In the heart of the Great Karoo, nestled between arid hills and timeless plains, Graaff-Reinet stands proud as one of Africa’s most historic towns—a place where heritage is not just preserved, but celebrated with passion. One of its most evocative traditions is Withond Day, an annual celebration where the spirit (quite literally) of the past is brought to life through the age-old distillation of a fiery local legend: Withond.
A Spirit Steeped in Story
Withond—meaning “White Dog” in Afrikaans—is a high-proof, brandy-like spirit known for its crystal clarity and bold strength. Often compared to witblits, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Graaff-Reinet.
Its story traces back to times of hardship, most notably the Great Depression, when grape prices collapsed and farmers sought alternative ways to survive. Distilling surplus grapes into Withond became not just an act of practicality, but one of quiet rebellion—creating value from what others saw as waste. In time, this potent spirit earned its place in local folklore, igniting tales (sometimes quite literally) with its powerful alcohol content.
A Tradition Born in Hidden Cellars
For much of the early 20th century, distilling Withond was often done behind closed doors—illicitly, in homemade copper stills hidden in cellars and storerooms. These backyard distillers, often small-scale farmers or erfholders, found ways to support their families through these underground economies. The stories that remain—of hidden stills, clever tricks to outwit the authorities, and community gatherings around secret batches—are told today with a mix of reverence and humour.
And so, Withond became more than a drink. It became a cultural thread that tied together hardship, creativity, and the unyielding spirit of the Karoo people.
Withond Day: Keeping the Flame Alive
Each year, Graaff-Reinet brings this story to life with Withond Day, held at the historic Reinet House Museum—a beautiful Georgian building dating back to 1812. Here, a traditional Withond distillation is carried out just once a year, paying tribute to the generations of distillers who came before.
It’s more than a demonstration—it’s a sensory journey through time. Visitors can watch the spirit being slowly coaxed from copper stills, ask questions, and feel the rhythm of the process that once kept an entire community afloat. The scent of fermenting grapes, the clink of bottles, the slow drip of clear liquid—it all takes you back.
A Taste of the Past
For those wanting to take a piece of history home, legally distilled Withond is available for purchase at Reinet House—a distilled tribute to a bygone era. It’s a rare opportunity to taste something truly local, truly handcrafted, and steeped in the stories of those who turned adversity into artistry.
And when you sip it, don’t rush. Let the spirit speak. You’ll taste not just fire and fruit, but legacy.
Why It Matters to Us
At Beer Troopy, we celebrate these stories—the makers, the traditions, the quiet legends who keep our cultural fires burning. Withond Day isn’t just a charming local event; it’s a living reminder of how South Africa’s history is best told through the things we grow, make, and share around the table.
So if you ever find yourself in the Karoo, make the pilgrimage. Witness the distillation. Raise a glass to the past. And toast the resilience of those who came before us—with a generous splash of Withond in hand.
🍷 Want to discover more hidden gems like this?
Join our growing community of Local Explorers with the Lekker Passport – your guide to the people, places, and products that make our continent extraordinary.
The following publications reference the Withond story:
- Graaff-Reinet, 1786-1986 by Anthony de V. Minnaar, published by the Human Science Research Council, 1987
- Die Stook van Withond by J.P. Van Zijl, as published in Stoepstories