South Africa may be best known for its wine farms and wildlife, but its artisanal cheese scene is quietly flourishing.
Andra C Taylor Jr/Unsplash
Whether you are frolicking through the Cape Winelands or exploring the backroads of Limpopo, here are some of the country’s best destinations for cheese lovers.
Fairview Wine & Cheese, Paarl
No South African cheese pilgrimage is complete without a stop at Fairview. Set against the dramatic Paarl Rock, this pioneering estate has been producing goat and Jersey cow milk cheeses since the 1980s. Guests can expect a tasting room lined with creamy brie, tangy chèvre and bold blue cheeses, all paired seamlessly with estate wines. The famous Goatshed restaurant offers rustic meals that showcase their produce, and you can even meet the goats who started it all.
For more information: Fairview
Anura / Forest Hill Cheesery, Stellenbosch
Just outside Stellenbosch, Anura Vineyards is home to Forest Hill Cheesery, known for its award-winning soft-rind varieties. Their brie and camembert rival the best of Europe, while the firmer mountain cheeses reflect a distinctly South African terroir. Visitors can settle in for a wine and cheese tasting overlooking the vineyards or take home handcrafted cheeses from the deli to extend the indulgence.
For more information: Forest Hill Cheesery
Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, Skeerpoort
In the foothills of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij offers a taste of Dutch tradition with a South African twist. Their classic gouda is made using time-honoured methods and tours reveal the fascinating process from milk to wheel. After a tasting, many visitors linger on the farm for picnics beside the river or stay on for one of their lively cultural events.
For more information: Van Gaalen
Montagu Cheese, Western Cape
Montagu might be better known for its dried fruit, but its cheesery is becoming a star in its own right. This small family-run operation produces preservative-free, handcrafted cheeses that range from creamy camembert to punchy pecorino. Tastings are intimate and relaxed, offering the chance to chat directly with the makers. It is the kind of stop that makes a detour feel like a discovery.
For more information: Montagu Cheese
Dalewood Fromage, Klapmuts
Dalewood Fromage has earned international acclaim for its handcrafted range. Their award-winning Huguenot, a semi-hard cheese that bridges the flavours of gouda and cheddar, is a standout, while their creamy brie and camembert are equally popular. Dalewood’s cheeses are made with pasture-fed Jersey milk from their own herd, giving them a richness and consistency that sets them apart. Tasting platters can be enjoyed on the farm with sweeping views of the mountains.
For more information: Dalewood
Kasselshoop Cheese Farm, Stilbaai
Along the Garden Route, Kasselshoop Cheese is a family-run gem with a proud history stretching back four generations. Their handcrafted cheeses, from creamy farmhouse cheddar to mature goudas with a nutty bite, are all produced using milk from nearby dairy farms. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the farm shop, browse local products, and even stock up for a road-trip picnic. It is a flavourful stop that perfectly complements a coastal journey.
For more information: Kasselshoop
For adventurers with a taste for discovery, following the country’s cheese trail might just be the most delicious journey yet.
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