Wrap up for winter 

It’s time to slip under the covers of the slow season at Babylonstoren. A stroll through the garden at this time of year reveals its more nuanced beauties – from the espaliered branches of the summer-bearing fruit trees to bright red indigenous num-nums (Carissa macrocarpa) that are now in season. Although the flush of summer is long gone, the garden is still a paradise of life and wonder if you look close enough …   

Our most anticipated bounty is the groves of citrus that bring forth their bursts of colour beneath a grey Boland sky. The garden’s citrus collection has more than 30 different cultivars, starting with our delicious Nules and Tango naartjies. In the coming months, Babylonstoren’s abundance boxes will celebrate these iconic winter fruits with Valencia and bitter Seville oranges, citrons, kumquats, limes, blood oranges and more.   

In the garden, the Fan Retief guavas are also ripening in the old grove and offer a delightful winter snack just as you enter the garden. For those extra soggy Boland days, the underground cellar tour and wine tasting is just the thing to ward off cabin fever while the Babylonstoren Spice House offers a warm sanctuary from the cold and rain. This tropical haven boasts a few new – and very vocal – additions. The greater hill myna (Gracula religiosa), Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) and the Asian green-winged dove (Chalcophaps indica) were recently released in the Spice House, adding another dimension to this unique environment.  

Winter times at Babylonstoren  

With the sun setting earlier, Babylonstoren’s opening times have shifted to suit the season.  

For winter, the farm gates open at 09h00 and close 17h00 daily.  

TAKE NOTE: Babel Restaurant times have also changed for June and July and is as follows:  

Mondays – Babel closed; Italian Night in the Old Bakery  

Tuesdays – Babel closed; Italian Night in the Old Bakery  

Wednesdays – Babel Restaurant open  

Thursdays – Babel Restaurant open 

Fridays – Babel closed; Italian Night in the Old Bakery 

Saturdays – Babel Restaurant open 

Sundays – Babel closed; Carnivore Night in the Old Bakery 

Hone your craft skills at Soetmelksvlei 

This winter, visitors can look forward to a brand-new experience by Babylonstoren at the craft farm of Soetmelksvlei. This new excursion by Babylonstoren celebrates the artisan spirit of a 19th century farmyard. Guests can immerse themselves in the immaculately recreated interiors of the Farmhouse and Gardener’s Cottage, take in the sights, tools and techniques of a bygone era in the Old Cellar, Distillery, Mill and Workshop, or attend one of the hands-on workshops.  

After working up an appetite, indulge in hearty farm fare in the Old Stables Restaurant. Remember to pop into the Jonkershuis Farm Shop for beautifully crafted keepsakes and treats.  

Bookings for excursions to Soetmelksvlei are essential. Guests are to check in at the Babylonstoren ticket office. 

Father’s Day  

Father’s Day is coming up in June and we’ve got just the thing to help you dote on Dad. Whether he’s a practical bloke or a poet in disguise, a maker, baker, gamer or biker – we’ve got something classy for the father figure in your life.  

Remember, all gifts are wrapped with care and delivered with a handwritten note.  Check out the full Father’s Day offering online.   

The garden and farm also offer a host of activities to indulge Dad. If his love language is quality time, why not treat him to a day on the farm? Book a cellar tour to the underground tasting room or book a table at Babel Restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Perfection!  

A taste for winter wine 

The next wine in Babylonstoren’s Wine Club Botanical Collection will be released soon, just in time for winter. An Italian stallion, the Barbera is a smooth, succulent wine with vibrant acidity. It’s the second in the Babylonstoren Botanical Collection of four, to be released throughout 2024.   

Psst! The Wine Club subscription is a great gift for any fine wine loving father.  

Sleep in with the sun   

Take your cue from the slow-rising winter sun and snuggle up under the covers for a bit longer on chilly mornings. There’s no better place to do so than in our luxurious Farm Hotel, complete with its fireplace nooks and dreamy bubble baths.  

If you book a three-night stay during the winter season until the end of August, you’ll get an extra night, free of charge.  

While you’re here …   

⛰ explore the crevices of the Simonsberg Mountain on a sunset drive, complete with sundowners and the best views of the valley;   

🍕 get a taste of winter in the cosy Old Bakery with our Italian Nights on the farm, happening on Monday, Tuesday and Friday nights;  

🚲 grab a bike to pedal up the pathways through the fruit orchards – and pick a naartjie on the go!  

Workshops in June 

5 June – Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents  

7 June – Everything’s better with butter: make butter & bake buttermilk rusks  

11 June – Break bread with our master baker  

12 June – Inside scoop: the secrets to buffalo mozzarella and gelato  

14 June – Introduction to Leathercraft: cleaning, cutting and braiding  

19 June – Craft your own homemade soaps  

21 June – Bake your own: aniseed rusks & spice biscuits  

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

25 June – Grow your own veggies (workshop for kids aged 4–7)  

26 June – Break bread with our master baker  

28 June – Distillation: make your own mampoer!  

Book your spot.