Home - Travel Destinations - Babylonstoren: The Cape Winelands Gem You Must Experience
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Home - Travel Destinations - Babylonstoren: The Cape Winelands Gem You Must Experience
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Set on a historic Cape farm, Babylonstoren is one of the Cape Winelands’ most beautiful places to visit, where magnificent gardens, farm-fresh food and mountain views create a wonderfully relaxing day out.
“Our very first visit to Babylonstoren was way back when they were still pretty much unknown. Today, Babylonstoren is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands, and weekends can get busy. Still, it remains absolutely worth a visit — from the lush gardens and farm‑to‑table restaurants to the unique Cape Dutch architecture and world‑class wines. We love it all.”
Photographer of the above 4 photos: A special thanks to Sonnette Pierce
Your first visit to Babylonstoren is often a moment of amazement. Just like the children you see in the garden. They run around the beautiful vegetable beds asking their parents every few minutes, “What is this, Daddy?” Parents smile and explain that when they were little, these same vegetables grew in their home gardens.
Although it is busy at times, a visit here still feels tranquil. There is plenty of space to wander away from the crowds and simply enjoy the sounds of nature. Every path offers something beautiful to look at.
When your feet get tired, there are wonderful places to sit down and enjoy something delicious at the restaurants.
Explore the Gardens
• 200-hectare estate with fruit, vegetable, and medicinal gardens.
• Daily garden tours and seasonal walks led by gardeners.
Enjoy Farm Walks & Outdoor Activities
• Morning farm walk (8 AM): Guided hike up the koppie (hill), through fynbos and wetlands, past orchards and the dam.
• Spectacular views of the Simonsberg and Franschhoek mountains.
Shopping & Produce
• Farm shop & bakery: Fresh bread, cheeses, preserves, and seasonal produce.
• Nursery: Plants and gardening tools for sale.
• Membership option: You can pay an annual fee for unlimited garden access via the Babylonstoren app.
Some visitors book workshops at Soetmelksvlei, a historic farmyard on the estate. Activities change during the year and can include:
These experiences show old Cape farm traditions.
The nicest part of a day here is simply slowing down. Gravel paths lead through orchards, water canals, bamboo tunnels and shady benches. It is easy to wander for hours and still discover new corners of the garden.
Paths run through orchards, herb beds, vegetable plots, berry tunnels and flower sections. Visitors are encouraged to touch, smell and taste produce during guided tours.
You will see:
Everything is beautifully laid out, with mountain views of Simonsberg in the background.
The winery itself is interesting because it uses both modern tanks and unusual vessels like amphora clay pots and concrete eggs for small experimental batches.
A simple tip: arrive early in the morning if you want the gardens at their most peaceful. The farm is large enough that you can always find a quiet path, but the early hours feel particularly calm.
Oh and don’t forget the thousands of Clivias that make a stunning display when in flower. During our previous visit to Babylonstoren, they were in full bloom and I didn’t want to leave.
In our opinion, Babylonstoren is definitely worth a visit next time you are in Cape Town, South Africa. Also, read more on Babylonstoren and what to do in Cape Town that is fun for kids and adults alike: Fun-Filled Family Outing in Cape Town
Photographer for the above 4 photos: Sonnette Pierce
Babylonstoren dates back to 1692, making it one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in South Africa. The original farm buildings, with their white walls, gables and thatched roofs, were restored and preserved. Walking through the werf feels like stepping into a traditional Cape farmyard that has been gently modernized.
Photographer for the above 4 photos: Sonnette Pierce
One of the biggest advantages for hotel guests is access to the gardens early in the morning and after the day visitors have left. The farm becomes incredibly peaceful at those times. Walking through the vegetable gardens or orchards at sunrise is often one of the highlights of staying here.
Guests also have access to the spa, indoor heated pool, gym and sauna, as well as bicycles to explore the farm. Breakfast is generous and focuses on produce grown on the estate, with fresh fruit, breads, eggs and preserves made on the farm.
Staying overnight also allows time to explore areas of the property that day visitors often miss, including vineyards, orchards and quiet walking paths around the dams.
Beyond the gardens are vineyards, orchards and olive groves.
The farm produces:
Getting to Babylonstoren from the centre of Cape Town is quite easy. The farm sits in the Cape Winelands between Paarl and Franschhoek, about 53 km from the city, which usually takes around 40–50 minutes by car.
Most visitors drive. The route is straightforward.
The drive is pleasant once you leave the city, with vineyards and mountains appearing as you approach the Winelands.
An Uber from central Cape Town usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Many visitors use Uber if they plan to enjoy wine tastings.
Babylonstoren was redesigned in the 2000s by magazine editor Karen Roos, who worked with French garden architect Patrice Taravella to create the garden visitors see today.
The Babylonstoren farm lies between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, surrounded by vineyards and the Simonsberg mountains.
The landscape is one of the reasons visitors find the place so peaceful. Vineyards roll out toward the mountains, and many paths lead to quiet corners where you can simply sit and enjoy the view.
