Cape Town has a thriving gin scene that is as noteworthy as the impeccable wine farms that dot the city. From gin tastings and distillery tours to aesthetically pleasing spots with the best cocktails, the Mother City has something for every gin palette.
Here are our favourite best gin experiences on offer in the city:
Gin Tasting, Tours, and Make Your Own Gin
Deep South Distillery
Deep South Distillery is the southernmost distillery on the Cape Peninsula specialising in distilling small-batch, hand-crafted spirits. Join for a tasting of their award-winning gin paired with different concoctions. There is also a distillery tour for those who want to learn about the gin-making process. The award-winning distillery is open for tastings every Friday and Saturday from 10 to 3.30pm. Weekday tastings are by appointment only.
Cost: R150 for gin tasting, including a complimentary distillery tour. There is also rum, vodka and a host of other spirited combinations options for the discerning palate
Website: www.deepsouthdistillery.co.za
Twelve Apostles Hotel
The luxury hotel offers a string of gin experiences for guests, including a daily gin tasting from 11am. With local and international gins on offer, guests can savour the diverse range of botanicals and flavour profiles during the tasting. There’s also The Gin & Canape Tasting experience that pairs G&Ts with gourmet treats designed by chef Nicholas Goldschmidt.
Cost: R595 for the gin-making experience, R295 for the tasting
Website: www.12apostleshotel.com
Hope Distillery
Head to Hope Distillery to sample a few of their professionally crafted gins. Their well-decorated tasting room is open from Monday to Friday between 12pm to 5pm.
The Flagship Gin Tasting offers three of their Hope Gins and their Hobbs Cape Dry Gin. An expert delves into the gin-making process and teaches guests how to pour the perfect gin and tonic.
Cost: Tastings start from R200 per person, including complimentary snacks
Website: www.hopedistillery.co.za/tastings
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery
Hout Bay Harbour Distillery is situated in the heart of Hout Bay harbour. Known as South Africa’s only Double World Award Winning small batch distillery, this family-run business produces world-class vapour-infused gin.
You will get a unique glimpse into the distilling process and learn about the creation of their world-class HBHD Craft Gins. End with a complimentary G&T cocktail. Tastings are offered every Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
Cost: R150 per person
Website: www.houtbayharbourdistillery.co.za
Pienaar & Son Distilling Co.
This family-run business at Maker’s Landing offers tastings from Thursday to Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm. They provide two tastings featuring their craft gin and one tasting that includes both gin and vodka.
Cost: Tastings start from R80
Website: www.pienaarandson.co.za
Woodstock Gin Company
Experience the untamed spirit at Woodstock Gin Company. Located near the Old Biscuit Mill, you can sample three of their award-winning gins, paired with tonic. Tastings are available from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11 am and 4:30 pm.
Cost: R109 for 3 gins, including light snacks
Website: www.woodstockginco.co.za
Distillers & Union
Distillers & Union at Morgenhof Farm in Stellenbosch hosts their gin-making and gin-tasting experiences from Thursday to Sunday.
There are two types, including the standard and deluxe gin making courses. The experience offers guests two drinks, snacks, a guided gin making experience, and a custom made 500ml bottle of gin and hand designed label.
Cost: The gin making course starts from R795 per person. Gin tastings start from R100 per person
Website: www.distillersunion.co.za
Where to Get a Gin Cocktail in Cape Town
The Gin Bar
Enter through a chocolate store and wander into a Gin Bar that offers more gins than you can shake a stick at. Besides the enticing gin cocktails like The Hope, The Ambition and The Soul, you can also indulge in a selection of beer and wine. If you’re in the mood for some bubbles, pop into their Bubbly Bar, a celebration of local crafters making some of the best bubbly in the world. Apparently, it is a “place so good you’ll want to keep it a secret.”
Cost: Various
Website: www.theginbar.co.za/
Grand Pavilion
Order a gin-inspired drink and soak in the sweeping sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean at Grand Pavillion in Sea Point. The laid-back yet luxury setting offers 7 gin cocktails on the menu, all uniquely created.
Cost: No entry fee, but individual cocktail costs apply
Website: www.grandpavilion.co.za
Also Visit:
Athletic Club Social: www.theathletic.co.za
Café Caprice: www.cafecaprice.co.za
Zsa Zsa: www.zsazsa.co.za
Utopia: www.utopiacapetown.co.za
