What to do at Babylonstoren
The Babylonstoren farm dates back to 1692 and is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in the Franschhoek wine valley. Babylonstoren is the vision of owner Karen Roos, who has transformed the winery into a magical garden, working farm, and hotel just an hour outside of Cape Town.
It’s easy to spend a full day at Babylonstoren and the options are endless when considering what to do at Babylonstoren.
The basics
- Entry is R80/pp (for year-long access)
- Children under 18 enter free
- Wine tasting R90/pp
- Open Monday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm
- You can easily spend 5 hours or more here
- Uber, drive, or take the wine tram
- Family friendly activity with food, drinks, and exploration for all
Is Babylonstoren worth the hype?
But first…
I wasn’t sure if it was before we visited but I knew the insta pictures were on point! After just 10 minutes, it’s easy to say: yes, it’s worth the hype. From beautifully curated gardens, a trout fish tank, a cactus garden, and veggies, there is so much to enjoy besides the wine. In fact, you can also spend a full day at Babylonstoren and not have any wine at all—the fresh fruit juices and farm-fresh food will keep you plenty occupied.
Babylonstoren is also great for a family-friendly activity for all ages and their gardens are accessible.
Look out for the roosters and donkeys as you enter!
Getting to Babylonstoren
If you have your own car and plan on driving, you’re set!
If you plan to drink your heart out, you can get an uber for about R400 one-way. There were plenty of ubers available when we did this due to the winery’s popularity and proximity to Paarl.
You can also take the Franschhoek Wine Tram. The Purple route includes Babylonstoren and costs R270. However, Babylonstoren has so much to do on its property that I recommend visiting for the full day.
Babylonstoren wine tasting
The wine tasting is a full 2-hour experience. The pours are super generous and it feels like you’ll almost end up drinking a full bottle of wine (or more…) if you drink all you’re given…
Wine tasting costs R90 and you can also add on extra glasses of the Flagship wines. I recommend adding a tasting of the Sprankel (R40).
Wine tasting is on a first-come, first-served basis. When Wilhelm and I went in the “off” season (October), we were seated immediately. However, when I visited again with my siblings in early January, we waited 20 minutes for a table for 3.
Don’t forget to check out the cellar before or after your tasting. You can do a cellar tour for R325/pp and it will include a tasting as well.
Babylonstoren itinerary suggestions
Suggestion #1: Arrive around 10:30am. Visit the garden and then have brunch at the Greenhouse. Head to the veggie garden and the succulent garden. If you keep walking along the dirt road, you’ll come to the lavender field. Head to the wine tasting then wander around the shops.
Suggestion #2: Start with the wine tasting, wander the gardens, then end with an early dinner at Babel. You should make a reservation far in advance to dine at Babel.
Visit the garden
The 5-hectare garden is modeled on the famous Company’s Garden in Cape Town. That’s about 7 soccer fields! Babylonstoren has it all and you need to see it all too because everything is beautiful and insta-worthy.
Check out the cactus garden
We were wondering why some of the cacti looked like their spikes were pulled… Just a minute later I smashed my arm into one of the cactus branches… Now you know why, or perhaps that’s just how they are. Either way, I was grateful.
Walk through the puff adder tunnel
And look out for the mouse in the belly as you pass the bonsais.
Check out the Lavender field
The lavender field was in full bloom when I visited in early January. Head past the plum vines along the dirt road and you’ll come across the lavender fields on your left.
Veggie Garden
Stare at all the veggies here. They are beautiful. Even chard (which I hate).
Check out the full map here.
Food at Babylonstoren
With a farm-to-fork philosophy, the food at Babylonstoren’s several restaurants is delicious.
If you’re looking for a classy and modern lunch or dinner, head to Babel. You should make a reservation to dine here. The food is locally sourced from their farm and portion are large! Cue a ton of food photos…
Visit the Greenhouse if you’re not sure of what time you’ll be hungry when you’re at Babylonstoren. Expect no-fuss food, bakery items, and great drinks. Open between 10am-4pm.
Near the entrance of the farm, you’ll come across a collection of shops that sell cheese, meat, sweets, and veggies. The bread is usually the first to go so if you’re planning on buying some, do so at the beginning of your day because it’ll likely be gone otherwise. Also head to the oil distillery shop across from the wine-tasting shed.
What else to do at Babylonstoren
There is so much to do at Babylonstoren and honestly, the best way to look up all they have to offer is to visit their website.
Garden activities— From farm tours to soap-making and sun print workshops, the garden offers several workshops throughout the year.
Spa Day— Add some pampering to your Babylonstoren itinerary and visit the spa.
Babylonstoren Hotel— Don’t feel like driving home? No worries, spend the night at Babylonstoren’s hotel. Activities for hotel guests include taking a rowboat out on the pond and mountain biking on roads around the property.
Check Babylonstoren’s site for the latest opening hours. Some facilities are not open due to COVID-19.
What did you think about what to do at Babylonstoren? Let me know in the comments!