Autumn’s Nurturing Embrace

With the turn of the season come bold flavours on the palate and nature’s golden hues – from naartjie-bright to the rust, amber and topaz tones of our orchards and vineyards. Our gardeners are picking horseradish, custard apples and guavas, while farmer Ian harvests Nules, pecans and olives – the latter destined for pressing into our exceptional olive oil.  

Our Gems Abroad 

After a gracious, slow-ripening season, the grapes for our Mourvèdre Rosé were harvested and bottled just in time to set sail for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. There, the 2025 vintage will be uncorked and launched as the show’s official rosé – for the fifth year running. 

This year is especially meaningful as Babylonstoren and The Newt in Somerset are collaborating on a Karoo Succulent Garden – the first ever display of indigenous South African succulents at Chelsea. This most unique exhibition garden is the result of intensive planning by our succulent experts under leadership of Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld and Katie Lewis, landscape architect at The Newt in Somerset. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on the RHS Chelsea Show. Or visit us on the farm, where a fantastic selection of succulents will be on show in the Puff Adder walkway throughout May. 

Beats & Eats on Mother’s Day (11 May) 

Treat Mom to a joyful morning of movement and flavour. Begin with a silent disco in the garden – surrounded by birdsong and the scent of herbs – then settle into a sumptuous harvest table breakfast in the Greenhouse Restaurant. A playful, heartfelt experience for moms and daughters to share, or a fun and flavourful morning out for supermoms who love to unwind in nature. 

08h00–09h00: Silent Disco | 09h15–10h30: Breakfast at the Greenhouse Restaurant | Cost: R850 (includes entry, silent disco and breakfast) | Headphones supplied | Maximum 60 guests.  

Booking essential.

Mothering Day 

In May we honour the women who nurture and inspire us. Step back in time with a visit to Soetmelksvlei, just a short shuttle ride from Babylonstoren. Sit down to a hearty harvest table spread, followed by slow-cooked stew from the hearth and the newly launched sweet table, featuring favourites like milk tart, lemon meringue, koesisters and koeksisters. Treat Mom to delicious home cooking like her mother used to make.  

Or come for a garden stroll and stay for a gelato, or a glass of bubbles at the Tasting Room. Further afield? Surprise her with a delivery from our online shop – from iconic scented products and daintily decorated soetkoekies to buttery pastries, small-batch rusks, and sweet or savoury delights. 

Numero Uno Gelato 

It’s official. Our blood orange marmalade gelato won gold at the 2025 South African Dairy Championships – for the second year in a row. This gelato is super special to us as it combines two of our favourite things: rich, full cream milk from our water buffalo herd and marmalade made from blood oranges, which we simply adore! As they say, proof is in the pudding!

Available from the farm and online.  

Nurture the Self 

May’s slower pace means you can make time for yourself and the things that matter to you. It’s a great time to hone an old skill or to acquire a new one. Join our expert-led workshops at Babylonstoren and Soetmelksvlei, covering a host of interesting topics from Cape cookery, baking and gardening to beekeeping and beyond. A workshop also makes for a memorable gift.  

Workshops in May 

Babylonstoren

06 May – Break bread with our master baker 

07 May – Autumn decor from the garden 

14 May – Explore the world of Babylonstoren’s olives 

18 May – Explore the world of Babylonstoren’s olives 

21 May – Craft your own homemade soaps 

20 May – Beekeeping on International Bee Day 

Soetmelksvlei

02 May – Magic with milk: make your own butter, soft cheese & yoghurt 

08 May – Master meat: all about venison & biltong  

09 May – Nuts for pecans! Bake a pecan pie & carrot cake 

15 May – Love the taste of culinary herbs 

16 May – Cape cookery: traditional melktert, melkkos & koeksisters 

22 May – Harness nature’s colours with fynbos dyeing  

23 May – Bake your own pies: four ways with traditional butter and pastry 

29 May – Autumn abundance: pickle & preserve 

30 May – Bake your own: teatime treats with choux pastry & almonds 

Book now.