Our favourite time of year is almost here! As the farm begins to dress for the festive season, anticipation is growing for the celebrations, long lunches and happy gatherings ahead. Our festive theme, A Garden of Gifts, is coming to life in the Farm Shops. Visit our dedicated festive pop-up shop in the Gift Room, where you’ll find everything from handmade Christmas decorations and candles for celebratory tables to cellar gems, pantry staples and gorgeous gifting ideas for every palate and pocket. If you’re in Gauteng, visit our festive pop-up at The Mall of Africa in Midrand for festive inspiration from the farm.
Feathers in our cap
We have much to celebrate on the farm! Babel, our flagship restaurant, has been awarded Africa’s Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant at the 2026 World Culinary Awards. Wonderful recognition not only for our dedicated team at Babel, but also for the growers, makers, bakers and butchers who work closely with them to bring the farm’s very finest to the table each day. Our farm hospitality also earned Babylonstoren the title of Best Farm Hotel in South Africa at the 2026 Luxe Hotel Awards, while our little coastal sister estate, BLOU in Keurbooms, took home the award for Best Self-Catering Accommodation.
Stay a little longer
Babylonstoren has been named South Africa’s number one hotel in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Come and experience it for yourself with a two-night escape on the farm, available until 30 November 2026.
Wake up to breakfast each morning, explore the farm at your own pace and enjoy all the activities included in your stay. We’ll also take you on a complimentary drive to our secluded mountain pool, where blissful hours await as you swim, unwind and take in the sweeping mountain views.
Also available until the end of November is our Garden in Bloom Escape – a minimum two-night stay with breakfast at Babel, farm activities, a special gift from the Farm Shop on arrival and a two-course set-menu dinner at Babel Restaurant for each guest. Late checkout is also included, subject to availability. Visit our website for more ways to linger longer.
Summer’s most splendid table
Our ode to summer, abundance and the art of celebrating! On 5 December, our final Harvest Table of the year promises an extraordinary evening to usher in the festive season. One long table, a secret location on the farm, a magnificent feast showcasing the finest of the summer harvest and exceptional Babylonstoren wines. An intimate, indulgent occasion held just once a season. Reserve your seat at this spectacular table.
Gold rush
From field to table, we’re incredibly proud of and grateful for the love, care and attention to detail invested in making Babylonstoren farm products. Our golden girl, Sprankel Cap Classique, scooped two golds at the Amorim Cap Classique Awards. The 2021 Sprankel won gold in the Blanc de Blanc category and the 2020 Sprankel won gold in the Brut Blend category – a rare feat indeed. In the same golden vein, both our extra virgin olive oil blend and single-cultivar Coratina struck gold at the SA Olive Awards. We are delighted by this recognition of the dedication and craftsmanship that go into every bottle.
At the prestigious Veritas Awards, Babylonstoren claimed an exceptional three double gold medals for Sprankel 2021, Nebukadnesar 2024 and Babel 2025 – a proud moment for our winemaking team. Adding to the celebrations, our charming flower child, Mourvèdre Rosé, won her first gold at Veritas.
A taste of Tuscany
We’re bringing a delicious slice of Tuscan life to the farm. Chef Federico Lucii from our sister estate, Vignamaggio in Tuscany, will be joining the team at the Old Bakery to serve Italian feasts on 17 and 20 November. Two nights of deeply delicious, festive dining. Book your seat at the table.
Summer loving, happy at last
The farm is entering the first flush of summer, with early peaches and plums ripe for the picking. Num-nums, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries add to the season’s bounty. Rose geranium and chamomile perfume the garden air, while our tunnels produce whimsical, old-world tea roses in gorgeous shades – voluptuous in shape and headily scented. In the Puff Adder walkway, marvel at our collection of bonsai trees, including indigenous specimens – magnificent miniatures that reward a closer look.
The bees’ knees
The inhabitants of our Byzantium are living up to their reputation. Take a walk through the Moestuin (Kitchen Garden) to explore their fascinating world in our temple to bees and learn about the essential role these industrious pollinators play in the garden.
BabylonSTORIES
Catch up with our monthly vodcast, BabylonSTORIES, where the people behind Babylonstoren share their knowledge, skills and stories from the farm. From the gardens and orchards to the kitchens and cellar, discover the many hands and minds that make Babylonstoren what it is.
Watch or listen on the Babylonstoren App, YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
WORKSHOPS IN NOVEMBER
From festive decorations and baking to gardening, blacksmithing and woodwork, our workshops offer plenty of opportunities to lean into what brings you joy. A workshop also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who loves to learn by doing. The Babylonstoren koppie family hike is a rare opportunity for the whole family to see the farm from a different perspective.
BABYLONSTOREN
3 November – Naturally sweet: baking with honey 4 November – Discover the secret life of bees 7 November – Babylonstoren koppie family hike 10 November – Discover the healing powers of herbs 11 November – Birding at Babylonstoren 17 November – Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents 18 November – Pruning pros: focus on fruit trees in summer 24 November – Christmas décor from the garden 25 November – Create a natural freshwater pond 26 November – Christmas décor from the garden 26 November – A Christmas bake story: festive favourites from mince pies to panettone
SOETMELKSVLEI
5 November – Heirloom tomatoes: bake your own galette with traditional butter pastry 6 November – Nuts for pecans! Bake a pecan pie and carrot cake 7 November – Blacksmithing: forge your own ladle 12 November – Hey, Brew! Fruit and flower cordials and bush teas 13 November – Baking with cheese 14 November – Craft a traditional riempie camping chair 19 November – Sun prints: create botanical blueprints 20 November – Bake teatime treats with choux pastry and almond cake 21 November – Bake your own savoury breads 21 November – Make a wooden birdhouse for your garden 27 November – Traditional needlework: the basics of colourful quilting 28 November – Leathercraft: make your own leather belt
