The Art of Cultured Craft: Exploring Artisanal Cheese in the Western Cape
Hidden Cheese Gems of the Western Cape
Tucked between the mountains, vineyards, and farmlands of the Western Cape lies a world of small-scale cheesemakers quietly perfecting their craft. Beyond the supermarket cheddar and mass-produced gouda, these artisans are reviving age-old techniques, embracing local terroir, and infusing their cheeses with a distinct South African character.
If you're a cheese lover seeking authentic, farm-made flavour, here's your invitation to explore the Western Cape’s best-kept secrets in artisanal cheese.
A Return to the Roots: Why Artisanal Matters
Artisanal cheese production is about more than taste — it’s about time, patience, and passion. Many of the region’s producers use raw milk from pasture-raised cows, goats, or sheep, applying traditional, hands-on methods. The result? Cheeses with depth, complexity, and a story you can savour in every bite.
Supporting these makers also means supporting regenerative agriculture, animal welfare, and local food systems — a cause we proudly support through our Cape Culinary Escapes experiences.
Hidden Gems of the Cape Cheese Trail
Here are some standout stops on the Western Cape’s lesser-known cheese trail:
1. Dalewood Fromage – Franschhoek
Set on a lush farm in the winelands, Dalewood is famous for its rich, creamy Brie and Camembert made from pasture-fed Jersey milk. Their Huguenot cheese — a semi-hard, nutty delight — has won international acclaim. You can buy directly from the farm stall or book a tasting on-site.
2. Forest Hill at Anura – Stellenbosch
Nestled on the renowned Anura Wine Estate, Forest Hill crafts a range of artisanal cheeses using traditional European techniques with a Cape twist. Their goat’s milk cheeses, aged cheddars, and creamy bries pair perfectly with the estate’s wines, making this an ideal stop for a cheese-and-wine experience in the heart of the winelands.
3. Langbaken Farmstead Cheese – Williston, Karoo
This is true desert terroir. Langbaken produces washed-rind and gouda-style cheeses using milk from hardy cows that graze on wild Karoo shrubs. Their cheese reflects the aromatic profile of the region — dry, earthy, and utterly unique.
4. Klein River Cheese – Stanford
With over 20 varieties ranging from young, buttery cheddars to mature, Alpine-style wheels, Klein River is a playground for the curious palate. The beautiful farm offers picnics, tastings, and cheese platters with mountain views.
5. De Pekelaar – Swellendam
This boutique cheesemaker is relatively unknown but beloved by locals. Using small-batch methods and milk from free-roaming Jersey cows, De Pekelaar produces handcrafted havarti, gouda, and seasonal specials. Don’t miss their cumin-infused wheels.
Pairing the Cape’s Cheese with Its Finest Wines
Few places in the world rival the Western Cape when it comes to wine and cheese synergy. Whether you're pairing a mild farm cheese with a crisp Chenin Blanc or an aged gouda with a bold Syrah, the harmony is undeniable. Many farms offer guided pairings, or you can join one of our Farm-to-Table experiences to enjoy curated combinations.
Want to Taste the Cape's Cheesiest Secrets?
Book our Cheese & Wine Pairing at Anura Vineyards, where handcrafted Forest Hill cheeses meet award-winning estate wines.
