Babylonstoren – Wine, Gardens and Good Living on the Simonsberg in Paarl

Wines from one of the oldest farms in the Cape Winelands, founded in 1692

Babylonstoren combines wine, gardens and good living on the Simonsberg in Paarl. The farm is one of the oldest in the Cape Winelands. Its history goes back to 1692. It lies between Paarl and Franschhoek. Koos Bekker and Karen Roos own it today. Thirteen grape varieties grow on 120 hectares, including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The large garden, with its 15 sections, supplies the farm's restaurants.

Here you can buy Babylonstoren wine, from fresh Chenin Blanc to the flagship Nebukadnesar. The Chenin Blanc goes well with salads and pan-fried fish. The Nebukadnesar suits beef fillet and rack of lamb. The Mourvèdre rosé is also a good choice for warm summer evenings.

Learn more about Babylonstoren

Vineyard Babylonstoren

At the Foot of the Simonsberg: Location and Name

Babylonstoren lies in the Drakenstein Valley at the foot of the Simonsberg, about an hour's drive from Cape Town [1]. The farm sits between Paarl and Franschhoek [2]. It is one of the oldest working farms in the Cape Winelands [5]. Its name recalls the Hanging Gardens of Babylon [1].

From Vines to Fruit Trees and Back: The History

The history begins in 1692, when Pieter van der Byl received land here and planted the first vines [1]. Fresh water was a major advantage over the settlements on the coast [1]. At first the grapes were sold for wine, later for brandy [1]. Phylloxera reached the Cape around 1886, and many farmers switched to fruit trees [1]. The Manor House of 1777 is still preserved in Cape Dutch style [1]. Koos Bekker and Karen Roos bought the farm in 2007 and opened it to visitors in 2010 [3].

The Garden the Sunday Times Compared to Versailles

The Sunday Times called the garden "the Versailles of vegetable gardens" [4]. The Frenchman Patrice Taravella designed it on the model of the Company's Garden in Cape Town [4]. It is divided into 15 sections, in which more than 300 edible and medicinal plant species grow [1][3]. A freshwater stream supplies the garden [1]. Its harvest goes to the restaurants and to the farm's natural products [1]. There are also clivias, succulents and a rare collection of cycads [5].

Vineyards between 170 and 600 Metres

The vines grow on 120 hectares and are spread across 13 grape varieties [3]. The vineyards lie between 170 and 600 metres above sea level [6]. The soils range from poor sand through rich loam to deep shale [6]. According to Wine with Seth, the upper slopes of the Simonsberg have a cooling influence on the vineyards [2]. Among the whites, Chenin Blanc is the focus, joined by Chardonnay and Viognier. Among the reds, Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Cabernet Sauvignon are important [2].

Nebukadnesar: Every Variety on Its Own Plot

The Nebukadnesar is the farm's top red blend. It unites all five classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot [6]. The estate matches each variety to the plot where it grows best [6]. The first vintage was 2012, and it was presented in November 2014 [6]. Its name recalls the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II and fits the farm's Babylon theme [6].

In the Cellar: Amphorae and Concrete Eggs

For small batches, the cellar uses amphorae, open concrete tanks and egg-shaped concrete vessels [5]. The winemaker is Klaas Stoffberg, and the cellar master is Charl Coetzee [5].

More than Wine: Olive Oil from Babylonstoren

The range also includes two olive oils, because the farm cultivates 60 hectares of olives [3]. In our shop you will find Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Mourvèdre Rosé, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Babel Red and Nebukadnesar. The olive oils Coratina and Olive Oil Blend complete the range.

Visiting Babylonstoren

The tasting takes place in a glass-walled room next to the old wine cellar. There you taste the farm's wines, from Chenin Blanc to Nebukadnesar [7]. There are also cellar tours and the wine museum "The Story of Wine" [7]. The restaurant Babel sits in a converted cowshed, and the Greenhouse serves light picnic-style dishes during the day [5][7]. The farm shop has a scent room, a cheese room and a meat room [7]. The garden spa has a hammam [7]. Families enjoy the farm animals and garden mazes with water features [7]. You should book tickets for the garden, tasting and Babel in advance [8].

Vineyard facts

Year of established:

1692

Address:

5WFF+GP, Klapmuts - Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670

Geo data address:

-33.82275670097148, 18.92631516194435

Our recommendation:

Babylonstoren Nebukadnesar

Why you should visit:

Babel Restaurant with seasonal farm-to-table cuisine sourced directly from the estate’s garden.
Unique garden landscape with fruit, herbs and vegetables at the heart of the estate.
Wine tastings featuring Babylonstoren’s distinctive wines in a historic Cape farm setting.
Farm shops offering a unique retail experience with wine, produce and curated local goods.

Phone:

+27 (0)21 8633852

Vineyard website:

https://www.babylonstoren.com/