We reveal some of the more popular gin tasting spots in and around Cape Town, as well as provide essential tips that will enhance your gin-tasting experiences across the Cape. From delicious gins to ideal accompaniments, each distillery offers something exceptional.
1. Kiff Kombi Tour ‘The Gin Jol’
It’s time to explore the hidden gems of Cape Town’s gin scene with the Kiff Kombi Gin Jol.
While the city is famous for its exquisite wine farms, this wild gin-tasting adventure will bestow your taste buds with bliss. The excursion begins at the Yours Truly Cafe on Kloof Street.
From there, hop on the Kiff Kombi and prepare for a whirlwind tour of gin. As you meander through the charming streets of Cape Town, you’ll visit three marvellous gin distilleries. Brace yourself for various gin tastings that will have you sipping with delight.
Enjoy tender cuts of biltong, an assortment of nuts and chocolates, all expertly paired with the different gins, making each sip a moment of pure bliss.
- Cost: R 1465 per person
- Location: Yours Truly Cafe, 73 Kloof St, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Sunday | 8am to 6pm
- Contact: 072 213 3888
Also read: The best local craft gin in Cape Town, voted by locals
2. The Innocent Spirits Distillery
Located in Maitland, Cape Town, lies Innocent Spirits Distillery. As a distiller of award-winning rums, the tasting tour will include rum (and mead, should you choose the gin, rum and mead tour).
In addition to tasting some of Cape Town’s most unique flavours, you’ll be taken through the entire distilling process. From the fermentation of ingredients to the creation of high-quality liquor.
The distillery’s iconic Cape Botanical gins will transport you through the wonders of high-quality gin.
- Cost: R100 per person
- Location: Unit 21, The Old Timber Yard, 27 7th Ave, Maitland, Cape Town
- Times: Saturday | 11am to 5pm (Book for tastings)
- Contact: 072 796 7768
3. Woodstock Gin Company
Step into the captivating world of Woodstock Gin Co, where rebellion and sophistication meet.
Experience an extraordinary gin-tasting adventure. In Woodstock, revel in your untamed nature, embracing the unexpected. Through the crafting of high-end gins, you’ll be encouraged to try things well out of your comfort zone.
Immerse yourself in the blend of Cape Town’s eclectic culture and atmosphere. All who choose to taste will find a space where all are welcome. Tickle your tastebuds with the signature Woodstock G&Ts (gin and tonics) and cocktails. They are paired meticulously with garnishes and complementary bites.
- Cost: Contact Woodstock Gin Company for gin tasting prices
- Location: 399 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm | Saturday, 9am to 6pm | Sunday and Monday, Closed
- Contact: 021 447 0712
4. Cape Town Gin
Local flavour with international appeal describes The Cape Town Gin Company.
As a producer of award-winning gins, a company deeply passionate about serving a masterful gin experience will guide your gin tour.
With a strong focus on producing new and exciting flavours, expect the same attention to detail during your gin tasting at Cape Town Gin, set against the picturesque backdrop of the V&A Waterfront.
The gin tasting session comprises four original flavours. These include Rooibos Red, Classic Dry, Pink Lady, and Black Rhino, paired with unique garnishes. Be sure to visit Cape Town Gin, ideal for a group of friends eager to learn a little and have a good time.
- Cost: R60 per person
- Location: Enter through Honest Chocolate cafe, 64a Wale Street, Cape Town
- Times: Monday to Wednesday, 5pm to 1am | Thursday to Saturday, 3pm to 1am
- Contact: 071 241 2277
5. Jorgensen’s Gin, Wellington
Don’t let the 71km drive from Cape Town to Wellington discourage you from visiting Jorgensen’s Gin.
One of South Africa’s premium gin distilleries lies on the beautiful Versailles Farm in the town of Wellington. Anchored by a resorted 200-litre copper pot used for distilling, the current owner, Quinn Roos, infuses botanicals and aromatics into each batch of gin, ensuring the most thorough taste.
Once you arrive on the farm, everything you observe is done with only the highest quality. Each gin flavour is bottled, labelled and numbered by hand. Be sure to immerse yourself in the gin tasting and distilling, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the art of creating gin with methods of a bygone era.
- Cost: R80 (Four gins and cocktail) | R60 (The G&T)
- Location: Jorgensen’s Distillery, Regent, Wellington
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm | Saturday to Sunday, Closed
- Contact: 021 864 1777
Also read: Sip on a Whitley Neill Protea & Hibiscus cocktail all World Gin Day long
6. Pienaar & Son Distilling Company
Pienaar & Son Distilling should be on your list of gin outings, as a self-proclaimed modern distillery at the cutting edge of gin making.
Nestled in the Silo District, along Cape Town Harbour, this family business combines 40 years of industry knowledge and the combination of science and technology to create state-of-the-art spirits for all who enter.
Gin-tasting sessions will encompass the tasting and sampling of the distillery’s three gins: Empire, Orient and Ugly Gin.
- Location: The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Times: Thursday, 10am to 5pm | Friday to Sunday, 10pm to 7pm | Monday to Wednesday, Closed
- Contact: 072 759 9928
7. Hout Bay Harbour Distillery
The Hout Bay Harbour Distillery welcomes all who desire the splendour of award-winning gin.
The distillery is eager to provide an all-access tour of where the gin-making magic happens. During the tasting session, you’ll see how the gin is crafted and distilled with a good balance of traditional and modern methods to create smooth and flavourful juniper juice.
You’ll taste Hout Bay’s duo of premium craft gins. The tasting will conclude with a complimentary cocktail for good measure.
Join the privileged few who have experienced this gin-tasting exhibition and let Hout Bay Harbour Distillery Craft Gins transport you to a gin wonderland.
- Cost: R100 per person
- Location: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town
- Times: Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, Closed
- Contact: 082 443 9360
8. Six Dogs Distillery
Unique in branding and special distilling, Six Dog Distillery is all about doing things differently.
Based in Worcester, a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, two brothers and a family friend came together to fulfill a creative dream of making gin their way.
They built a brand firmly focused on making gin vibrant by creating a custom copper still to preserve botanical flavours for longer. The same creativity now filters through into their gin tasting experiences.
Unlike other brands, Six Dogs provides packages for gin tastings at home or corporate gin tastings. There’s no need to travel to the distillery, as everything can be delivered to your doorstep or office space.
- Cost: Contact Six Dogs Distillery for gin tasting prices
- Location: Worcester, 6853
- Times: Monday to Friday | 9am to 1pm
- Contact: 071 873 1317
9. Classic Cats at Vredenheim Estate
Indulge in an unforgettable gin-tasting experience at Classic Cats within the Vredenheim Wine Estate.
Classic Cats offers an exceptional setting, blending the worlds of classic cars and craft gin into one. With a duo of classic Jaguars on site, explore the estate’s over 200 locally crafted gins.
Among the vast array of gins to enjoy, it is recommended that you try a Vredenheim exclusive, the Quince Gin. Crafted by experts, the burst of truly unique flavour fills every sip. For those seeking something delightful and refreshing, the Nguni Gin boasts a luscious pink hue and an unmistakable fusion of strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, along with a hint of pink peppercorn.
For an even more exceptional experience, try the gin pairings on offer. Individuals are welcome, but larger groups are encouraged to book in advance for a seamless and enjoyable gin tasting adventure at Classic Cats.
- Cost: Prices range between R65 – R125
- Location: Vredenheim Wine Estate, R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
- Times: Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm | Monday to Thursday, Closed
- Contact: 061 783 1156
10. Deep South Distillery
Deep South Distillery offers an unparalleled Gin Tasting Experience, which has always been popular.
Throughout the session, you’ll journey through three of Deep South’s award-winning gins, with each gin paired with handpicked garnishes to bolster the specified flavour profiles. Guests on the tour will also receive expert guidance on how to enjoy gin through a myriad of drink combinations.
With the extensive gin education you’ll receive, the unmatched assortment of flavours and the appealing presentation, you will leave Deep South deeply satisfied.
- Cost: R150 per person
- Location: 52 Heron Park, Wildevoelvlei Rd, Kommetjie
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm | Sunday, Closed
- Contact: 021 783 0129
Also read:
https://www.capetownetc.com/things-to-do/a-taste-of-japan-in-ceres-cherry-picking-with-roku-gin/
