The KwaZulu-Natal Beer Route

When my husband was little, his parents took them on their yearly family holiday to Kwazulu Natal in July, instead of December. The reason being was that KwaZulu-Natal is still lovely and warm this time of year (when the rest of the country freezes) and it is not overrun with holiday makers. Although I am that cliche Jo’burg-by-the-sea-in-December person, I have decided to look for winter holiday options in KZN this year and I found the most amazing road trip holiday: The KwaZulu-Natal Beer Route!

This beer route has recently been launched and it is not a clear-cut point A to point B route, which means that every traveller can create their own mini-adventure route, exploring the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal province, while tasting delicious beer! This is ideal for our little family and I am naming our soon-to-be trip the Treasure Hunt for Craft Breweries. For those of you who are as excited as I am about this, here is a list of breweries on the beer route:

Firkin’s Hop House Brewery, Durban

This Brewpub is open daily from 09:00 until late and it offers Beer Route visitors a tour of the brewery, including an explanation of how their beer is brewed, as well as a beer tasting and snacks. The pub and restaurant has a lively beer garden for those wanting to stay for lunch.

Tel: 031 265 0155

South African Breweries, Durban

SAB is of course no micro brewery but they are the South African arm of the SAB Miller group, the second largest brewer in the world. The SAB premises in Prospecton offers daily tours of their beer brewing and packaging facilities and offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a beer in the pub afterward.

Tel: 031 910 1111

Nottingham Road Brewery, Midlands Meander

After visiting the Durban beaches, take a drive to the scenic Midlands Meander, where you can stay over at the Rawdon’s Hotel and Country Estate. Nestled in the charming and elegant hotel premises, you will find Nottingham Road Brewery. Be sure to indulge in a Notties Beer tasting in Rawdon’s Pub and enjoy an Austrian inspired lunch or dinner paired with a craft beer at the Bierfassl. This venue has beautiful walking trails and large open spaces ideal for kids to play in. There is even a train museum near by.

Tel: 033 266 6044

Wartburger Brauhaus, Natal Midlands

One of the main reasons I am so excited about this little tour is that there is so much German inspired beer and food on the beer route - my favourite type of food (and beer - shhh….do not tell my Belgian friends). So I am particularly looking forward to visiting the Wartburger Brauhaus and Pub. This brewery imports all of its ingredients from Germany (with the exception of using local water) and the beer is made according the the German Reinheitsgebot. Tours of the facility and beer tastings are offered which include a traditional German lunch at the Brauhaus pub.

Tel: 033 503 1482

Shongweni Brewery, Shongweni

Home of the well-known Robson’s Real Beer, this micro brewery is located in the heart of the picturesque Shongweni Valley. Tours, beer talks and tastings of one of the oldest craft beers in South Africa are available upon request.

Tel: 082 497 6462

Zululand Brewing Company, Eshowe

This brewery is situated on the George Hotel premises in Eshowe and the beer is available exclusively at the venue. While on your road trip, be sure to stay at this hotel to explore this little town. Here you can relax in the beautiful gardens with the kids or get active on one of the walking trails while dad plays a round of golf. And if golf is a family hobby, be sure to take part in the golf and beer weekend package, which includes a tour of the brewery. Booking is essential to ensure that stock is available.

Tel: 035 474 4919

Porcupine Quill Microbrewery, Botha’s Hill

Situated in the awe-inspiring Valley of 1000 Hills, this microbrewery boasts views of the snow-covered Southern Drakensberg mountains.The brewery is located on the premises of a chef school in the deli building where they also have their own cheesery, bakery and sausage making facility. Be sure to stop here for a lunch and beer tasting with a view.

Tel: 031 777 1566

Like this post? Share it with your friends and do not miss our list of Craft Beer Tastings in Gauteng as well as our post on Child Friendly Craft Beer Breweries & Restaurants in the Western Cape.