This September, Babylonstoren invites visitors to celebrate spring on the farm – from clivias and fruit blossoms in the garden to Heritage Day family fun at Soetmelksvlei, leisurely brunches, a Spring Harvest Table and a full calendar of hands-on workshops.
Wake up among the flowers
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to stay at Babylonstoren, with seasonal offers available for guests who want to linger a little longer among the blossoms.
Until 30 September, guests can celebrate Babylonstoren’s Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown award by staying three nights and paying for only two. Each adult guest will also receive a two-course dinner at Babel and a complimentary 30-minute spa treatment.
Those planning a shorter escape can stay two nights and enjoy a two-course dinner at Babel per guest, available until the end of September. The Garden in Bloom Escape, available until 30 November, includes daily breakfast at Babel, a two-course dinner, a private guided seasonal garden tour and late checkout, subject to availability.
Nature sets the pace
Spring arrived early at Babylonstoren, with clivias already lighting up the Puff Adder walkway, the House of Shadows and the riverbank. Peach, plum and almond trees are veiled in clouds of white and pink blossom, creating one of the loveliest times of year to walk through the garden.
A warmer-than-usual winter and low rainfall have brought the season forward, with trees budding earlier and the farm team adapting irrigation and fertilisation accordingly. In the drier corners of the garden, succulents are thriving, with brightly coloured vygies creating a patchwork of colour in the Welwitschia Garden and surrounding rockeries.
Heritage Day – a family affair
Heritage Day at Soetmelksvlei celebrates much-loved farm animals, traditional farm life and the comforting heritage dishes passed down through generations.
Visitors can meet ginger cats and rough-coated collies, chickens, miniature donkeys, towering Chianina oxen and hardworking mules. Families can also explore the farmyard at a different pace, with rides spanning the centuries – from ox wagon and mule cart to tractor.
A soirée to remember
On 26 September, Babylonstoren will host its Spring Harvest Table – an intimate celebration of this dynamic season’s finest produce, served in a secret location on the farm.
As the sun sets, guests gather around a beautiful spring tablescape for an evening of exceptional food paired with Babylonstoren wines. This seasonal experience invites visitors to savour the moment and lose track of time. Arrive dressed in the colours of spring. Booking essential via Events page.
Brunch in Bloom extended by popular demand
The best brunch in the Boland has proven so popular that Babylonstoren has extended its Brunch in Bloom offer until the end of November.
Guests can gather their loved ones for a leisurely, abundant brunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays. The spread includes farm-fresh produce, bread, fruit, granola and yoghurt, followed by a choice between two hot breakfasts and a beverage of choice. Booking is essential and includes admission to the farm for the day.
Cellar stories and Babylonstoren wines
In the September episode of BabylonSTORIES, cellar master Klaas Stoffberg takes us behind the scenes for a cellar walkthrough and private tasting. He shares the stories behind Babylonstoren’s wines, introduces small-batch releases crafted exclusively for the Wine Club and uncorks the origin story of the much-loved Babel red blend. Local wine lovers can continue the story on the farm with a visit to the Tasting Room.
Shiraz 2023 takes top honours
Babylonstoren’s Shiraz 2023 has once again done the farm proud – and mightily so. This multi-awarded wine was named best shiraz in the country at the South African Terroir Awards 2026, adding another celebrated accolade to the farm’s cellar.
Visitors can enjoy the Shiraz 2023 at the Tasting Room, as part of the curated tasting on a cellar tour, or in the comfort of their own homes. It is available from the farm and online.
WORKSHOPS IN SEPTEMBER
From baking with blueberries and bookbinding to the fascinating worlds of fynbos, indigenous trees and bees, September’s workshop programme offers something for every curious mind and capable pair of hands. Visitors can learn from Babylonstoren’s gardeners, bakers, makers and artisans, or try their hand at traditional skills at Soetmelksvlei.
BABYLONSTOREN
1 September – Craft your own homemade soaps
2 September – Discover & grow cycads
3 September – Forage for indigenous veld foods
8 September – Grow your own spring vegetables
9 September – Spring decor from the garden
15 September – Farm brew: bean to cup coffee experience
16 September – Encounter the beautiful world of fynbos
17 September – Taste of spring: asparagus & artichokes
22 September – Naturally sweet: baking with honey
23 September – Craft your own homemade soaps
29 September – The secret life of bees
30 September – The wonders of indigenous trees
SOETMELKSVLEI
3 September – Perfectly pumpkin: seasonal baking
4 September – Make butter, soft cheese & yoghurt
5 September – Blacksmithing: make a pigtail braai fork
10 September – Make butter & buttermilk scones
11 September – Master meat: make salami & charcuterie
12 September – Craft a 3-legged milking stool
12 September – Berry feast: bake a frangipane tart
17 September – Floral cake decoration
18 September – Bake with blueberries
19 September – The art of bookbinding
19 September – Carpentry: craft a herb box
25 September – Traditional handcrafts: colour crocheting
26 September – Leathercraft: make a dog collar & leash