A wine tasting experience like no other

There’s something magical about sipping a wine that tells a story — not just of its vintage, but of the very soil it was grown in, the hands that crafted it, and the place that raised it. At Babylonstoren, nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, that story begins on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg Mountain and stretches all the way back to the Louw family, who farmed these lands for four generations.

Today, Babylonstoren is home to a modern, state-of-the-art winery — but it hasn’t lost its roots. Designed by acclaimed cellar architect Gerard de Villiers, the cellar is a stunning blend of 17th-century Cape Dutch style and cutting-edge winemaking design. It’s a gravity-fed space fitted with some of the most exciting toys a winemaker could ask for — from classic stainless steel to clay amphorae and massive French oak foudres. The cellar holds up to 1400 tonnes and includes an underground barrel room that’s temperature- and humidity-controlled to perfection.

At the helm of this vinous voyage are Charl Coetzee, the commercial and production director, and cellar master Klaas Stoffberg. Together, they’ve created a wine portfolio that embodies Babylonstoren’s laid-back philosophy: keep it honest, keep it elegant, and let nature do most of the talking. The farm’s logo — a pipe, a flower, and a bird — sums it up: farmer, garden, nature. Simple. Beautiful.

So, what’s pouring at Babylonstoren?

Candide, a standout white blend, is sunshine in a glass — with chardonnay, chenin blanc, sémillon and viognier playing in perfect harmony. It’s tropical, zesty, and makes a killer pairing with asparagus tart. The name? A nod to Voltaire, who reminds us to “cultivate our garden” — fitting for a farm so deeply rooted in the land.

The Chenin Blanc is unwooded, crisp, and guava-packed — your go-to for garden lunches. The Viognier turns up the volume with creamy texture and floral flair, perfect for spicy dishes or a hearty lamb tagine. Then there’s the Chardonnay— bold, full-bodied, and matured for nearly a year in oak. It’s complex, elegant, and a proud feature on Winemag’s 2024 Top 10 of the 10-Year-Old Wine Report.

On the rosé front, the Mourvèdre Rosé steals the show. It’s the official rosé of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and it wears that title well. Think watermelon, pomegranate, and a whisper of rose petals — ideal for summer lunches or, frankly, any occasion you want to feel fancy.

Red lovers, rejoice. Babel is an eclectic blend of no fewer than 12 cultivars — a bold, juicy, multi-layered celebration of black fruit and spice. Shiraz adds that sultry blackcurrant-and-leather magic, while Nebukadnesar, the flagship Bordeaux-style blend, delivers violets, thyme, and all the structure you’d expect from a classic.

And let’s not forget the Cabernet Sauvignon — all berries, violets, and ripe tannins. Pair it with slow-roasted lamb or a fancy cheeseburger and thank us later.

For something bubbly, Sprankel is Babylonstoren’s first Cap Classique, made from 90% chardonnay and 10% pinot noir. It’s crisp, citrusy, and delightfully effervescent. Awarded Platter’s Best Cap Classique for 2023–24, it’s your go-to celebration-in-a-bottle.

Want in?

Babylonstoren offers ten core wines, plus a few secret stunners reserved just for Wine Club members. You can order online at cellar door prices, and they ship internationally to Europe, the UK, China, and the USA. Or visit the Tasting Room — open daily — where you can sip your way through the range, with platters to nibble on in between.

Fancy getting behind the scenes? Book a cellar tour (R550 per person, tasting included). These run three times a day and include a walk through the vineyards, an insider look at the winemaking process, and a special tasting inside the atmospheric wine tunnel. Bonus: you’ll be served food pairings that bring out the best in each wine.

And if you're a wine geek (aren’t we all?), make time for The Story of Wine Museum. This interactive space celebrates the ancient craft of winemaking with everything from antique corkscrews to a deep dive into terroirs and aromas — all wrapped up in that signature Babylonstoren flair.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual sipper, Babylonstoren offers more than just good wine — it offers a genuine connection to place, people, and purpose. And really, isn’t that what the best wines are all about?

Pro tip: Don't leave without trying the Sprankel. It’s a little bottle of Babylonstoren joy.