If you’ve already sipped your way through the Cape Winelands or simply prefer a flavour adventure that doesn’t involve a corkscrew, you’re in for a treat. South Africa’s tasting culture goes well beyond the grapevine — into smoky, spicy, bitter, and briny territory.
Think slow-roasted coffee beans, perfectly spiced biltong, and golden-green olive oils. Whether you’re on a road trip or planning a gourmet getaway, these tasting stops offer a delicious detour from the usual wine routes.
Coffee tastings for caffeine lovers
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Coffee culture in South Africa has gone from instant granules to artful roasts — and if you’re a fan of good beans, there’s no shortage of places to sample small-batch brews.
In the Cape, Espressolab Microroasters in Woodstock offers cupping sessions and showcases beans from Ethiopia, Burundi, and Guatemala — all roasted on-site. Meanwhile, Truth Coffee Roasting, a steampunk-themed favourite in Cape Town, pairs theatrical interiors with seriously good espresso flights.
Up in Joburg, Father Coffee has become a staple for coffee nerds, especially in Braamfontein and Rosebank, where you can sample a curated rotation of single-origin beans and chat to baristas about flavour notes from floral to nutty.
If you’re in the Midlands, Terbodore Coffee Roasters in Franschhoek and near Howick blends bold flavour with a relaxed, dog-friendly setting — and yes, they offer tastings of their flagship blends too.
Biltong tastings with a savoury punch
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If there’s a national snack of South Africa, it’s biltong — and there’s more to it than vacuum-packed strips from a petrol station. At a proper tasting, you’ll discover how drying time, spice mix, and meat cut all affect the flavour.
Karoo Biltong in Laingsburg is a must-visit for biltong enthusiasts travelling along the N1. Owned by Henk Beulah, this establishment is renowned for its handcrafted, naturally dried biltong made from locally sourced meats, including beef, kudu, and springbok. The shop also offers a variety of other Karoo products, such as dried fruits, preserves, and homemade pies.
In East London, The Biltong Fact has been specialising in and supplying top-quality biltong products for over two decades. This family-run business offers a variety of biltong options, including traditional beef, game meats like blesbok, and unique flavour infusions such as chilli and garlic.
For a more elevated take, head to Eighteen13 Wine Shop in Fourways, Johannesburg. This chic boutique wine store offers guided biltong and wine pairings, where cured meats are expertly matched with local vintages. It’s a flavour-forward experience that gives biltong the gourmet treatment — ideal for a relaxed afternoon in Joburg’s northern suburbs.
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Olive tastings straight from the grove
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If you’ve ever drizzled olive oil over a fresh ciabatta and tasted sunshine, you’ll love a proper olive tasting. South Africa’s Mediterranean-like climate produces world-class olives and oils, especially in the Swartland, Tulbagh and Overberg regions.
Marbrin Olive Growers, tucked away in the hills in Robertson, offers tastings under the trees, complete with fresh tapenade and olive-and-herb crackers. In Tulbagh, Oakhurst Olives invites guests to sample their full range of extra virgin oils and brined olives, with insights into pressing techniques and flavour variations. The setting is idyllic — think vineyards, mountains, and rows of gnarled olive trees.
For a touch of luxury, visit Tokara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, where olive oil tastings are offered alongside art and sculpture walks. Their award-winning oils are cold-pressed and made in small batches for peak flavour.
Plan your tasting trip
Unlike wine tastings, these stops are great for families, non-drinkers, or those wanting to explore food culture without the buzz. Most venues are open year-round, and many offer picnic setups, tasting boards, and farm-shop shopping so you can bring your favourites home.
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