There are many reasons to visit Babylonstoren wine farm and restaurant. Nestled in the Cape Winelands among the Franschhoek Mountains, this picturesque farm offers visitors a unique wine-tasting experience, as well as a world-class restaurant.
Babylonstoren has been described as a "garden of Eden". The farm has its own vineyards, fruit orchards, bee hives, vegetable gardens, a dairy, a bakery, and a working farm.
Here are 17 reasons why you should visit Babylonstoren:
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1. Babylonstoren wine is outstanding
Babylonstoren has won numerous awards for its wines, which are made from grapes grown on the property.
Recently Babylonstoren was voted the best Innovative Wine Tourism Experience in the country in 2021.
What makes Babylonstoren wine so good?
Unique terroir and wine-making philosophy resulting in award-winning wines.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly vineyard management.
Passionate, knowledgeable staff who are always happy to share their knowledge about the wines and estate.
Delicious food perfectly matched with the wine – a true farm-to-fork experience awaits visitors at Babylonstoren Wine Estate
2. Babel Restaurant
Babel Restaurant is an interesting mix of Cape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try their tasty, often unconventional combinations with a classic french flair, and fine food.
They have what we call "the pick-clean philosophy" - meaning all vegetables are served fresh off the farm (or orchard) right there on location at your table!
Their food also changes seasonally so you can experience something new every time you come through these doors...and don't forget about those wacky flavour profiles: sometimes sweet.
3. Wine Tasting at Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren has an exceptional wine-tasting room where visitors can sample the estate's wines. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the wine-tasting experience which can be paired with various Babylonstoren cheese and meat platters.
The cost of wine tasting starts at R90 p.p. for seven wines
(Flagship wines can be added to your tasting at an additional cost: Chardonnay R25, Nebukadnesar R30 and Sprankle R40).
An express tasting of three wines is also available at R50 p.p. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Babylonstoren Hotel (Luxury Farm Accommodation)
The Babylonstoren Hotel is an elegant Cape Dutch farmhouse with modern, stylishly appointed rooms. The hotel is set amid Babylonstoren's working farm and gardens, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
The hotel has 22 rooms and suites, each decorated in a unique style with luxurious furnishings.
Included in Hotel guests' stay:
A Babylonstoren breakfast
Full access to the garden at all times
A guided garden tour and farm walk
Guided fishing
Bicycles to explore the 200-hectare farm
Rowing at the dam
Mountain drive (for a two-night stay and longer)
Morning harvest with the gardeners
Bread baking with the bakers
Cellar tour and wine tasting
Guest laundry – six items per room per day
Babylonstoren workshops
Personalised larder in your room
Access to the Garden Spa
5. Cellar Tour Babylonstoren
Journey through their underground wine tunnel to savour Babylonstoren’s finest wines. Their cellar tour starts in the vineyards above ground, where vines from various styles are cultivated. From there, you will venture into the working cellar with its array of wine-producing vessels, from amphorae clay pots to open cement fermenters and concrete eggs. The tour concludes with a master tasting of our finest wines, paired with farm-grown and handmade delicacies.
6. Babylonstoren Season Fruit and Vegetable Garden
The setting is beautiful! With its lush gardens and tranquil ponds, Babylonstoren is one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands. These beautifully manicured gardens are open to visitors who can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the stunning views.
The Babylonstoren fruit and vegetable garden is especially fascinating, with over 300 different varieties of plants. It's a great place for picking fruit.
Their gardens include herbs, berries, fruit trees and vegetables, all of which are used in the Babylonstoren restaurant.
The Babylonstoren Gardens are open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Admission Costs are R30 for adults and R15 for children (6-18 years).
Guided tours of the gardens are available at an additional cost.
7. Babylonstoren Greenhouse Restaurant
The Greenhouse offers a wonderful refreshment station to guests after their walk through the garden. All their food is served picnic-style, highlighting fresh and seasonal ingredients inspired by what you will see in this beautiful landscape!
Their scones with honeybush tea are also highly recommended for those who have had enough exploring.
8. The Spice Garden at Babylonstoren
With a menu inspired by fragrant spices, the Spice House is now open for group bookings. You can experience various aromatic plants such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves among other flavorful ingredients gathered from around their garden to create unique spice blends that will forever change how you view cooking in this modern era!
9. The Babylonstoren Farm Shop
The Babylonstoren Farm shop is a must-visit! This quaint shop sells homemade goods, local produce, and Babylonstoren wines. Be sure to try their home-cured meats, fresh cheeses, and preserves.
The Babylonstoren Bakery is also worth a visit for its freshly baked breads, pastries, and pies.
10. The Babylonstoren Spa
The Babylonstoren Spa is the perfect place to relax! With its stunning mountain views, the spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and manicures.
11. Babylonstoren Photo Opportunities
There are plenty of photo opportunities at Babylonstoren! From the beautiful gardens and landscapes to the quaint farm buildings, there is always something to photograph.
12. The Healing Garden and Tea Ceremony at Babylonstoren
The Healing Garden is a must-see! This serene space features a variety of medicinal plants that are used to make Babylonstoren's signature teas. The garden also has a tea ceremony room where you can learn about the different teas and their benefits.
13. Babylonstoren is family-friendly!
The farm features a kids’ play area, a petting zoo, and a number of family-friendly activities. Animals you can find on the farm are ducks, rabbits, donkeys, and peacocks.
14. Babylonstoren is pet-friendly!
Pets are welcome at Babylonstoren as long as they are kept on a leash at all times.
15. Babylonstoren is history!
The farm is one of the oldest cape dutch farms with thick whitewashed walls which date back to 1692 and has been owned by some of South Africa’s most prominent families.
16. Babylonstoren is eco-friendly!
The farm uses sustainable practices and features a unique, natural swimming pool.
Babylonstoren is a working farm!
The farm grows its own fruits and vegetables and produces wine, olive oil, and honey.
17. Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschoek wine tram stops at Babylostoren! The tram is a great way to see the surrounding area and visit different wine farms in the area.
Babylonstoren Day Visit
If you're short on time, Babylonstoren offers day visits! You can explore the gardens, go on a cellar tour, and enjoy a meal at the Greenhouse restaurant.
There are many reasons to visit Babylonstoren, but these are just some of the highlights! Babylonstoren is a must-visit for anyone interested in wine, and gardening.
If you’re looking for a unique wine-tasting experience, Babylonstoren is the place for you!
Where is Babylonstoren is located?
Babylonstoren is located in the Drakenstein Valley in Paarl, about 45 minutes drive from Cape Town, South Africa.
Babylonstoren is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
We hope you enjoyed this Article!
Article by Craig Howes // SoCoMunity
