A new year brings fresh abundance from the Babylonstoren farm and garden. Bees are buzzing away as the lavender harvest draws to a close. In the garden, kids frolic by Old Bullfrog as parents gaze on with glee – gelatos in hand. We’re still revelling in the slower festive spirit ahead of the new school year.  

The farm and garden teams, however, man their posts with gusto in the height of harvest season. The Afri-Rose and Afri-Blush apple harvest is well under way and the cellar team are keeping a close eye on the vines – ready to spring into action as soon as sugar levels hit their mark.  

The almond harvest, towards the end of January, is an annual highlight. Soon the wonderful aroma of freshly roasted almonds will emanate from the Lekker Kamer, tempting visitors to indulge in a variety of almond-based products, like the thickest, richest almond butter and chocolate-coated morsels.  

Cape Winelands Workshops 

Our new workshop schedule for 2025 has launched online, featuring a variety of disciplines such as cooking, gardening, crafts and art. Seize upon this new year as a time to do something for yourself. Always dreamt of making your own marmalade? Keen to learn more about indigenous plants? Or simply looking for a memorable gift experience for someone dear? These sought-after experiences are sold out months in advance, so be sure to book your spot in time.  

Healthiness is Happiness

To kick-start a wholesome approach to the new year, we’ve taken inspiration from summer’s abundance to focus on nourishing foods, healthy drinks and wellness essentials. Embrace fresh-pressed juice, tree-ripe farm produce, gut-friendly kombucha, low-sugar Vonkeltee, relaxing spa experiences, inspiring books and garden gear to set the tone for a season of wholesomeness. We’re leaning into our roots to prioritise a healthy and delicious approach to cleaner consumption. Happy body, happy mind! After all, the greatest wealth is health.  

Sign up for Babylonstoren’s fresh newsletter and get the latest scoop on all things vibrant and yummy. Find new ideas for a quick packed lunch, feel-good smoothies or sensational summer salads crammed with all the good stuff.  

Follow the Sun  

Enter the New Year with intention and get seasonal guidance from the beloved Babylonstoren calendar. Head designer Susan Brand looked to the wonders of the garden for inspiration.  

“It’s so easy to draw inspiration from the garden. Everywhere you look are moments of texture, design and detail. Cape white-eyes frolicking in the olive grove. Chickens clucking in front of the Gelato Room. The textures and colours of the leaves as they change throughout the seasons … It’s a dream to capture these moments on paper.” – Susan Brand, Babylonstoren head designer 

As always, the 2025 calendar is a multipurpose product. Tucked between the pages you’ll find sheets of rescued paper, ideal to use for flower wrapping, sketching, crafting and writing.  

Workshops in January  

Babylonstoren

22 January – Discover the secret life of bees 

29 January – Lavender & essential oils 

Soetmelksvlei

23 January – Family fun: learn how to make sun prints 

24 January – Heirloom tomatoes: bake your galette with traditional butter pastry 

30 January – Pickle & preserve with summer’s abundance 

31 January – Bake your own: savoury breads for a festive table 

Book now.