Why I love Gerakaris Family Wines
Did you know Joburg has its very own winery? YES. It’s true and it’s adorable.
Located in Craighall Park, Gerakaris Family Wines has been in operation since 2009. However, I’ve run into many Joburgers who have no clue what I’m talking about. Well, I’m here to tell you that you need to go.
Wine Maker, Kath, brings fresh grapes from Swartland, Western Cape to Gerakaris in Joburg. I’ve been at the winery while the staff was going through their newly arrived shipment and it was such a cool experience. The grapes are pressed, fermented, aged, and bottled all on-site.
The basics
- Open Wednesday through Friday: 12:30 – 5pm; Saturday 11-4pm; Sunday 11-2pm
- Tasting cost R100/pp for 5 wines
- Light snacks available
- Book online for weekends; easy seating during the week
The location
The magic in the Gerakaris Family Wines location is the beautiful garden space. It reminds me of something out of the Secret Garden. There are picnic benches at the entrance and several additional tables in the back garden.
There are few indoor seats but it’s probably not the best rainy-day activity because you’ll miss some of the beauty of the garden space.
Wine tasting at Gerakaris Family Wines
A wine tasting at Gerakaris is a lovely way to spend 2 hours with friends, family, or your love. I’ve spent about an hour when Wilhelm and I were sharing a tasting and also spent around 2 hours gossiping the day away with my sister.
Do get a cheese platter (R170). It’s really good and with all that wine you’ll need something in your stomach.
Who should you go with?
Anyone who likes a drink and a garden. Cat people are a bonus as you’ll likely run into Tom the cat. He is sooo adorable and friendly. There are 2 other cats on the property as well. My sister and I spent at least 20 minutes just meowing at them all. No shame.
That said, if you don’t want the cats near you they will stay away as well.
Book online for groups of up to 8 people. I haven’t needed to make a booking during the week but you should for the weekend just in case. I’d suggest going at 1pm.
The picnic tables can seat 8 people max, but this isn’t a space for groups larger than 8.
Support your local winery
Don’t know what to bring to a dinner or potluck? The best solution is a bottle or two of Gerakaris wine. One bottle each of the Ellaki Chenin Black and Tom Syrah is all you need to arrive with.
You’ll also get the chance to tell a nice little story about how you went to a hidden winery around Delta Park—other guests will surely be impressed. (I’ve done it and I’m pretty sure I sounded cool).
I’ve rolled up exactly at 12:30pm when they’ve opened so I can buy a bottle for an upcoming get-together.
You can also buy online, but I like visiting the shop.
Head on over to Gerakaris Family Wines and let me know what you think!
You seem to drive everywhere in Johannesburg. Is walking safe?
Hi Karla! There are many neighborhoods that are fine to walk around and some that are best visited with a local guide. When we first moved here we didn’t have a car for 4 months. The city is very spread out and for going out to dinner and doing things on the weekend (there is so much to do around Joburg as well), we had to take ubers everywhere. If you’re in a certain area (like Linden or Parkhurst) you may not need to drive that often for your local cafes and grocery shops, but your uber fees will add up eventually. Most neighborhoods are around 15-20 min drive apart. We also bike around every once in a while– Joburg is very hilly. I wouldn’t walk around at night, even in my own neighborhood (that is relatively quiet) because there are often crimes of opportunity for cell phone snatching and cash.