// SOUTH AFRICA // SIMONDIUM //
babylonstoren wine estate
a paradise of timeless luxury
Nestled in the breathtaking Drakenstein Valley of Cape winelands, Babylonstoren is, perhaps, the closest thing you can get to a modern garden of Babylon, a contemporary wonder of its own stature. It’s the epitome of a generation’s dream: to own a vineyard, farm, and have a little bed and breakfast with small town charm, except pushed to the extreme. See, Babylonstoren is a meticulously crafted oasis, a masterful sensory experience of nature and life and abundance. The historic Cape Dutch farm has been on this land since the late 17th century, but in 2007 was purchased by Koos and Karen Bekker as a passion project and transformed into a sprawling estate that ties together agricultural legacy and contemporary luxury. From the beautiful gardens that feed the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants, to the famous winery and quiet luxury hotel and spa, every part of Babylonstoren is exquisite.
It’s a place that invites exploration of the 500 acres: where you can wander fruit orchards, taste (and purchase) wines and olive oils, savor dishes with ingredients freshly harvested from the farm, and unwind in lavish cottages. Babylonstoren has, over the years, become a destination in itself, drawing in visitors from around the world, again and again, to slow down indulge in the profound pleasures of abundance.
At the heart of Babylonstoren is the magnificent garden, designed by French architect Patrice Taravella, with a nod to the Company’s Garden in Cape Town and the namesake gardens of Babylon. Divided into 15 sections with over 300 types of plants, it is a botanical paradise. There are vegetable patches, fruit orchards, a prickly pear maze, a spice garden, greenhouses, and expansive views of the mountains beyond. Everything in the garden is edible or medicinal, a part of the farm’s “pick, wash and eat” philosophy. Ducks and turkeys wander freely as do visitors in a harmonious experience.
The winery is what the people come for. From the state of the art cellar to the captivating vineyards as far as the eye can see. The tasting room is bright and contemporary, a certain lightness that feels more Californian than European. They also offer cellar tours with a tasting in the subterranean wine tunnel. Their portfolio ranges from exceptional whites like Chinin Blanc and Voignier to bold reds with their Shiraz and the celebrated Nebukadnesar, their flagship Bordeaux blend.
In addition to the wine and olive oil tasting where you can purchase to your hearts desire in bulk via an order form, there is a beautiful farm shop where you can bring a little bit of Babylonstoren to your own home. This treasure trove of artisanal goods and botanical products. There’s of course the estate wines, olive oils, vinegars, preserves and honey produced on the farm. And then beautifully curated home goods, gardening tools, textiles and bath and body products inspired by the garden and reflecting the signature Babylonstoren nature-inspired design.
And then there’s the restaurants, with seasonal menus guided by the daily harvest of the garden. Babel Restaurant is housed in a converted cow shed, and offers a sophisticated farm-to-fork experience all day long, from breakfast to dinner. The Greenhouse is a casual, al fresco option, dining under the oaks with garden-inspired fare for walk in bites throughout the day. They also have have a cozy, rustic Old Bakery, which serves up Italian comfort food, and, a couple days a week, a South African braai enjoyed on communal tables with folk music in the background.
Babylonstoren makes for a lovely day or half day trip. But the true treat is to stay in the beautifully restored Cape Dutch-style cottages. The private, spacious havens blend historic charm with contemporary comforts and private access to the gardens. The estate becomes a personal playground, with plenty of programming to go around, from guided tours, dining experiences and a luxurious spa to truly unwind in a place that feels wonderfully insulated from the rest of the world.
the details
| Address | Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium |
| Website | https://babylonstoren.com/ |
| @babylonstoren | |
| Hours | general visiting hours are 09:00-18:00 (17:00 during winter), Babylon restaurant is open to 20:30 for dinner service |
| Price | $$$$ – definitely a place that caters to the 1%, particularly for the hotel (starting at around R14,000/night ~$800 during low season to R22,000/night ~$1200 in high season for standard rooms). Babylon restaurant is R550 for 2 courses (~$30) and R700 for 3 courses (~$40). Bottles of wine start at a modest R150 (~$8) but increase from there. General entrance fee is R150 (~$8), and free for under 18) |
| Aesthetic | historical Cape Dutch architecture blended with clean, contemporary architecture, on a dramatic backdrop of the mediterranean landscape |
good to know
Go here for: immersive, luxurious farm-to-table experience; world-class gardens; wine tasting; a serene escape; beautiful photography opportunities
Don’t miss: the farm shop, definitely give yourself enough time to shop, and of course don’t leave without a garden tour, which you can book ahead of time
Amount of time to spend: perfect for a day trip. Give yourself at least 4 hours on site, or at least 6 hours if you’re also looking to sit down for a meal and do wine tasting. Ideally, stay a night to truly enjoy the estate
When to come: spring and autumn are best for weather and gardens in bloom or harvest, but truly it is beautiful any time of the year (even in the winter, where it is especially peaceful). Be sure to book reservations early, especially during high season
Getting here: it is about a 45-60 minute drive from Cape Town, and there is a large parking lot on site
Other things to note:
- Download their app for a map and guide to the many parts of the estate.
- Pre-book tours and meals (Babylon and the Bakery) well in advance.
Last visited: August 2024
Last updated: January 2025