Your invitation to spring 

The air is warmer, the blossoms are out and we’re holding our breath for the gold and amber burst of boslelies (clivias) that announce the official start of spring. 

Spring has sprung 

While the fynbos is flourishing on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, the vines and fruit trees have had their annual trim. In the garden, our chefs are picking the first flush of spring peas and asparagus as well as the first early nectarines from the stone fruit block. Along with artichokes and strawberries, these will make for scrumptious spring feasting in Babel Restaurant for the next few weeks. 

Clivias, clivias, clivias! 

From mid-September your stroll along the shaded footpath beneath the wild olive trees along the natural stream might include sightings of the seasonal flush of boslelies. We’re also decking the Puff Adder walkway with our exquisite potted clivia collection.  

Babylonstoren master botanist Ernst van Jaarsveld is hosting a workshop where you’ll learn all about these seasonal beauties. There’s also a weekly special collections garden tour with a special focus on the clivia collection.  

A taste of heritage 

In celebration of Heritage Day, Babylonstoren hosted a braai-off between four of the farm’s foremost braai masters. Keep your eye on our social media channels where we’ll share delicious ideas for your own Braai Day or weekend entertaining menu, from stuffed fish, lamb and a new Spice House halloumi skewer to water buffalo milk tart, Hertzoggie gelato and a fresh twist on the beloved braaibroodjie. After all, braai is our heritage and braaibroodjies are in our blood. Shop all these treats from shop.babylonstoren.com.  

For a taste of authentic South African hospitality and heritage, join a Carnivore Evening at Babylonstoren. Skilled braai masters grill every cut to perfection. The meal is enjoyed at communal long tables laden with the best, while guests enjoy live accordion music.  

If you prefer a hands-on meat experience, butcher Jaco is hosting a workshop where you’ll learn to make traditional boerewors, droëwors and frikkadelle, or become a pro at grilling veggies on the coals with Babel’s executive chef Schalk Vlok.  

Family fun  

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day at Soetmelksvlei during the upcoming school holidays. There’s plenty to offer delight – from the farm animals and ox cart rides to a life-size playhouse and the interactive kids’ outdoor play area at the Old Stables Restaurant. From September, Soetmelksvlei is open from Wednesdays to Sundays. 

Adventurous kids (aged 7–12) will enjoy learning all the basics of fishing during the family fishing workshop. They’ll get to make their own rods from natural materials before trying their luck in the farm dam.  

Warmer weather also calls for fun in the garden – feed the donkeys in front of the Farm Shop, splash at the Old Bullfrog and indulge in Babylonstoren’s authentic water buffalo gelato at the Gelato Room.  

New entrance fee  

From 1 September the entrance fee for day visitors to Babylonstoren will increase to R150 per person. Children under 18 still enter free. The entrance fee includes an annual membership that, once activated, gives unlimited entry to the farm for one year. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the farm, and come back for more – one of the reasons Babylonstoren was voted Best Wine Farm Experience in the recent Kfm Best of the Cape Awards. Daily guided garden tours, the Story of Wine Museum, exhibitions in the Puff Adder and so much more are all included in the entry fee.  

A taste of gold  

Babylonstoren has brought home 14 gold medals from the most recent Aurora International Taste Challenge – the Olympics of the food industry. Several products received gold, including water buffalo mozzarella, bocconcini, yoghurt and gelato. Our Chianina meats, extra virgin olive oils, olives and non-alcoholic aperitif, bitterlekker, were also top of the podium. The medal haul includes two double gold awards, for the water buffalo yoghurt and Frantoio extra virgin olive oil.  

“We are incredibly proud of every award,” says Ernst Kleynhans, Babylonstoren operations manager. “It reflects the dedication of our artisans and their commitment to creating the highest quality farm products. It is incredible to be acknowledged as one of the industry leaders for these products.”  

The complete list of Babylonstoren gold winners at the Aurora International Taste Challenge 2024 are as follows:  

  • Babylonstoren Water Buffalo Yoghurt – double gold  
  • Babylonstoren Water Buffalo Mozzarella – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Water Buffalo Bocconcini – gold  
  • Blood Orange Gelato – gold  
  • Chocolate and Coffee Gelato – gold  
  • Almond and Dark Chocolate Gelato – gold  
  • Babylonstoren bitterlekker – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Chianina Bresaola – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Coriander Cured Ham – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil – double gold  
  • Babylonstoren Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend – gold  
  • Babylonstoren Olives & Herbs in Brine (Whole) – gold  

Workshops in September 

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

20 September – Bake your own: aniseed rusks & spice biscuits  

27 September – Traditional needlework: the basics of colourful quilting  

17 September – Spring decor from the garden  

4 September – Craft your own homemade soaps  

11 September – Grow your own seasonal vegetables  

12 September – Chef’s inspiration with spring asparagus and artichokes  

13 September – Master meat: traditional boerewors, droëwors & frikkadelle  

18 September – Encounter the colourful world of clivias and other indigenous bulbs  

19 September – Veg on fire! Get grilling with our Babel head chef  

25 September – Fishing on the farm: a family workshop for youngsters (workshop for kids aged 7–12)  

Book your spot: https://babylonstoren.com/workshops