as we explore some of the top distilleries in and around Cape Town.

Cape Town Gin and Spirits Company

Cape Town Gin and Spirits Company has been in business for more than seven years, and over this time, they have perfected a variety of alcoholic drinks. They’re best known for their gins, which have scooped up awards and have distinct local botanicals to lend them additional flavour. The company is now also based at the V&A Waterfront, where you can sample their products with views over a bustling working harbour.

Cape of Storms Distilling Company

Located in the semi-industrial suburb of Salt River is Cape of Storms Distilling Company, which is pioneering a new rum-making method in South Africa. They’re combining tried and tested Caribbean techniques with African molasses that results in one of the more unique rums you can hope to taste. Their tasting room is now open to the public with prior appointment.

Deep South Distillery

Deep South Distillery prides itself as is the southernmost distillery on the Cape Peninsula, and the company makes small-batch, hand-crafted spirits. Their primary focus is gin, rum and vodka, some of which have scooped up prestigious awards. You might also stumble across an unusual liqueur, schnapps or grappa on the odd occasion. They are open for tastings, tours, and sales, but ideally, these are by appointment.

New Harbour Distillery

This Cape Town micro-distillery produces a surprisingly extensive range of alcoholic drinks available in stores throughout the city. Among them, you can find several gins, as well as brandy, vodka, and whisky. The spirits are all inspired by African flavours, and striking branding makes them a great gift to take home.  

KWV

When it comes to Cape Town distilleries, KWV is a true icon. While it might not be the newest, hippest spot on the block, this distillery has been a cornerstone of South African distilling history for years. KWV’s range of brandies, liqueurs, vodkas, gins, and tequilas are all worth sampling, and where better to do so than their KWV Emporium in Paarl? Even if you’re tempted to explore the smaller craft distilleries, don’t overlook this legendary establishment.

Hope Distillery

Hope Distillery claims the title of the first licensed small-batch distillery to open in Cape Town. Although they made their name as one of the city’s best distillers of gin, including the popular Clemengold, they now have a vast repertoire in their collection. These include small-batch rum, vodka, and agave. Their tasting room, located in Salt River, is open for tastings.

Pienaar & Son

Looking for some high-quality spirits? Look no further than Pienaar & Son, a small but mighty distillery located in the heart of Cape Town’s Silo District. These Cape Town distillers use both traditional techniques and modern technology to craft their delicious brandy, gin, and vodka. And the best part? You can sample them all at the distillery!

Van Ryn’s Distillery

Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch is Van Ryn’s Distillery. The company claims the accolade of the world’s most awarded brandy, and they sell a 10, 12, 15, and 20-year pot-still brandy. The company offers a brandy and chocolate tasting at its premises, exposing you to their very best products.

Explore the best of Cape Town’s distilleries with Kiff Kombi Tours

After exploring some of the finest Cape Town distilleries on your own, it’s time to take things up a notch with Kiff Kombi Tours. The Gin Jol is the perfect way to discover the unique flavours of local gins infused with Fynbos vegetation. Indulge in tastings and food pairings at three incredible distilleries before finishing off at the Secret Gin Bar (subject to availability) for even more gin goodness. Whether it’s a bachelorette party, birthday celebration or just a fun day out with friends, don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Cape Town distillers with Kiff Kombi Tours.