Make Mom feel extra special during the month of May by treating her to an unforgettable Franschhoek experience. Although Sunday, 9 May is officially Mother’s Day, Franschhoek is open to Moms throughout this celebratory month with an array of delightful treats. Make the most of Mom’s experience and tailor make the perfect itinerary to spoil … Read more
As we near the end of our extended lockdown we await news of what our new normal may be. While we wait, Franschhoek Wine Valley locals continue to do their bit for those less fortunate as well as keep the region top of mind for those who will one day once more visit our beautiful … Read more
As we face challenging times and what feels like an endless dark tunnel, every now and then a good news story peaks out from behind the dark clouds and leaves us with hope. With news emerging recently that wine producers are allowed to export there is further cause for celebration in that some of our … Read more
During the lockdown in South Africa, you can still get the freshest farm produce in the Franschhoek Valley. Don’t miss out on stocking up on healthy fresh produce for your family when you need it most. Babylonstoren You can stock up on freshly baked bread, cold-pressed juice, free-range eggs, a selection of meats and cheeses, full … Read more
Not only is it the height of awards season for the wine industry, but it is also full steam ahead for restaurants. With the 2019 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards around the corner chefs in and around the country are on tender hooks as they await news as to who has secured the top spot. … Read more
The Sommeliers Selection Wine Competition, which was conceptualized in 2015, has revolutionized local wine competitions. It is a competition with a difference, as it is judged solely by top South African Sommeliers, and the winning wines for 2019 were recently announced with seven Franschhoek vignerons shining in their relevant categories. The vignerons who secured spots … Read more
In 1662, on the 17th of April, the first apple was picked at the Cape. It was the Witte Wijnappel. In 1692, Babylonstoren Farm was granted to burgher Pieter van der Byl by the then Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel. Prior to that, the Drakenstein Valley had been inhabited by the nomadic … Read more
At the 41st Annual Loerie Awards, which took place on 23 August 2019 at the Durban ICC, Babylonstoren’s 2019 Calendar was awarded Silver in the Graphic Design category. Congratulations to the Babylonstoren team – Maranda Engelbrecht, Adel Ferreira and Mercia Maree. Their 2020 calendar will be in the Farm Shop and Online by mid-October.
There is no excuse not to open a bottle of your favourite Chardonnay today. So let us all raise our glasses to International Chardonnay day! Chardonnay’s popularity makes it one of the most planted white varieties in the world – about 160 000 ha. It is also planted in more wine grape areas than any … Read more
In the same 18th-century building, which originally housed the blacksmith, stables and waenhuis (waggon house), Babylonstoren now has the Lekker Room – a tantalizing space of flavours where their own almonds and pecan nuts, grown on the farm, are roasted. From roasted nuts to steaming coffee and everything in between can be tasted here. The … Read more