The rainy Winelands winter is here – with gusto! – while the very first blossoms are coming to life on the bare branches of the earliest stone fruit varieties. Blossoms – already? Indeed. A stroll through the garden this time of year reveals perfect blooms of early plums and nectarines from beneath your umbrella – a flush of white and pink against the bare branches and grey Winelands skies.  

But don’t be fooled – the coldest days are yet to come. The good news is that we’ve got all the winter warmers to keep you cosy on the dreariest of days. Check out our recipe inspiration inspired by the bounty of the season.  

On the farm, we’ve just finished the annual blood orange harvest and these red-bellied beauties are available in abundance. The farm and garden boast a variety of blood orange cultivars, including the ruby-red Moro and Tarocco, both of Italian origin.  

We’re eagerly awaiting the first flush of waterblommetjie buds to ripen for the picking. Also known as Cape pondweed, this is a favourite seasonal delicacy. Babel head chef Schalk Vlok loves braaing them over the coals for an innovative take on the traditional classic. Book at Babel Restaurant to experience them in all their Boland winter glory.  

Fynbos takes centre stage on the farm in the colder months. Bright pink Burchell’s proteas, delicate kapokbos (wild rosemary) and bitou (also called boneseed bush) are quite a sight on the slopes of the Simonsberg. If you’re staying with us this winter, head up the mountain on an afternoon drive to see them up close.  

Hot off the press 

Babylonstoren is a place of people and their stories, and our brand-new Babylonstoren book captures its beating heart in 250 captivating pages. It shares the story of the farm and the people behind the scenes: the butcher, baker and candlemaker, our seasoned gardeners, winemakers, farmers, entomologist, cheesemaker and cellar master. 

Fresh off the printing press and available soon from the Babylonstoren online shop. Get your edition delivered.

Something New

The Story of Emily, an immersive historical experience dedicated to the extraordinary and heroic life of Emily Hobhouse, recently opened in her childhood home in St Ive, Cornwall. Babylonstoren Members gain free entry to The Story of Emily.

Stay a day longer … 

Babylonstoren has been voted the number two resort on the African continent at the Travel + Leisure 2024 World’s Best Awards. Treat yourself with a stay at the Farm Hotel. It’s a haven for families seeking a soulful farm breakaway, whether you get up early to visit the water buffalo as they enter the milking parlour or decide to make it a slow morning and sleep in.  

Stay before the end of Augustus and you’ll qualify for our winter offer. Book for three nights and stay for four.  

Sprankel sparkles   

The Babylonstoren Cap Classique Sprankel 2018 shines bright among the sparkling wines of the world. It recently won gold in a blind tasting at the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles international wine competition. The 2018 vintage was also crowned as Platter’s best Cap Classique for 2024. 

Leaving it on the lees for more than four years adds the richness of buttery biscuits and brioche to the vibrant citrus and crunchy apple flavours. It’s perfectly rounded and balanced with crisp acidity.  

Pressed Perfection  

Looking to escape a gloomy day of Boland weather? Our freshly revamped olive processing facility offers a golden opportunity to view the world of olives. Press your own olive oil, craft your custom blend, and indulge in tastings of our finest olives, olive oils and tapenades. Plus, enjoy a delightful pairing with Babylonstoren’s delicious products.