Babylonstoren - The Best of Cape Winelands
Self Drive tour
The Cape Winelands are home to over 200 wineries and grape producers, amazing scenery and quaint towns with Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian architecture, not forgetting majestic oaks that are over 300 years old offering shade from the summer sun.
Babylonstoren is an ever evolving working wine farm right on the crossroads of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Set within 3,5 hectares (8 acres) of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the big garden at Babylonstoren is at the heart of the farm, you can choose to visit for the day, or for the best experience, book our package & stay a few days. Daily Garden Tours depart at 10am, where one of the experienced gardeners will be your guide and will encourage guests to pick, taste, smell and touch while walking through the garden.
Overnight guests can enjoy the private gardens, spa, guided walks around the farm and up the koppie, cycling, trails, canoeing/rowing and fishing on the dam and can try the scented room, wine tasting and breadmaking. The wine is award winning and the food is deliciously clean with distinct flavours that celebrate the seasons and the bounty of the garden.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2&3
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Day 4
Day 1 : Cape Town to the Winelands
Arrive in Cape Town and collect your rental car this morning and enjoy the drive to the winelands. Perhaps stop off at Exotic Animal World or the Drakenstein Lion Park, where distressed lions are given sanctuary, on the way to Paarl for a three night stay at the superb Babylonstoren where you’ll enjoy your stay in a Farmhouse Suite.
Dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that boasts one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape. Every aspect of Babylonstoren – including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Bakery – are led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden. The Farm Hotel is characterised by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and hearty fireplaces that emulate an authentic farm stay experience. There are six one-bedroom suites, as well as three one-bedroom cottages and four two-bedroomed cottages. The one- and two-bedroom cottages have a lounge area and basic kitchen. The Farmhouse suites include nine one-bedroom suites. These all have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a hot spa area that includes a salt room, sauna and vitality pool as well as a lounge area.
Comfort is key in the one-bedroom Farmhouse suites where a moody interior theme comprising swarthy four-poster king-size beds, dusted moss walls, luxurious en-suite marble bathrooms and generous walk-in cupboards are paired with contemporary furniture and accessories.
You’ll enjoy full access to the garden at all times, guided garden tours and farm walk, cycling and canoeing/rowing on the farm dam, fishing, a mountain drive, harvest tour, bread baking with bakers, cellar tour and wine tasting, olive and balsamic vinegar tour and a personalised larder in your room.
Day 2&3 : At Leisure
You may just wish to relax in the oasis that is Babylonstoren but being in the heart of wine country it would be a real shame not to get out in your car and explore the region in more depth.
Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second oldest town, is a short drive away and the town’s oak shaded streets are lined with cafes, wine bars, boutiques and art galleries whilst the Cape Dutch architecture gives a true sense of South Africa’s Dutch colonial history. The historic town centre is a living museum with a vibrant street culture. Expect friendly locals, a host of lively events (from art, music and history to outdoor pursuits) and natural scenery to rival even our finest grape.
The scenic Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest in the country and one of the most popular destinations for local and international visitors alike. It will introduce you to unforgettable cellar door experiences, award-winning wine estates – there are over 200 wine and grape producers within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin classification, celebrated restaurants and Stellenbosch’s unique and enviable lifestyle.
The small town of Franschhoek has centuries old vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture and trails that wind through flowers and wildlife at the Mont Rochelle nature reserve to stunning views across the Franschhoek valley where you can take the Wine Tram and make your own hop-on, hop-off wine tour experience.
Day 4 : Depart Cape Town - Arrive UK
Sadly, all good things must come to an end and today is the day to drive back to the airport, drop off your car and check in for your onward flight.
