Babylonstoren is ushering in spring with a colourful line-up of seasonal harvests, floral displays, wine accolades, and workshops, making September an ideal time to visit the historic Cape Winelands farm.
Babylonsteron/ Heribert Bechen, 5 million visits – many thanks!/Wikimedia Commons
Sweet signs of spring
Visitors can expect the last of the citrus harvest, including Tango naartjies, alongside tender asparagus, artichokes, mulberries and blueberries. Strawberries are also rooting in the Glasshouse to provide a sweet treat throughout the season. Aromatics like lime, curry leaves and lemongrass are on the harvest list, promising flavourful additions to broths and curries.
Blooms along the pathways
From mid-September, Babylonstoren’s gardens will showcase the first boslelies beneath wild olive trees. The Puff Adder walkway will also feature thousands of potted clivias, curated by clivia expert Brent Reid, creating a striking floral display.
Shiraz success
Wine lovers can raise a glass to the estate’s recent achievements at the Shiraz SA Awards. Babylonstoren Shiraz 2022 made the Top 12, while Babel 2023 ranked in the Top 5 shiraz blends.
Food artisans take the spotlight
The farm’s producers scooped 19 awards, including 13 gold medals, at the Aurora International Taste Challenge. Standouts range from boerewors to Spiced Rooibos Gelato and Sundried Tomato Pesto – ideal additions to a spring picnic or braai.
Heritage Day feasts
In the lead-up to Heritage Day (24 September), the farm shop will stock award-winning boerewors and lamb chops. At Soetmelksvlei’s Old Stables Restaurant, visitors can indulge in traditional dishes like bobotie, braaied lamstertjies, sago pudding and souskluitjies.
Workshops for every interest
Hands-on workshops round out the month’s calendar, ranging from vegetable gardening and soap-making to fynbos encounters and veg-grilling masterclasses. At Soetmelksvlei, visitors can also try their hand at traditional crafts such as crocheting, pie baking, bookbinding and salami-making.
Workshop highlights include:
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2 Sept: Grow your own spring vegetables
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10 Sept: Encounter the world of fynbos
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18 Sept: Taste of spring: asparagus & artichokes
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24 Sept: Veg on fire – braai with Babel’s head chef
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20 Sept: The art of bookbinding (Soetmelksvlei)
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26 Sept: Master meat – make your own salami (Soetmelksvlei)
With gardens in bloom, seasonal flavours to savour and heritage-inspired festivities, Babylonstoren’s September calendar offers a full sensory escape.
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