THE 13 STOPS
1 Tsitsikamma Micro Brewery: Overlooking the start of the Otter
Trail, this brewery uses pure mineral Tsitsikamma water in its selection of ales (and a delicious Weiss) to produce the perfect drinks pairing for the region’s adventure activities, or for sipping under the famed Tsitsikamma big tree. facebook.com/tsitsikammamicrobrewery
2 One 33: The bar at this craft distillery has a library of more than 50 spirits, all brewed with botanicals from the wild Eastern Cape. Go hungry — they have a whole menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, all made with produce from their in-house cheesery. one33craftrum.co.za
3 Hogsback Brewing Company: High up in the Amatole mountains is the magical Hogsback with its winding roads, sweeping hiking trails and ethereal gardens. One of SA’s most mystical locations and, look, they have beer too. hogsback.beer
4 Brickmakers Distilling Company: The Spiced Rhino Rum produced here tastes like a clementine mince pie in spirit form and is the stand-out spirit on the route. facebook.com/brickmakersdistillery
5 Bridge Street Brewery: The Baakens Valley’s original seed and Gqeberha’s first craft brewery. The cool breeze coming off the river and interesting architecture are the perfect initiation to the craft-beer scene here. bridgestreet.co.za
6 Richmond Hill Brewing Company: Truly special beers. Three (more) words: take your friends. richmondhillbrewing.com
7 Brewhaha: J’Bay’s own Americaninspired brewery and restaurant. Try the sourdough pizza and keep an eye out for charming Brewski, the brewer’s dog. brewhaha.co.za
8 JBay Craft Brewery: Beers brewed by surfers, for surfers. This spot also has an in-house green cafe offering raw juices, health snacks and sandwiches. jbaycraftbrewery.co.za
9 Theescombe Wine Estate: Gqerberha’s only wine farm, the 1.5 hectare property packs in the varietals, and the Futter family are charming. facebook.com/pe.winefarm
10 Featherstone Brewery: Heading inland to Makhanda you’ll find Featherstone, a craft brewery bringing a Xhosa-inspired beer, iBhiya, to the market. A fusion between sour beers and uMqombothi, it’s the first time this type of beer has been commercially available. featherstonebrewery.co.za
11 The Little Brewery on the River: Nestled on the riverside in the oldest building in Port Alfred, this unpretentious and charming brewery shines with Eastern Cape spirit. facebook.com/The-Little-Brewery-onthe-River-276760669148355
12 Table 58 Brewing: East London’s German Beerhouse, with its brewing done in strict adherence to the German Purity Law, uses only water, hops, malt and yeast. table58brewing.co.za
13 Emerald Vale Brewery: Situated in one of the most picturesque parts of the Eastern Cape, Emerald Vale lies between the Chintsa and Chefani rivers on a lush farm. The quality of the water results in very pure beers. If you look closely, you might spot a fairy, Ina, in the garden. emeraldvale.co.za/the-brewery
The Eastern Cape Craft Brewing, Distilling and Wine Route is now open.
Brodie was a guest of the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency.