One of the most renowned areas of South African winelands, Babylonstoren has Farm hotels, cottages, three restaurants and even a Spa: a truly unique experience.
During travel itinerary in South Africa, whatever the season of your stay, you cannot miss a visit, even short, in the Winelands. Lands where huge expanses of the best are concentrated South African wines to be tasted among the various estates present. Ideal for a one-day stop and super recommended, it is Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Dutch winery located near Paarl, halfway between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the most famous areas of the winelands.
The Babylonstoren estate
The estate offers the possibility of staying overnight in a hotel, in a farm house or in a separate cottage. In case, it is advisable to book well in advance, especially in high season.
However, even if you visit it during the day, BabylonStoren can offer a unique experience.
The car can be left comfortably in the internal parking. Once there there are several options to choose from.
What to see at BabylonStoren
The visit to the estate can begin with a beautiful walk in the vineyards. The area is so large that you can choose, depending on the time available, whether to explore the whole area or not. There is also the possibility of one guided tour in the vineyard and in the gardens but, even in this case, booking in advance is recommended. Just walking through the vineyards is an experience not to be missed. In fact, the area is immense and well cared for and rises in a green area, entirely surrounded by mountains. However, there are not only vineyards. There are flowers and cultivated fields of various vegetables. In fact, in addition to wine, BabylonStoren produces 0 km vegetables, vegetables, meat, dairy products and eggs as there is an area dedicated to farm animals and fruit trees.
What to buy
Everything produced on the estate is then available in the shops. In addition to cheeses and cured meats that can be tasted before buying, a stop in the bakery department. Here there is bread for all tastes and types. If you then explore the dessert department, you can find a myriad of stuffed brioches and sweets. Both the bread and the desserts are very good and also to try as a snack. It does not end here. Inside the shop there is also a department dedicated to nougats. Finally, oil, fruit and vegetables cannot be missing. For the latter, the prices are quite cheap and the quality is excellent! Of course there is also the area dedicated to wine where it is possible to request international shipping.
The last part of the shop is dedicated to household linen and perfumery. In addition to linen and terry towels, sheets and other textiles, there are soaps and perfumes with different fragrances and some ceramic objects. Here the prices are higher.
A unique tasting and restaurants
BabylonStoren has 3 restaurants. The most chic Babel, is accessible only by reservation. Then there is the Greenhouse, picnic style where it is not necessary to lock the table first and then there Bakery where instead a reservation for dinner is required. However, what is very convenient and a unique experience, especially if you are passing through, is there wine tasting. The location is also very special. It takes place in a tasting room characterized by windows and transparent ceiling overlooking the vineyards. The cost, including a mixed platter of cold cuts and cheeses (very abundant) with 6 wine tastings, is quite affordable.
Among the cheeses, noteworthy, there is a good imitation of mozzarella served together with yellow tomatoes, not bad! As an accompaniment, in addition to the very good bread, various sauces such as hummus and vegetable pinzimonio. More than enough portions to fill up. The staff who take care of the tastings are very kind and knowledgeable and provide various info on the wines tested. All in an atmosphere that seems frozen in time, of relaxation and tranquility.
When to do the tastings
Tastings can be done without reservation every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (18:00 in summer). If you want to continue, adjacent to the tasting room, there is the Wine cellar where, always with reservation, you can take a guided tour of the area.
And to conclude, Babylonstoren then offers the possibility of using one Spa. In short, whether you are passing through or you want to stop for a night, in any case the estate will be able to capture you and offer you a truly unique experience!
