Wine & Beer Experiences in Botswana

Botswana might not be the first place you think of when it comes to wine and beer, but trust me, there’s some cool stuff happening if you know where to look.

The beer scene is surprisingly lively, especially around Gaborone and Francistown. Locally brewed beers like St Louis Lager and Kalakhang carry that unmistakable homegrown feel. I always recommend stopping by one of the local shebeens for a chilled pint,nothing like chatting with locals while sipping fresh brews. You haven’t really tasted Botswana until you’ve had beer with a side of lively Tswana chatter.

Wine lovers, don’t get discouraged. While Botswana doesn’t grow grapes commercially, spots like the Choppies Liquor Stores and select wine bars in Gaborone offer some decent regional South African wines that pair great with local dishes. On weekends, look out for small pop-up wine tasting events or markets in the city where you can mingle and sample without the pretentiousness,you know the kind I mean.

One pro tip? If you’re visiting in the cooler months, from May to August, some bars host outdoor tastings under the stars. It’s a small thing but trust me, it feels special sipping a glass in the crisp air with a hint of the bush around you. Oh, and ask for a local craft beer recommendation,some of the microbreweries are quietly making waves but you won’t find them advertised online much.