Babylonstoren Wine Estate — Attraction in Drakenstein Local Municipality

Babylonstoren is a historical farm and garden located in the Drakenstein Valley near Cape Town, South Africa. It is a unique and beautiful destination for tourists visiting Cape Town, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and luxury.

The farm was established in 1692 and has been carefully restored to retain its original charm and beauty. It features a charming colonial-style building, stunning gardens, vineyards, orchards, and a farm-to-table restaurant that uses fresh produce from the farm.

One of the highlights of Babylonstoren is its lush and well-manicured gardens, which are based on the classic European kitchen gardens of the 17th and 18th centuries. The gardens are filled with a variety of fruit trees, vegetable plots, and herb beds, and there are also a number of glasshouses and trellises that are used to cultivate exotic plants and fruits. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or book a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable gardeners.

Another attraction of Babylonstoren is its farm-to-table restaurant, which serves delicious and fresh meals made from the farm's own produce. The restaurant's menu changes seasonally, and guests can expect to enjoy dishes that are made from the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. The restaurant also offers cooking classes and workshops, where visitors can learn about cooking techniques and recipes that are inspired by the farm's gardens and orchards.

In addition to the gardens and restaurant, Babylonstoren also features a vineyard that produces high-quality wines. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process. There are also a number of walking trails that take visitors through the vineyards, gardens, and orchards, offering stunning views of the Drakenstein Valley and the surrounding mountains.

For those looking for luxury accommodation, Babylonstoren offers a number of beautifully restored cottages and suites that are set amidst the gardens and orchards. Each of the rooms is individually decorated and features antique furnishings, four-poster beds, and luxurious amenities. There are also a number of outdoor swimming pools and sun loungers, where visitors can relax and soak up the sun.

In conclusion, Babylonstoren is a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Cape Town. Its beautiful gardens, vineyards, orchards, and farm-to-table restaurant, combined with its historical charm and luxury accommodations, make it a truly unique and special place. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there is something for everyone at...

A Breakfast That Tastes of Heaven

Morning at Babel is nothing short of a revelation. The breakfast spread is lavish without ever feeling excessive. You are greeted with generous platters of figs, passion fruit halves, freshly baked breads and an elegant array of cheeses in their own little display.

But it’s not only about the variety. Every bite feels like a warm hug. The yoghurt is creamy, soft, almost playful in how it allows the sweetness of honey or fresh fruit to dance across your tongue. The coffee, rich, aromatic, strong grounds you. At times, I caught myself closing my eyes just to savour the moment, as if I were letting the warmth of the plate inside me echo the warmth of a hug from home.

To sit there, sunlight dappling through glass walls, the distant hum of the garden beyond, pure bliss.

Walking through, you move from one world to another: the Healing Garden (laid out in silhouette of a human body), to the Spice House redolent with cinnamon, kaffir, ginger; past cycads and succulents, past bees buzzing around lotus in shallow ponds. Gazing outward, the garden is framed by mountains and vineyards, grounding the ethereal in the wild beauty of the Cape Winelands.

I wandered for hours, pausing to sniff a herb, feel the texture of a leaf, taste a plucked strawberry. Even in silence, the garden talks: in bird-song, insects, the shifting shadows of branches.

Tranquility in Every Corner Babylonstoren doesn’t shout. It whispers. The quiet here is generous. The pathways, sometimes gravel, sometimes soft earth, invite lingering. The scent of rosemary, lavender, thyme lingers on the breeze. At dusk, the world slows. The only soundtrack is the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, the soft footsteps of other wanderers.

Love You Can Taste The overarching feeling I left with is that every meal here is an act of love. The farm-to-fork philosophy is real, ingredients harvested, cleaned, and plated with intention.

You taste it in a perfectly ripe tomato, in delicate petals used as garnish, in soft cheese made on the farm (yes, even buffalo yoghurt), in sauces that marry elegance and earthiness. And you feel it in the way the staff move, in how dishes are presented (beautifully, quietly) and in how your senses begin to open.

In those moments, food isn’t just fuel,it becomes comfort, memory, healing.

In Summary

If someone asked me to sum up Babylonstoren in a single sentence, I’d say: it’s where the distant echo of Eden meets the intimate...

Babylonstoren Wine Estate is truly one of the most impressive places I have ever visited. From the moment you arrive, you immediately notice how special this estate is. There is so much to see and explore that you could easily spend an entire day wandering around. The grounds are beautiful, with lovely walking paths, gardens, and quiet spots where you can just sit, relax, and take in the scenery.

The wine tasting itself was excellent. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable even for someone who isn’t a wine expert. The wines were of very high quality, and it was interesting to try different varieties while enjoying the surroundings. What made it even more special was the view and atmosphere—sitting outside, surrounded by the gardens and mountains in the distance, really adds something to the tasting experience.

Beyond the wine, Babylonstoren has so much more to offer. There are several restaurants and cafes, each with its own charm, where you can enjoy delicious meals made from fresh, local ingredients. There are also a number of shops on the estate, selling everything from handmade soaps to fresh juices, meats, and other locally produced goods. Exploring these shops and tasting some of their products was a fun and unexpected part of the visit.

One of the highlights for me was simply walking around the gardens and the estate. There is so much to discover, from hidden corners to beautiful landscaping, that it feels like a little adventure at every turn. You can easily spend hours just enjoying the surroundings, taking photos, and soaking in the peaceful and elegant atmosphere.

Overall, Babylonstoren is much more than just a winery—it’s an experience. Whether you are there for the wine, the food, the shops, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. I would highly recommend visiting Babylonstoren to anyone in the Cape Winelands. Plan to spend the whole day there if you can, because there is truly so much to see, taste, and enjoy. It’s a place that combines great wine with stunning scenery and a really warm, welcoming atmosphere, making it a visit you...