Craft beer is much more than a trend. There is an entire industry built on the mastery of making good craft beer, in fact. Whether you are a craft beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, you should check out some of Joburg’s breweries for a taste of the best in the business. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or big milestone. Of course, you don’t really need an excuse to indulge in premium brews. Here are some of our favourite venues in Joburg that host craft beer tastings:
Soweto Brewing Company
Soweto Brewing Company presents you with the Ubuntu Kraal beer garden experience. Come and enjoy Soweto’s trendiest eatery complete with live music, gourmet shisanyama and craft beer tastings. The beer garden caters for up to 450 guests – perfect for a 21st bash or bachelors party. The Soweto Brewing Company has six unique craft beers to sample, including the popular Soweto Gold Superior Golden Lager. Each beer has a distinct kasi flavour that reflect the brewers proud heritage and sets their beers apart from other local brands. Take a tour of the brewery to learn more about how they make your favourite beers.
Details: 111846 Senokoanyana Street, Orlando West Ext., Soweto | (Tel) 076 706 9823 | nancynxumalo@gmail.com
Copperlakes Brewery
Copperlakes Brewery offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Their brewery situated out in Lanseria produces nine premium craft brews, all of which you can sample from one of their taster trays. The Copperlakes experience doesn’t end there though. Their venue caters to bachelors parties and other special events. Come and enjoy a round of beer pong or try your hand at Giant Jenga. Accompanied by one of Copperlakes 30 litre party kegs, this is bound to be an experience you won’t want to forget! You can also brew your very own craft beer under the expert guidance of one of their master brewers.
Details: Main Rd, Lanseria, 2189 Sunrella AH, Lanseria | (Tel) 083 633 1706 | info@copperlakebreweries.co.za
Gilroy’s Brewery
Gilroy’s Brewery has a new home! Gilroy’s Brewery has moved from Muldersdrift to their new venue in Rivonia. This is where true brewers excellence lives. Gilroy’s craft beers are brewed according to Irish purity laws to ensure the highest quality, all natural product. The pub and restaurant that adjoin the brewery are famous for good times and fantastic live entertainment. Join them for Saturdays at Gilroy’s – a laugh a minute comedy show that will teach you all about beer while you drink a whole of it. If you’re after a good time, this is the place to host any event.
Details: Rivonia Crossing, Achter Road, Paulshof, Johannesburg | (Tel) 011 796 3020 | hannes@gilroysbrewery.co.za.
The Barn Restaurant
Take a drive out to Irene Farm, where you will find a host of different pairing and tasting experiences! Their Craft Beer Tasting is a winner and visitors to the farm will get to taste their Irene Farm Lager, Devil’s Peak Lager and their low level of bitterness lager, theF#K@F LAGER. Book your tasting here. Please note that their tasting are only offered during weekdays not over weekends and public holidays.
Details: Nellmapius Road, Irene, Centurion, 0062 | (Tel) 012 667 4822 | barn@ireneestate.co.za
Wilderbeer
Enjoy an epic day out at The Prison Break Market’s Pour Room! Here you’ll find locally, eco-friendly and waste-friendly crafted beer at Wildebeer. Be sure to make a booking for their brewery tour, beer and food pairing. Visit them for a cold draft, a craft beer tasting platter, or a good laugh!
Details: 10 MacMillan Road, Glenferness AH, Midrand, 2191 | (Tel) 074 410 3689 | info@wildebeer.co.za
Labora Yard
Labora Yard is a hidden gem in Centurion. It is home to a lovely quaint courtyard that is home to an on site Gin distillery and brewery. There is also a Pizza spot as well as artisan shops and restaurants. It’s perfect for a relaxed Saturday outing or ideal for watching any rugby games!
Details: 301 Edward Avenue Hennopspark, Zwartkop, Centurion, 0051 | (Tel) 083 272 4884 .
NPF Tasting Room
A new addition to the Joburg tasting room scene, NPF Tasting Room opened their doors in November 2022 and are located at Melrose Arch. They have over 40 pages of premium spirits to choose from! Guests are encouraged to create their own personalised tasting experience. Take your tastebuds on an adventure and have a “brewtiful” time at the boutique tasting room.
Details: Shop 17B, Ground Floor, Melrose Arch, The High Street, Birnam, 2196 | info@npftastingroom.com | 010 015 0872.
Black Horse Brewery
Despite the drive to Magaliesberg, Black Horse Brewery remains a favourite among Joburgers! Join them for one of their Black Horse Distillery & Brewery tours! Experience the distillation and brew process and get behind the scenes and watch how their spirits and beer are made. The 45 minute tour includes a look at the production line, culminating in their Tasting Room with a tasting flight of available spirits or a beer tasting. Bookings are accepted online only.
Details: 32 Zeekoeihoek Road, Magaliesburg, 1791 | (Tel) 082 453 5295 | information@blackhorse.co.za.
The Tasting Room
Indulge in a unique beer tasting experience at The Tasting Room, nestled in Waterkloof, Pretoria. Trust us, the journey is worth it! The establishment opened in September and have plenty of snack platters to complement your brew. In terms of the label of beer that is served, you can expect CBC Craft Beer. Cheers to memorable moments at The Tasting Room!
Details: 198 Long Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria | (Tel) 087 821 7708 | hello@thetastingroom.co.za.
Be Responsible
Please remember to be responsible. Don’t drink and drive. Alcohol is prohibited for sale and consumption of persons under the age of 18. Visit www.aware.org.za for more information.
If you enjoyed reading this article then read more about Gilroy’s Brewrery’s new location here.
