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16°C
June 28th, 2024
Winter on the farm is a season of contrasts. While some evergreen branches are adorned with bright citrus, most of our trees brave the elements with bare arms. Sleet-grey days are punctured by unexpected rays of sunshine. And steam unfurls from a hot cup while tiny droplets dance on the roof of Greenhouse Restaurant. It is a season for all the senses.
In the garden, there’s life everywhere you look, even on the greyest of days. Put on your wellies and bring an umbrella for an invigorating stroll. In the vegetable garden, a host of brassicas, radicchio, carrots, fennel, kohlrabi and turnips are evidence that winter is anything but dull. The rock exhibition in the Puff Adder proves life can take unexpected forms, while the first waterblommetjies are also surfacing in bright green and dazzling white in their ponds near the Succulent House.
Our citrus bounty will see you through winter on a wave of goodness. Picked tree-ripe and gathered for flavour and purpose, our generous abundance boxes are made for sharing. This year we are rolling out a bonanza of citrus throughout winter, which will include naartjies, lemons, limes, navel oranges and our beloved blood oranges. These boxes are meant to be shared, enjoyed fresh or juiced, or used in marmalades, preserves and cordials.
It’s a busy time for the gardeners as they trim and tweak the fruit-bearing trees in preparation for spring. You can join our team of pruning and espalier experts for a hands-on workshop on the farm, or page through Prune Like a Pro – The Babylonstoren Guide to Pruning Fruit Trees. Written by our very own pruning maestro, Oom Anton Roux, this newly published guide provides practical instructions on pruning, bearing habits and arbour art. Prune Like a Pro is the quintessential companion for any grower of fruit trees.
The newly reopened olive processing facility is the ideal escape on dreary days. Visit the olive oil press, blend your own olive oil, and taste our olives, olive oils and tapenades, paired with an array of flavourful Babylonstoren products.
Raise a glass of our flagship Nebukadnesar in the Tasting Room! At the recent presidential inauguration dinner in Pretoria, this fine blend was paired with the main course – former President Mandela’s favourite lamb recipe. Or opt for our award-winning Shiraz, one of only 26 wines to win a coveted gold medal at the prestigious Syrah du Monde international wine competition in France’s Northern Rhône Valley. Or, if you prefer, sip on a glass of stars – our Cap Classique, Sprankel. Tasted along with the world’s best it was placed in the Top 10 at the Schaumwein-Degustation held in Switzerland in June.
Treat yourself to a winter revival at the hot spa. Nourish body and soul as you soak in warm water and steam in the vitality pools alongside a welcoming hearth. Scrub the winter woes away in the traditional Rasul chamber, or as part of our signature hammam water treatment.
WINTER OFFER: Book a two-night hotel stay and receive a complimentary 30-minute spa treatment. Valid until the end of August.
Invite the scent of the season into your home with the new limited-edition Bloedlemoen fragrance. Inspired by our blood orange orchards, it combines the invigorating scent of blood orange rind with the woody notes of thyme and vetiver. Only available as a travel candle, room spray and hand cream.
Win an all-inclusive, two-night stay at Babylonstoren Farm Hotel for you and a partner. Gain an entry to the competition with every order of R1500 or more, from 26 June to 16 July. T’s and C’s apply.
Expect an unforgettable experience. Our Farm Hotel has been nominated for a Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award for the fourth consecutive year.