Slip under the cover of winter at Babylonstoren. A stroll through the garden at this time of year reveals its more nuanced beauties – from the espaliered tree 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.
This winter, visitors can look forward to a brand-new excursion by Babylonstoren to the craft farm of Soetmelksvlei. There’s also an irresistible winter offering to stay an extra night – for free – in the luxury Farm Hotel.
Step back in time at 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, they can indulge in hearty farm fare at the Old Stables Restaurant. And then pop into the Jonkershuis Farm Shop for beautifully crafted keepsakes and treats.
Bookings for excursions to Soetmelksvlei are essential. Guests to check in at the Babylonstoren Ticket Office.
Click HERE to make a booking.
Father’s Day – dote on Dad
Father’s Day is coming up in June and Babylonstoren looks forward to honour the hero lads and dads in your life. They’ve curated a few special hampers to dote on Dad – hampers crammed with the best for a braai-loving guy, or something luxurious for a father who loves the finer things. All their gifts can be ordered online and delivered nationwide for free, allowing you to share the love with Dad even from afar. All gifts are wrapped with care and delivered with a handwritten note.
The garden and farm also offer a host of activities to indulge Dad. If his love language is quality time, why not treat him with a day on the farm? Book a cellar tour to the underground tasting room or swing by Babel Restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Perfection!
To check out the full Father’s Day offering, click HERE.
Celebrate citrus season
Out in the Babylonstoren orchards, slowly ripening citrus fruits bring happy pops of yellow and orange to liven up the grey sky. The first sweet taste of the season has already been harvested in the form of Nules naartjies, while freshly harvested Eureka and Lisbon lemons bring a tart addition and healthy dose of vitamin C to the Babylonstoren restaurants and produce selection. In the coming months, a whole variety of these iconic winter fruits will be celebrated, including Valencia and bitter Seville oranges, citrons, kumquats, limes, blood oranges and more.
This year, Babylonstoren is rolling out a bonanza of citrus Abundance Boxes from May to August. “Our fruit is picked tree ripe and gathered for flavour and purpose, rather than size and unblemished perfection,” says Didi Brink, fresh produce manager. “These boxes are meant to be shared, enjoyed fresh or juiced, and used in marmalades, preserves and cordials.”
Click HERE to shop.
Guavas
In the garden, the Fan Retief guavas are ripening in the old grove and offer a delightful winter snack just as you enter the garden. Now more than 80 years old, these guava trees were planted as mature specimens and frame the views along the avenue to the farm and Babylonstoren Hill.
Guava trees produce fruit during the winter when little else is offered, and the harvest can last from May until early September in the southern hemisphere. The fruit has a vitamin C content four times that of an orange!
Click HERE to shop.
Sleep in with the sun
Take your cue from the slow-rising winter sun and snuggle up under the duvet a bit longer on chilly mornings. There’s no better place to do so than Babylonstoren’s luxurious Farm Hotel, complete with 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 there...
- Get a taste of winter in the cosy Old Bakery at Babylonstoren’s Italian Nights on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays
- Explore the crevices of the Simonsberg Mountain on a sunset drive – with sundowners and the best views of the valley
- Grab a bike and pedal up the pathways and through the fruit orchards (and pick a naartjie on the go!)
Click HERE to book a stay.
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 at 17h00 daily.
TAKE NOTE: Babel Restaurant times have changed for June and July.
- 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
Click HERE to make a booking.
Workshops in June
- 5 June - Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents
- 7 June - Everything’s better with butter: make butter and 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!
To book your spot at one of our workshops, click HERE.
