Led by our beloved donkeys, the farm animals are weaving wonder around the farm as they ring in the festive season. We’re staying open until 19h00 daily from 13 to 23 December so please linger longer for a sunset stroll, a spot of shopping, or to raise a glass to another year.  

We’re thrilled to share that our flagship Bordeaux blend, the Nebukadnesar 2022, received a coveted five-star rating (95 points) in the 2025 Platter’s Wine Guide. Adding to the celebration, our beloved Sprankel 2019 scored 93 points. Cheers to our teams in the vineyards, the cellar and the tasting room for their excellence. 

In the garden, an abundance of summer fruit is in season, including the juiciest Transvalia and San Pedro peaches, and a promise of exquisite lotus lilies in the ponds by the clivia walkway. 

Further afield, Babylonstoren farmer Ian de Villiers and his team will plant the rice paddy with this season’s crop of carnaroli risotto rice. The crop will be harvested towards the end of March to provide bowls of autumnal goodness to Babel Restaurant. 

It’s the most beautiful time to come and stay. Fancy a spur-of-the-moment farm breakaway?

Check availability.

Wrapped in wonder

Wonder awaits in the Scented Room with our annual festive pop-up shop. Choose from fine linens and homeware, nostalgic treats and decadent eats. We’ll wrap your gifts at our complimentary wrapping station before you head home. What can be better than a touch of Babylonstoren magic to spoil the ones you love? Visit us on the farm or shop online.

A magical day at Soetmelksvlei   

Experience the spirit of a traditional 19th century festive season at Soetmelksvlei. Little ones will have the opportunity to create Christmas cards on handmade paper that will be delivered to an old-age home in Franschhoek. The ox cart is sporting a few festive bells for the ride around the yard, and in the Farmhouse kitchen, kids can help bake and decorate festive biscuits. 

Jonkershuis Farm Shop has a unique and nostalgic gift offering. Lend a charming, old world feel to the tree this year with durable, handmade pieces. There is a wonderful range of DIY gifts for kids, perfect for crafty aunts and grannies who want to inspire the next generation of crafters.  

Look out for the latest addition to the Soetmelksvlei family (and playmate for Gemmer): a gentle ginger kitten named Rooikappie! 

Book for Soetmelksvlei. 

Fields of dreams

Lush fields of lavender announce their presence before even entering the Babylonstoren garden; their perfume a harbinger of a summery Christmas. We grow a special selection of Lavandula to distil essential oils. Every day at around 10h00, guests get a behind-the-scenes peek in the Scented Room where the essence of our farm-grown botanicals is captured through steam distillation. 

Hi, bonsai!

Seek refuge in the shade of the Puff Adder walkway on a warm December day to experience the annual bonsai exhibition. These miniature tree sculptures have been cultivated in South Africa for many decades. In fact, South Africa was one of the first countries outside Asia to use indigenous trees for the art of bonsai, like the white stinkwood and baobabs currently on display.  

Shhlurrp! 

Visit Babylonstoren during the sunny season and enjoy an aperitif at the Babel oyster cart. The Babel team will be shucking fresh West Coast oysters under the trees in the courtyard and serving them ice cold – with a glass of bubbles if you please. 

Alternatively, book your spot at the Old Bakery’s exclusive food fiesta nights – your choice of the Italian or the Carnivore Evening (the latter featuring a Chianina beef bonanza). The late sunsets of a Winelands’ summer make Old Bakery nights extra special; arrive early and you’ll have the garden all to yourself at sunset. Or take a stroll after dark to let the meal settle before bedtime.  

Lekker licks

What’s summer without a lick of something ice cold? This year, we’ve churned out a selection of festive flavours to please young and old. Try the caramel and date brandy pudding gelato for a scoop of Christmas decadence or go old school with the panino gelato, a Dutch stroopwafel and ice cream sandwich.  

The new sorbet range adds a little kick to your summer lick with the addition of Babylonstoren wine. Cheers to that!  

Workshops in December

3 December – Make your own Christmas decor  

4 December – Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents  

5 December – Make your own Christmas decor  

6 December – Everything’s better with butter: make butter & bake buttermilk rusks  

10 December – Make your own Christmas decor  

11 December – Lavender & essential oils  

12 December – Grow your own veggies (workshop for kids aged 4–7)  

12 December – Grow your own veggies (workshop for kids aged 8–12)  

13 December – Bake your own: savoury breads for a festive table  

Book your workshop spot.