Fynbos distillery at Jolly Rooster

Craft Spirit Haven in Stanford's Industrial Area

Tucked away in Stanford's industrial area on the R43 (next to Overberg Honey Company), the Fynbos Distillery at Jolly Rooster brings a unique taste experience to the Overberg region. This small craft distillery combines traditional distillation methods with local botanicals to create award-winning spirits.

Award-Winning Spirits

The distillery produces an impressive range of craft spirits, with many earning gold medals in competitions like SA Women's Wine & Spirits Awards and Vitis Vinifera Awards. Their product lineup includes:

• Craft Gins - The Purple Haze (infused with lavender and wild dagga) and Arabian Rose (with coconut and saffron) are local favorites
• Traditional South African Spirits - Witblits (grape spirit), mampoer (fruit brandy), and husk spirit (similar to grappa)
• Premium Liqueurs - Limoncello, apple crumble cream, and mocha varieties
• Agave Spirit - South Africa's answer to tequila, available in blanco, reposado and coffee varieties

Food Pairing Experience

The Mediterranean food pairing menu (R110 per person) offers eight tastings paired with complementary bites like beef trinchado on crostini, fried calamari, and Mediterranean pizza. For the full experience, book the Sir Robert Stanford Heritage Show, where you'll enjoy an interactive journey through Stanford's history while sampling the spirits.

Local Tips

• Best time to visit: Friday and Saturday evenings when the venue stays open late and has a lively atmosphere
• Special deals: Pensioners receive 10% off every Thursday on food pairings and alcohol orders
• Booking ahead: While walk-ins are welcome for standard tastings, pre-booking is essential for the food pairing experience
• Gift ideas: Their gift packs (starting from R135) make excellent souvenirs or presents

What Makes It Special

Beyond the spirits, it's the owners' commitment to their "From the Earth to the Bottle" philosophy that sets this distillery apart. Each spirit is small-batch, hand-bottled, and crafted using traditional methods. The venue welcomes children and well-behaved pets, making it suitable for the whole family.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with a stop at the neighboring Overberg Honey Company or make it part of a broader exploration of the Hermanus and Gansbaai region's food and beverage offerings.