At a Glance
- Babylonstoren offers a luxury farm stay with wine tastings, gelato, and botanical gardens.
- The estate features historic Cape Dutch architecture and a new five-bedroom Fynbos Family House.
- Farm-to-fork dining, organic produce, and immersive wine experiences drive agritourism appeal.
Just under an hour from Cape Town, nestled at the heart of South Africa’s celebrated Cape Winelands, Babylonstoren has redefined the wine estate experience.
Spanning over 1,070 hectares, the restored 17th-century working farm blends historic Cape Dutch architecture with modern design, offering high-end hospitality across 33 elegantly appointed suites, cottages, and villas.
At the core of the property’s charm is the new Fynbos Family House, a five-bedroom villa launched in 2024.
With panoramic mountain views, a private pool, and exclusive access to lush trails and gardens, the retreat offers unparalleled privacy and comfort.
Whether lounging in a wooden swing or grilling locally sourced meats in a traditional braai, the property encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in South Africa’s slow-living luxury.
An edible ecosystem with gelato and mozzarella
Beyond the villa, Babylonstoren offers an edible wonderland. Visitors can cycle or stroll through orchards of blood oranges and Merlot vines, lavender fields, and herb gardens designed for foraging.
The 12-acre garden features over 300 edible plant species — from calabash trellises to num num trees producing bright red fruit for jams and jellies.
The estate’s Gelato Room and Coffee Roastery, both housed in restored whitewashed buildings, bring added artisanal charm.
Buffalo raised on the farm supply milk for fresh mozzarella and gelato, while a working bakery ensures daily access to freshly baked goods.
From vineyard to glass: Babylonstoren wines impress
A visit to Babylonstoren is incomplete without experiencing its award-winning wines.
From crisp Chardonnays and robust Cabernet Sauvignons to the standout Babylonstoren rosé—crafted from Mourvèdre grapes—each bottle tells the story of the soil it came from.
Guests can explore the Wine Museum, tour the cellar, or enjoy tastings beneath ancient oaks.
At Babel, the farm’s flagship restaurant, menus are dictated by the harvest.
Dishes like heirloom tomato carpaccio or rose geranium panna cotta are paired with bold red blends featuring Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, known for their depth and notes of blackberry and dark chocolate.
Nature trails and citrus fizz beyond the vines
For those less inclined toward wine, Babylonstoren offers Bitterlekker—a refreshing, non-alcoholic citrus spritz infused with honeybush tea and rosemary, all sourced from the estate.
Hiking trails meander through fynbos-covered hills leading to the Simonsberg Mountains, while scenic drives and a 19th-century farm showcase the broader historical narrative of the region.
Whether you’re sipping rosé in a glass-walled greenhouse or tasting buffalo milk gelato under vintage lighting, Babylonstoren is more than a hotel—it’s a fully immersive agritourism experience.
A standout among South Africa’s luxury retreats, it exemplifies the future of eco-conscious luxury travel.
