Cheese, cheese, glorious cheese! What’s not to love right? For many, the aroma and creaminess of a good cheese is enough to get them salivating. In South Africa, cheese is not just an added extra to a burger or garden salad…it’s an essential part of most recipes and marries well with a fine, proudly South African wine.
Cheese-tasting has become such a “thing” in SA, that some even plan an entire road trip around it. If you are keen to book yourself a great Avis car hire deal and go on a cheesy road trip across South Africa, you’ve come to the right place for directions!
Below, you will find a recommendation of all the cheesy spots to stop along your way, province by province.
Cheese Tasting in the Western Cape
The Western Cape is known for its wide selection of wine farmsjust waiting for you to do a bit of wine tasting. Once you have drunk your fill, head to some of the areas’ popular cheese spots.
This little spot is found on Imhoff Farm in Kommetijie, which is just outside Cape Town. Here you can taste cheese and learn how to make goat’s cheese too.
This particular cheese favourite is on the road to Darling. The company has won awards for its soft Caciotta and is well worth a visit.
This dairy farm is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Prins Albert on the Southern edge of the Great Karoo. Here you can enjoy Guernsey cow cheese and learn more about cheese making process.
Cheese Tasting in Gauteng
The concrete jungle isn’t void of cheesy delights. In fact, it’s worth catching a cheap flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg where you can pick up a good deal on Avis Car Hire and set off on a cheesy road tripping adventure. From Joburg you can continue your road trip to KZN.
Make time for the following cheese spots in Gauteng:
This is not an actual farm or cheesery, but rather a deli serving a huge variety of cheeses and cakes. The deli is situated in Erasmia, Pretoria.
Jersey cow cheese awaits the appreciative palate at the Hydeaway Farm Dairy situated in Heidelberg. The dairy offers a few unusual options such as mustard Gouda and biltong cheese.
Cheese Tasting in KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu Natal is actually a cheesier place than most people think. The area features a variety of popular cheese tasting spots including:
If you are doing a Midlands Meander road trip, this farm is perfectly situated for a stop along the way in Rosetta. There’s an extensive tasting menu.
This particular farm, situated in Pietermaritzburg, is the perfect place to taste some cheese, gaze out a herd of grazing goats, and soak in the beautiful rolling surrounding hills.
Want to stop somewhere different for an overnight? Chané Cheese Farm & Lodge is the perfect spot. Situated in Mtubatuba, there’s an air of tranquillity to a stay here. The farm offers guests experiences, such as learning how to milk goats and watching cheese get made.
Cheese Tasting in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga isn’t jam-packed with cheese tasting options, but there is one spot that has managed to delight travellers time and again: Bergen Cheese. This cheese spot is nestled in Mpumalanga’s best kept secret – Dullstroom. If you are looking for an arty place to spend your weekend, here’s the place to travel to. Dullstroom offices quaint cafes, art galleries, restaurants and bars, fly fishing activities, hiking and more.
Cheese Tasting in Limpopo
Limpopo doesn’t get enough recognition as a great road trip destination. If you do happen to travel to or through the area, check out the following cheese spots.
Wegraakbosch Organic farm is completely off-the-grid. It’s found on the edge of the Limpopo escarpment in the quaint, tree-filled town of Haenertsburg, which is one of South Africa’s little known secrets. The farm is a firm favourite stop-off for those exploring Haenertsburg or just traveling through.
Natural free grazing goats are used to make delicious soft cheese and cheese rolls at Geluksfontein which is in the Waterberg area.
Cheese Tasting in the North West
Check out the following hot cheese spots in the North West province:
The academy sells various cheese products typically used for cooking. You can even book a one-day or three-day cheese making course, if you want to learn the ropes.
This cheesery is found under the towering Magaliesberg Mountains in Skeerpoort. You can buy your wares at the deli and even enjoy a relaxing picnic right next to the river.
Cheese Tasting in the Northern Cape
The Northern Cape offers many long roads for a leisurely drive. Unfortunately, there is not much to choose from in terms of cheese tasting. The only place to stop for some local home-made cheese is the PienkPadstal in Kakamas, where you can buy some Vrouenspan Cheeses.This spot is quirky and quaint – a definite must-see.
Cheese Tasting in the Free State
The Free State has a lot to offer the cheese lover. Check out these popular cheese spots below:
If you are meandering through Clarens, a stop at Baris should be on the cards. Here you can buy goat’s cheese and also book comfy accommodation for your stay.
This one is also situated in Clarens and presents a range of artisanal cow’s milk cheeses.
This German dairy is found in Bloemfontein and sells a wide range of spoonable and soft cheeses.
Are You Ready to Get Your Cheese on?
Cheesy enough for you yet? Organise an Avis car hire today and take yourself on a cheesy road trip experience across South Africa? All you have to do is book your car hire online, pack your things, and get ready to eat your fill of delectable cheese.
