OnTap Magazine

L ockdown has changed the face of travel for the foreseeable future. Our borders are only open for essential journeys, international ights are few and far between and really, who has the money for an overseas trip anyway? What’s more, the South African tourism industry, when it is allowed to reopen, will be in dire need of your support, so this is the perfect time to go on a domestic adventure. e entire hospitality industry has been seriously injured by the pandemic, but imagine a business that is made up of a brewery, a restaurant and some accommodation – three of the worst hit businesses in the country. ey’re going to really need some support in order to get through this and when you think about it, it’s not such a chore to help out. A beautiful location where you can drink, eat, sleep and chill all on the same premises? Sounds like our idea of a perfect weekend away. We thought you’d agree, so we’ve rounded up nine destination breweries to help you plan that perfect trip. EASTERN CAPE TSITSIKAMMA MICRO BREWERY STORMS RIVER VILLAGE Although the brewery and hotel aren’t exactly on the same premises, they’re under the same ownership and right next door to each other. e brewery is one of the cutest in the country, serving a selection of ales from the tiny taproom. Next door there’s a 50s diner complete with classic cars and a dress-up box for big kids to play with. e town itself is nothing short of delightful – a grid of gravel roads lined with little B&Bs, cafes and tourism companies o ering activities in the nearby – and spectacularly beautiful – Tsitsikamma National Park. KWAZULU NATAL NOTTINGHAM ROAD BREWING COMPANY NOTTINGHAM ROAD South Africa’s original destination brewery has a four-star country hotel in the grounds alongside the brewery and the cosiest of pubs. Hope for rainy weather to give you the excuse to stay inside, munching on a pot pie or a plate of lamb curry. Hang up the car keys for the day and work your way through the Notties beer range, ending with their flagship Pickled Pig Porter. There’s also a coffee shop on site and everything from art shops to golf courses and beauty spas on the nearby Midlands Meander. LIMPOPO ZWAKALA BREWERY HAENERTSBURG If being cooped up at home has given you a yearning to get back to nature, Zwakala will scratch that itch. e rustic cottages are hidden away on the property, giving you plenty of privacy and space to chill and braai. ere’s also a campsite on the river bank. You can sh, swim or go tubing in the river, hike or bike across the farm or simply prop up the bar and ontapmag.co.za | Autumn 2020 | 27