In Knysna there are many talented artisans passionate about creating handmade produce from the finest ingredients. There are delicious treats to be had that in most instances you can get directly from the creator … here is a small sample of what you can discover in Knysna.
Gin
The Knysna Distillery is a family-run partnership that creates gin with an African twist. The classic Knysna Gin features the distinctive taste of the local Num Num berry. There are also limited edition seasonal releases like pink plum, blueberry, honey, wild plum, and mulberry. The Distillery offers daily tastings and tours.
Beer
The craft beer microbrewery, Red Bridge Brewing Company is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. You can visit the Taproom in Noble Street in the industrial area for a tasting, or enjoy a Red Bridge lager at one of the local restaurants or pubs.
Chocolate
Colette has a deep passion for chocolate. She created ChoColette as a celebration of this delicacy. Her philosophy is that you appreciate first with your eyes, and then with taste. Her handmade chocolates are crafted with exquisite care and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Another local treasure is Chocolats Marionettes. This artisan chocolate has been handmade and hand wrapped in Knysna since 2005. It offers a variety of milk and dark chocolate varieties. Chocolats Marionettes is causing a stir with their Grand Cru single origin chocolate which delivers the essence of fine chocolate.
Cheese
New to the market is Arava Goat’s Milk Cheese. The owners of this family farm have fulfilled a lifelong dream to farm goats and make cheese. They use 100% local ingredients to create delicious plain and spiced chevre. On the same farm you will also find Little Red Hen for farm fresh free range eggs.
The Ganzvlei Farm is situated in the lush green Goukamma valley where they have been producing award winning fine cheese and yoghurts for many years. The milk for their products comes from their small herd of pedigree Jersey cows.
Spelt
In the middle of Knysna town you will find the Grain Mill Organic Bistro. The building contains a working mill where spelt is ground to create many products like spelt flour, pastas, and bread. You can also find local and seasonal organic fresh produce in the Bistro.
Macarons
You don’t want to miss out on Daniela’s Deliciously Decadent Parisian Macarons. These macarons have a crisp but delicate shell that gives way to a creamy centre of deliciousness. Daniela has perfected her unique colours and flavours and eating her macarons will make you happy.
Fresh produce
Visit any of the local markets in the area for a plethora of local fresh produce – from fruit and vegetables, cheeses, confectionary, meat products, bread, preserves, chutneys, oysters and more!
Meat Products
Charlesford Farm is a name trusted by Knysna locals and is a popular choice for meat products. You can buy directly at the farm deli. Some of the favourites include their pure beef patties, slow grown pork, sausages made from the finest ingredients, and locally sourced lamb.
Greeff’s Butchery and Cafe is an old-school family owned butchery with fine local produce. The friendly staff are there to give advice. The butchery also has fresh produce and baked goods from small local producers.
Some more producers not to be missed:
- Heatherhill Herbs food and herb garden nursery
- Red Barn family run macadamia nut farm
- Four Flowers sparkling water made from botanical extracts
- île de païn for legendary croissants, authentic breads and creative patisserie
- The Sour Loaf Bakery for a selection of speciality artisan sour bread
- Sarie’s Gourmet Market for delicious homemade meals
- Coffee Roasters – Trinity Premium Coffee, Arrow Coffee Roasters
- Honeychild for freshly harvested pure, natural and raw honey
- Quail Eggs for fresh and pickled quail eggs