If you’re tired of the sterile taprooms of the city of Cape Town, head to the small town of Greyton, where the Copper Cat Brewery serves as a reminder that the best things in life, like cats, beer, and hiking, are all better when they’re a little bit wild and truly authentic.
Copper Cat Brewery is by no means the first craft beer producer that pays tribute to cats, but it is one of the rare South African beers to offer an ode to felines. For the owners Jess and Bing, Copper Cat isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a reflection of Greyton’s DNA—a village where the pace of life is dictated by the slow stretch of a tabby in a sunbeam and the rhythmic bubbling of a copper still. It’s the kind of place where the beer doesn’t just taste like hops and mountain water; it tastes like the satisfaction of 17km of fynbos and the quiet realization that you might never go back to your office job.
As you sip your pint on the porch, you’ll realize that the humans are merely guests here. The real residents are the cats of Greyton. For the adventurous soul who loves the grit of a mountain trail and the grace of a well-poured pint, this is the ultimate “best-kept secret” itinerary for feline fanatics visiting Greyton!
The “Wild Cat” Trek
Before you earn your copper, you must survive the Boesmanskloof. This 17km trail connecting McGregor to Greyton isn’t for the faint of heart.
- The Terrain: You’ll navigate the rugged Riviersonderend mountains, crossing the “River Without End” and passing the majestic Oak Falls.
- The Feline Connection: While you’re unlikely to spot the elusive Cape Leopard, their presence lingers in the shadows of the fynbos. It’s a hike that requires the agility of a mountain cat and the endurance of a stray on a mission.
- The Goal: Every grueling incline is made easier by the mental image of the Copper Cat sign swinging in the Greyton breeze.
Copper Cat Sanctuary
Emerging from the trail into Greyton feels like stepping into a Victorian dream—or a very high-end cat sanctuary. Your destination is the Old Potter’s Inn, a heritage building from 1830 that houses the brewery.
- The Brews: Their small-batch beers are unfiltered and honest. The Copper Cat Lager is the gold standard for post-hike recovery—crisp, clean, and refreshing enough to wash away 17km of dust.
- The Atmosphere: The brewery is cozy, rustic, and deeply welcoming. It’s the kind of place where your hiking boots are welcome, and the conversation flows as easily as the ale.
Greyton Cat-mosphere
What makes this the “best-kept secret” for cat lovers? The village itself. Greyton is a town where animals are citizens.
- The Local Lords: Don’t be surprised if a local feline resident joins you on the porch of the brewery. These aren’t just pets; they are the self-appointed quality controllers of the Overberg.
- The Ritual: There is a specific magic in sitting under the ancient oaks of Main Road, a Copper Cat pint in hand, watching a village cat navigate the sleepy streets with more dignity than any human hiker could muster.
Felines, Fools and Fans
If you really want to see the village in its prime, aim for the annual Fools and Fans Festival happening in April. It’s the one time of year when the human-to-beer ratio in Greyton officially surpasses the human-to-cat ratio. You’ll find the Copper Cat team right in the thick of it, proving that while dogs may be man’s best friend, a cold craft beer and a village cat are the true soulmates of humans.
