Name: Van Ryn's Distillery and Brandy Cellar
Address: Van Ryn Road, Vlottenburg 7604, South Africa, ZA
Telephone: +27 21 881 3874

Van Ryn's Distillery and Brandy Cellar is a point of interest, located at Van Ryn Road, Vlottenburg 7604, South Africa. They can be contacted via phone at +27 21 881 3874, visit their website www.vanryns.co.za for more detailed information.

Location :

Van Ryn Road, Vlottenburg 7604

Contacts :

Added by Jopie, at 12 September 2016

Monday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

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Anonymous

31 March 2018

This is one of my favorite stops. I love van Rhys 20year pot stilled bandy. Beautifull place, great tour. Must visit.
Anonymous

07 March 2018

It's hard to review a place when your visit was cancelled, but our situation was disturbing enough I felt it should be shared.

On Friday, 02 March 2018, my family scheduled a tasting at Van Ryn distillery. As a former whiskey distiller myself, this was set to be the highlight of our visit to Stellenbosch. We booked online for 16:00 and received confirmation via email. At 14:00 that day we called to confirm our booking since we had scheduled the entire day around this visit; we were told every thing was in order.

At 15:55 we arrived at the distillery and met a couple families exiting -- they were friendly and in good spirits and told us to enjoy our visit. However, the security guard stopped us at the door and told us they were closed. I told him we had a reservation, but he pointed me to a sign saying the distillery would be closed 03-04 March. I pointed out it was the 2nd, but he told us we had to go. He did call the people inside who also confirmed our visit was to be cancelled. Since this visit was important to us, I insisted to speak with someone in charge.

My wife and I entered the facility (which is beautiful by the way) while my parents stayed in the parking lot with our children. This is when things got weird.

We were told that distillery had to be shut down and we had to leave immediately. I explained my situation and asked for an explanation since we had a reservation that had been confirmed 2 hours prior. They refused to give us an answer and eventually said it was a safety issue and we had to go. Safety is a big deal for me, and if the staff were implying that I was unsafe, I think it's appropriate to get information on the situation. I asked what sort of safety issue so we could take appropriate precautions, but they refused to give us any more information. They offered me a brandy bottle (which I did not take) and told us to leave without giving any more details. As I was walking out, I was able to get one person to tell me that the situation may have involved a robbery. The whole thing felt very odd.

I understand the very real concern about crime in Southern Africa and I take safety very seriously. That being said, there are several things that simply didn't sit well with me.

1.) What sort of safety situation would require a 2.5 day shut down? I would be hesitant to visit unless I knew what happened and what was being done in the future to prevent such incidents.
2.) If there was a robbery that forced the shut down of the distillery, then why weren't the police there? Why were the families ahead of us coming out in such good spirits?
3.) If it was safety situation, why not give enough information to ensure that I could protect my family. If there were a robber on the loose, I don't want my parents and children wandering outside. Again, why no police or increased security?
4.) If it was a recent development that required the distillery to be shut down, why was our visit confirmed hours before the actual visit? Plus, how did staff have time to print and laminate sheets announcing their upcoming closure but not notify us of the change. The timing seems very odd.

Looking through the other reviews of Van Ryn Distillery, it seems that a common negative thread is that people who show up towards the end of the day are often turned away or treated poorly. I sincerely hope that the staff at Van Ryn did not fabricate a "safety" situation in order to close early prior to a scheduled shut down.

If there truly was a safety situation, I do not feel that the staff adequately communicated what was going on. The setting (happy families departing, lack of police/security, etc.) certainly did not match the message that was being delivered. Crime (and other safety issues) do occur and I understand that; but in a sensitive situation, communication is key and the staff certainly dropped the ball.

It seems that many people have had great experiences at the distillery, but the situation we encountered was disturbing enough that I would not consider revisiting or encouraging others to visit during their time in the area.
Anonymous

02 February 2018

A classy venue which exudes the sophistication and aura of a different era. It is elegant, upmarket and very worthwhile visiting. The selection is available to test before you buy, and well trained staff are in hand to assist. Consider doing the tour, and perhaps a bottle of their fine brandy to take home.
Anonymous

06 January 2018

Our second visit and definitely a must see for the winelands. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The chocolate tasting is great especially in the tranquil garden under the ancient marsh cypress, with cicadas singing in the distance.
Anonymous

26 November 2017

Definitely the best brandy I've had the pleasure of tasting And they have all the awards to prove it too!
Of the 10 yr, 15 yr and 20 yr old brandies, the 15 has the smoothest palette with a hint of Christmas nuts.
The 20 yr was my favourite, also with a heavenly smooth palette, but smells a bit like a port.
The tour or the distillery was very interesting, by favourite part was the sweet smells wafting around the aging cellar. The demo on building a barrel was also very interesting.
Anonymous

25 September 2017

More than just brandy tasting! We saw the cellars learnt about the brandy making process from the grape juice to the barrel!
Anonymous

09 August 2017

Me: "I see you guys are very packed, do you have space for us? ". VanRyn: "Sir, we always have space for family". Enough said.
Anonymous

16 May 2017

This place will rock your socks off. Magnificent interior, historical story with old bottles and cut outs, working fermenter and very good brandy with selected chocolates to make you beg for more. Highly recommended for friends and brandy connoisseurs alike.
Anonymous

13 May 2017

Very Informative brandy pairing experience. Interior design is beautiful. Thanks Vuyo.
Anonymous

28 March 2017

Very professional and well thought out tasting experience. If you're a fan of brandy or have ever wanted to try a tasting, this is right up there with the best
Anonymous

06 November 2016

They have a short tour of the brandy making process. The tasting was professionally presented. It does not feel like they are just trying to get as many tastings done as quickly as they can.
Anonymous

25 October 2016

What an great experience, from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave. Brandy is very good. Staff make the the whole tasting an fun and enjoyable time.
Anonymous

04 October 2016

Brilliant and very professional. A great experience for anyone liking Brandy, even if you are like me a novice in regards to Brandy this is still the best place to go and experience the goodness. There 20 year old Brandy is phenomenal. Please visit them and also be amazed.
Anonymous

19 September 2016

Visited for the full tour and tasting. Unfortunately the distillery was not in full operation. Just viewed empty tanks. Still had informative demonstration on coopering. Plan to go Mar - Jun to see the distillery in action.