Looking for the best cheeses in South Africa? From the crumbly Karoo Crumble to creamy Camembert and sharp, tangy Cheddars, South Africa’s cheesemakers are producing award-winning wheels with rich textures and distinctive flavours. Here’s a complete guide, including taste profiles, prices, wine pairings, and where to find each cheese.
Best Cheeses in South Africa
South Africa’s cheese scene is anything but ordinary. As a cheese enthusiast who has explored from the vineyards of Stellenbosch to the pastures of Skeerpoort, I’ve encountered some of the most delightful, bold, and artisanally crafted cheeses the world has yet to celebrate. Local cheesemakers are leaning into heritage techniques, blending innovation with terroir to produce flavours as diverse as the landscapes that cradle them.
Whether you’re assembling the ultimate cheeseboard, hunting for a bold flavour for your next dinner party, or simply want to indulge your dairy cravings — this comprehensive guide will take you through the 11 best cheeses in South Africa as of today, with all the info you need to source, taste, and pair like a pro.
Fairview Blue Rock: The Bold Blue Wonder from Paarl
Taste Profile: Full-flavoured, firm, and Roquefort-style, this cheese offers an intensely creamy texture interspersed with blue-veined sharpness. The interaction between the fat and the blue mould results in a robust, complex taste that lingers.
Best Served: On a luxe cheeseboard — slate tiles and white chalk labels turn it into an art piece. Also perfect for a rich four-cheese pasta.
Origin: Fairview Wine and Cheese Estate, Paarl, Western Cape
Price: R18 per 100g
Wine Match: Noble Late Harvest or Joostenberg Chenin Blanc
Where to Find: fairview.co.za
Klein River Gruyère: A Stanford Star with Swiss Character
Taste Profile: Strong, fruity-to-earthy with nutty undertones and a slightly grainy finish. This cheese evolves on your palate, starting mellow and finishing with a tangy, complex bite.
Best Served: In fondues, sprinkled over hot pasta, or as the hero ingredient in savoury tarts.
Origin: Klein River Cheese Farmstead, Stanford, Western Cape
Price: R189/kg
Wine Match: Vondeling Erica Shiraz
Visit: kleinrivercheese.co.za
Woolworths Duetto: Sweet Meets Savoury in Style
Taste Profile: A semi-soft mascarpone delight interleaved with preserved figs and crunchy pecan nuts. Think of it as dessert cheese done right.
Best Served: On toasted ciabatta with fig preserve, or straight from the fridge with a spoon (guilty pleasure!).
Sold At: Woolworths stores nationwide
Price: R37.95 per 200g
Wine Match: Howard Booysen Riesling or Woolworths Prosecco
More Info: woolworths.co.za
Ganzvlei Cheddar: Knysna’s Sharp Classic
Taste Profile: A deeply matured, grainy-textured Cheddar with a strong bite that lingers.
Best Served: With sweet elements like chilli-tomato jam or caramelised pears. Great in burgers and grown-up mac & cheese.
Origin: Ganzvlei Farm, Knysna, Western Cape
Price: R125/kg
Wine Match: Doran Pinotage
Langbaken Karoo Crumble: Northern Cape’s Hidden Gem
Taste Profile: Dry and crumbly with a zesty tang and a light fruity finish — it’s one of those cheeses that command attention.
Best Served: In cauliflower cheese, broccoli soup, or simply with nuts and dried fruit.
Origin: Langbaken Farm, Williston, Northern Cape
Price: R198/kg
Wine Match: Ken Forrester Petit Chenin
Order: karookitchen.co.za
Van Gaalen Boerenkaas: Farmhouse Flair from Skeerpoort
Taste Profile: A mild, Gouda-style cheese that leans sweeter than Cheddar. Aged for two months, it melts beautifully.
Best Served: In lasagnes, on pizzas, or in classic toasted sandwiches.
Origin: Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, Skeerpoort, North West
Price: R210/kg
Wine Match: Anura Sangiovese
Visit: vangaalen.co.za
Le Petite France Camembert: Creamy Luxury from Hilton
Taste Profile: Silky, rich, and buttery — this Camembert is handcrafted using hormone-free Jersey milk.
Best Served: With nuts and figs for a low-carb dessert or part of a luxurious brunch platter.
Origin: Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
Price: R42 per 280–290g wheel
Wine Match: Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay
More Info: lepetitefrance.co.za
Dalewood Fromage Huguenot: A Taste of Timelessness
Taste Profile: A brushed-rind cheese with semi-hard texture and a nutty, savoury richness that satisfies deeply.
Best Served: As a snack with nuts, in gratins or sliced on a cheeseboard.
Origin: Dalewood Fromage, Simondium, Western Cape
Price: R176/kg
Wine Match: Blaauwklippen Zinfandel
Order: dalewood.co.za
Simonsberg Mature Gouda: Everyday Favourite with a Tangy Twist
Taste Profile: Tangy, firm, and deeply flavourful, this gouda ages gracefully and remains a household favourite.
Best Served: For snacking, baking into scones, or slicing into sandwiches.
Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Price: R41 per 400g
Wine Match: The High Road Classique
Tip: Visit their Stellenbosch factory shop for discounts on cambrini, feta, and more.
Cremalat Fresh Asiago: Light, Creamy and Made in Joburg
Taste Profile: Soft, pale, and just a touch spicy — this cheese melts with grace and adds depth to warm dishes.
Best Served: In croque monsieur or potato gratin.
Origin: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Price: R168/kg
Wine Match: Usana Pinot Gris
More Info: cremalat.co.za
Cremalat Gorgonzola: Creamy Blue Elegance
Taste Profile: Creamy, gentle blue cheese with a strong aroma but a surprisingly mellow flavour.
Best Served: On crackers or blended into a rich Gruyère soufflé.
Origin: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Price: R125/kg
Wine Match: Nederburg Special Late Harvest
Top Cheese and Wine Pairing Tips
- Contrast or Complement: Use either a complementary flavour (e.g., tangy cheese with fruity wine) or contrast (e.g., salty cheese with sweet wine).
- Bold Pairs Bold: Strong cheeses need wines that can stand their ground. Soft cheeses pair well with lighter whites.
- Try Before You Serve: Not all combinations work — taste test before your event!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best artisanal cheeses made in South Africa?
South Africa boasts a wide range of artisanal cheeses, including Fairview Blue Rock (Paarl), Klein River Gruyère (Stanford), and Langbaken Karoo Crumble (Williston). These cheeses are crafted with traditional methods and offer unique local flavors.
Where can I buy South African cheese online?
You can purchase South African cheeses from retailers like Woolworths, Yuppiechef, Faithful to Nature, and local cheesemongers like Dalewood Fromage and Cremalat. Many farms and dairies also offer direct delivery or sell via their websites.
What wine pairs best with South African blue cheese?
Fairview Blue Rock, a popular Roquefort-style blue cheese, pairs beautifully with Noble Late Harvest or Joostenberg Chenin Blanc. The sweetness balances the sharpness of the blue veins.
Is South African cheese suitable for vegetarians?
Many South African cheeses are made with vegetarian-friendly microbial rennet, but it’s best to check the label or contact the producer directly. Le Petite France Camembert and Dalewood cheeses often use vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Which South African cheese is best for cooking or melting?
Van Gaalen Boerenkaas (Gouda-style) is excellent for melting in dishes like lasagna and pizza. Klein River Gruyère and Simonsberg Mature Gouda are also top choices for gratins and fondues.
Are there any farm tours or cheese tastings in South Africa?
Yes! You can visit cheese farms like Fairview in Paarl, Klein River Cheese Farm in Stanford, and Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in Skeerpoort. Many offer tastings, guided tours, and even picnics.
How should I store artisanal cheese at home?
Wrap the cheese in wax paper or parchment paper (not plastic wrap) and place it in a loosely sealed container in the fridge. Harder cheeses like Karoo Crumble can last longer, while soft cheeses should be eaten within a few days of opening.
Can I bring South African cheese on an international flight?
Generally, hard and vacuum-sealed cheeses are allowed in checked luggage, but soft or unpasteurized cheeses may be restricted depending on your destination country. Always check customs regulations before traveling.
What is the most affordable South African cheese on this list?
Simonsberg Mature Gouda offers excellent value at R41/400g. It’s widely available and a versatile choice for everyday snacking and cooking.
Which cheese is considered the most luxurious in South Africa?
Langbaken Karoo Crumble and Dalewood Fromage Huguenot are among the premium offerings. Their small-batch production, complex flavor, and artisanal aging process make them luxury cheeses.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
