Nina van der Velde has arranged for us to visit and enjoy a gin-tasting experience at Pienaar & Son Distilling Company, which is a small, craft distillery located within Makers Landing, at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal in the Silo District of Cape Town Harbour. Pa Pienaar, with his more than 40 years of distilling experience, and his son, hand-craft spirits with science and art. Their equipment is hand-built and their processes are based upon cutting-edge, nerdy engineering principles.
We’ll taste three different gins and hear a short explanation about the distilling, producing and bottling of gin. Whisky and brandy tastings will also be available: additional charges will apply.
TIME AND PLACE TO MEET: We’ll meet at at 11:15 at Pienaar & Son, Makers Landing. Our gin tasting tour starts at 11:30 sharp.
LUNCH: Lunch will be at the Tasca Mozambique Portuguese Restaurant, which is in the same building; so we’ll not need to travel anywhere. On offer will be chicken, prawns, crayfish, burgers and wraps. The restaurant has salt in small sachets, but no pepper. It is an Halaal establishment, but do not fear, as we will be sitting in the Wine Emporium next door, to which the owners have very kindly agreed. Weather permitting, we may be able to sit outside under umbrellas, so you might want to bring a hat. For dessert, you might like to visit the Chocolate Shop near the exit. As always, lunch will be for your own account.
Small, modern craft distillery at Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront (Cruise Terminal), known for engineering-led methods and flavour-forward gins.
Founded by a father–son team combining 40+ years of distilling & engineering expertise with modern, science-led recipe design.
Located at the V&A Waterfront’s Makers Landing in the Cruise Terminal – convenient for locals and visitors.
Hand-built equipment and precise process control emphasise flavour and craft over strict tradition.
Signature spirits include “Empire” (bright, cucumber/grapefruit/cardamom) and “Orient” (warm spice with vanilla/ginger/allspice).
Guided tours & tastings cover gin, vodka and small-batch releases; booking recommended.
Philosophy: “start traditions, don’t just follow them” – engineering meets artistry.
Where: G12 Makers Landing, Cape Town Cruise Terminal • pienaarandson.co.za
A food-business incubator, market and event space at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal—supporting emerging food entrepreneurs and offering visitors a vibrant, taste-of-SA experience.
Purpose-built hub blending market, shared kitchens and mentorship to grow South Africa’s next wave of food makers.
Launched via joint investment (V&A Waterfront and the Jobs Fund) to drive inclusive jobs and skills in the food economy.
~3,000 m² repurposed warehouse at the Cruise Terminal with industrial-chic character and modern facilities.
Food Lab Incubator: access to commercial equipment, training and business support for start-ups.
Diverse stalls and pop-ups celebrate local produce, street food, craft drinks (e.g., Pienaar & Son), and regular events.
Easy to reach in the Silo District/Cruise Terminal precinct; a lively stop within the V&A Waterfront.
More info: makerslanding.co.za