About Us - The Franschhoek Beer Company

ABOUT US

THE FRANSCHHOEK BEER COMPANY

OUR STORY

A Scotsman, an American and a South African walked into a bar… and couldn’t find a decent beer, so they decided to make their own.

Alex McCormack, Frank Rodriguez and Reuben Riffel were never the type do anything half-arsed. Their individual stories of innovation, pioneering spirit and success spans three continents, and their commitment to The Franschhoek Beer Co. is as much about bringing the best handcrafted beer in the world to the most beautiful valley in the world, as it is about making a product that lives up to their own standards.

OUR BREWMASTER

Dedicated, obsessed with quality, seriously smart our brewmaster, Rene Du Toit, has over 15 years of brewing experience spanning all aspects of production, including management, and since diving into the world of craft brewing and recipe development in 2016, he’s become a true master of his craft.

Armed with a German Brauer und Mälzer qualification and a Diploma in Brewing from the esteemed Institute of Brewing and Distilling in the UK, Rene is more than just a brewer; he’s a brewing virtuoso. And while he may not wear lederhosen, his expertise is always on tap, with a new brew up his sleeve, ready to tantalize taste buds.

Beyond his professional prowess, Rene’s commitment to excellence extends to his personal endeavors. For 15 years, he’s been deeply involved in the Scout Movement, shaping future leaders as a dedicated Scoutmaster.

HOW WE BREW

Our beer is handcrafted on-site at our happy (and, we suppose, hoppy) home in Franschhoek. As our brewmaster is a perfectionist, he only uses the purest Franschhoek mountain spring water and the best quality imported hops and malt he can lay his hands on to ensure a superior beer. Made from only natural ingredients, our beers are unpasteurised and naturally carbonated. We have specialized equipment, imported from Italy, ensuring the exceptional taste of every handcrafted bottle remains consistent. We never cut corners, we never compromise, we don’t believe good is good enough. We want to be the best, and we believe we are.

WHERE WE BREW

What’s a brewery doing in the heart of a wine valley? Well, we’ve never been the type to swim downstream, and honestly, we needed a refreshment while we marvel at what we believe to be the most beautiful place on earth. We love it here; we love our beer, and we wouldn’t want to brew it anywhere else. Since the first French Huguenot planted their vines in the fertile Franschhoek Valley more than 300 years ago, the region has become world-renowned for food and wine of the highest standard. It is a region that’s uncompromising when it comes to great produce, creativity and a life well-lived – a philosophy founded the very core of The Franschhoek Beer Co.

Also, it gets a little warm in this neck of the woods, we needed something bitterly cold.

OUR RESTAURANT

You may have tried our world class beer in restaurants, pubs or in the company of good friends at your own home – now we’re inviting you over to ours. Picture Oak trees, undulating lawns, a tasting room with amazing views of our brewery, the best burgers in town and of course, our hand crafted, world class beer!

BROWSE OUR FOOD & DRINKS MENU

VIEW GALLERY

BREWERY TOURS

Become a beer boff! Join us for a tour of what we call our brewmasters’ top secret laboratory. You’ll be taken on an hour-long excursion around our test brewery, our core brewery and our organic garden (weather permitting). Our tours will teach you how our beer is made, some of the tricks of the trade (hey, we can’t give it all our secrets away) and will include 6 tastings of world-class beer.

You’ll come in a patron, and leave a beer connoisseur.

BOOK A BREWERY TOUR

OUR TEAM

BERNADENE ADAMS
RESTAURANT MANAGER

Who’s that absolute ray of sunshine? That’s Bernadene, our Restaurant Manager. Franschhoek born and bred, Bernadene is the embodiment of excellent service. She began her career in the hospitality industry at the Voluptuous Boutique in town, her Human Resource course then lead her to Leopards Leap Vineyards, she qualified for a bursary and worked for the Rupert’s on weekends. Bernadene considers her colleagues family and The Franschhoek Beer Company home. She believes her customers are the best – and honestly, you can really tell.

RENE DU TOIT
BREWMASTER

Experienced brewer with over 15 years experience and training in all fields of production brewing, including management, and since beginning 2016, also in craft brewing and recipe development. Armed with a German Brauer und Mälzer qualification and a Diploma in Brewing from the esteemed Institute of Brewing and Distilling in the UK. Non-professionally involved in the Scout Movement as Scoutmaster for 15 years as well.

ANTONIO SCHOEMAN
SALES MANAGER

Meet Antonio Schoeman, Franschhoek’s’ resident muscle-man and the official Franschhoek Beer Company fanatic. Antonio joined our team as our Sales Manager in 2021; having worked in the corporate world for 18 years as a sales and marketing consultant, he exchanged ‘bru’ for ‘brew,’ and we couldn’t be happier. Antonio has become a beer boffin with a thirst for spreading the sauce from The Franschhoek Beer Company to the world. Need help with what to buy, where to buy it, and which beer goes best with your lamb chops and potato salad? Antonio is your guy!