Discover Van Ryn’s - South Africa’s Premier Brandy Experience on Select Stellenbosch Tours

For those seeking something beyond wine, Van Ryn’s Distillery offers a rare opportunity to explore South African brandy in all its award-winning glory. As a stop on select Bikes ‘n Wines Stellenbosch tours, guests enjoy a carefully curated tasting experience, showcasing the craftsmanship and history behind one of the country’s most celebrated brandy producers.

A Legacy of Excellence

The story of Van Ryn’s begins in 1845, when Jan Van Ryn arrived from Holland and laid the foundations for what would become one of South Africa’s most esteemed distilleries. With a focus on quality, cellar hygiene, and innovation, Van Ryn’s quickly gained international recognition, winning gold medals and setting standards that still define the brand today.

The Van Ryn’s Cellar, built in 1905, reflects the estate’s French-inspired architecture, while the distillery’s on-site cooperage preserves the traditional art of barrel-making. These historic features remain central to the production of Van Ryn’s double-distilled brandies, matured slowly in French oak barrels, creating the rich, complex flavors that have made the brand globally celebrated.

Brandy Production and Unique Experiences

Guests visiting Van Ryn’s as part of a Bikes ‘n Wines tour are treated to an immersive journey through brandy production:

- Distillery Tour: See how brandy is double distilled and matured to the highest standards.
- Cooperage Demonstration: Witness the traditional craft of barrel-making, an essential part of brandy maturation.
- Maturation Cellars: Smell the “Angel’s Share”, the portion of brandy that evaporates during aging.

While the tour focuses on tasting Van Ryn’s exceptional brandies, the estate offers additional experiences, like detailed cellar tours, chocolate pairings, and exclusive tastings, which visitors can enjoy by returning independently. Find out more here

Signature Tasting Experiences

Van Ryn’s tastings highlight the versatility and sophistication of its brandies:

Brandy and Chocolate Pairing:
- 12-Year-Old Brandy with espresso chocolate
- 15-Year-Old Brandy with 60% cocoa chocolate infused with Cape Fynbos
- 20-Year-Old Brandy with 70% dark chocolate

Brandy and Decadent Delight Tasting:
- 12-Year-Old Brandy paired with pistachio truffles
- 15-Year-Old Brandy with cinnamon crunch peanut brittle
- 20-Year-Old Brandy with orange caramel clusters dipped in dark chocolate

Guests can enjoy brandy neat, on the rocks, or with gourmet pairings, offering experiences that are both educational and indulgent.

Beyond the Tour

Van Ryn’s also offers brandy and non-alcoholic cocktails, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks, making it accessible for all visitors. For those who wish to explore deeper, returning to the estate independently allows for a fuller experience, from guided distillery tours to extended tastings and special events.

Plan Your Visit

Van Ryn’s Distillery is a highlight on select Bikes ‘n Wines Stellenbosch tours, giving guests a unique taste of South Africa’s finest brandy. While your visit on tour focuses on the tasting experience, there’s plenty more to explore when returning independently.

Discover Van Ryn’s brandy experiences and browse our Bikes ‘n Wines Stellenbosch tour selection, which features a variety of wine tasting stops, with Van Ryn’s included as a special brandy highlight on select itineraries.