This November, Babylonstoren invites locals and visitors to step into the first flush of summer on the farm – from festive gifting and award-winning food and wine to seasonal garden walks, hands-on workshops and memorable long-table occasions.
As the farm begins to dress for the festive season, there is a renewed sense of celebration in the air. With early stone fruit ripening, berries brightening the garden and summer flowers perfuming the paths, November is an ideal time to visit, linger and gather inspiration for the joyful months ahead.
Feathers in the cap
There is much to celebrate on the farm. Babel, Babylonstoren’s flagship restaurant, has been named Africa’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant at the 2026 World Culinary Awards.
This recognition honours not only the dedicated Babel team, but also the growers, makers, bakers and butchers who work closely with the kitchen to bring the farm’s finest seasonal produce to the table each day. Locals are invited to experience this award-winning approach over lunch at Babel.
The celebrations extend beyond the table. At the 2026 LUXE Hotel Awards, Babylonstoren was named Best Farm Hotel in South Africa, while sister property BLOU in Keurbooms received the award for Best Self-Catering Accommodation in South Africa.
Stay a little longer
Babylonstoren has also been named South Africa’s number one hotel in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 US Readers’ Choice Awards and was ranked 26th in the World's Best Hotels.
Until 30 November 2026, guests can experience the farm with a two-night escape that includes breakfast each morning, time to explore the farm at leisure and all activities included in the stay. Guests are also treated to a complimentary drive to the secluded mountain pool for a swim, quiet hours and sweeping mountain views.
Also available until the end of November is the Garden in Bloom Escape – a minimum two-night stay including breakfast at Babel, farm activities, a special gift from the Farm Shop on arrival and a two-course set-menu dinner at Babel Restaurant for each guest. Late check-out is included, subject to availability.
Click Book here.
Summer’s most splendid table
Babylonstoren’s final Harvest Table of the year takes place on 5 December, offering an extraordinary evening to welcome the festive season.
Set at one long table in a secret location on the farm, this intimate occasion celebrates summer abundance with a magnificent feast showcasing the best of the harvest, paired with exceptional Babylonstoren wines. Held just once a season, it is a special opportunity to gather, indulge, and raise a glass to the start of summer.
Click Book here.
Gold rush
Babylonstoren’s farm products continue to receive golden recognition.
The farm’s Sprankel Cap Classique was awarded two Golds at the Amorim Cap Classique Awards, with the Sprankel 2020 and 2021 honoured in the Blanc de Blanc and Brut Blend categories respectively – a rare achievement.
Babylonstoren’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend and Coratina also struck gold at the SA Olive Awards, recognising the care, craft and attention to detail poured into every bottle.
The farm’s red wines received further top honours in Winemag’s 2026 Prescient Fund Services Spring Series. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 and Nebukadnesar 2024 each scored 93 points, securing places in the Top 10 of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cape Bordeaux Red Blend reports, respectively.
Visitors can taste and shop Babylonstoren’s award-winning wines and olive oils on the farm, or purchase them online for delivery to your door.
Click Shop online.
A garden of gifts
Babylonstoren’s festive theme, A Garden of Gifts, is coming to life in the farm shops. Visitors are invited to explore the dedicated festive pop-up shop in the Gift Room, filled with thoughtful finds for the season of giving.
From handmade Christmas decorations and candles for celebratory tables to cellar gems, pantry staples and beautiful gifting ideas for every palate and pocket, the farm offers plenty of inspiration for hosts, guests and gift-givers alike. In Gauteng, Babylonstoren brings a taste of the farm to Mall of Africa with a festive pop-up shop open from 24 October to 24 December 2026. Shoppers can explore pantry favourites, botanical bath and body products, linen, tableware and festive décor, all chosen for the season of giving.
Click Shop Online.
Summer loving, happy at last
The farm is entering its first flush of summer, with early peaches and plums ripening in the orchards. Noem-noems, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries add to the seasonal bounty, while rose geranium and chamomile perfume the garden air.
In the tunnels, whimsical old-world tea roses bloom in gorgeous shades – voluptuous in shape and headily scented. Visitors are also encouraged to wander through the Puff Adder Walkway, where Babylonstoren’s collection of bonsai trees includes indigenous specimens and magnificent miniatures that reward a closer look.
The bees’ knees
In the Moestuin, or Kitchen Garden, visitors can discover the fascinating world of bees at Babylonstoren’s Byzantium – a temple to these industrious pollinators.
The experience offers insight into the essential role bees play in the life of the garden, reminding visitors how much of the farm’s abundance depends on these small but mighty inhabitants.
BabylonSTORIES
Babylonstoren continues to share knowledge, skills and stories from the farm through its monthly vodcast, BabylonSTORIES.
From the gardens and orchards to the kitchens and cellar, listeners can meet the many hands and minds that make Babylonstoren what it is. Episodes are available on the Babylonstoren App, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Workshops in November
From festive decorations and baking to gardening, blacksmithing, birding and woodwork, Babylonstoren’s November workshops offer locals many ways to learn with their hands and spend meaningful time on the farm.
They also make thoughtful gifts for loved ones who enjoy creative skills and time well spent. The Babylonstoren Koppie Family Hike offers a rare opportunity for the whole family to see the farm from a different perspective.
Babylonstoren
3 November – Naturally sweet: baking with honey
4 November – Discover the secret life of bees
7 November – Babylonstoren Koppie Family Hike
10 November – Discover the healing powers of herbs
11 November – Birding at Babylonstoren
17 November – Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents
18 November – Pruning pros: focus on fruit trees in summer
24 November – Christmas décor from the garden
25 November – Create a natural freshwater pond
26 November – Christmas décor from the garden
26 November – A Christmas bake story: festive favourites from mince pies to panettone
Soetmelksvlei
5 November – Heirloom tomatoes: bake your own galette with traditional butter pastry
6 November – Nuts for pecans! Bake a pecan pie and carrot cake
7 November – Blacksmithing: forge your own ladle
12 November – Hey, Brew! Fruit and flower cordials and bush teas
13 November – Baking with cheese
14 November – Craft a traditional riempie camping chair
19 November – Sun prints: create botanical blueprints
20 November – Bake teatime treats with choux pastry and almond cake
21 November – Bake your own savoury breads
21 November – Make a wooden birdhouse for your garden
27 November – Traditional needlework: the basics of colourful quilting
28 November – Leathercraft: make your own leather belt
Click here to book your Workshop.