The first time when I had visited Cape Town in 2012, I did not have time to check out the vineyards proper. We only did 1-2 wine tastings at the cellar.

This time round, I made it a mission to check out some beautiful vineyards around the area. We also stayed at one of the wine estates, which was memorable.

Babylonstoren

Address: 5WFF+GP, Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium, Paarl, 7670, South Africa

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest working Cape Dutch farms in the Winelands region. The estate is positioned around a sprawling garden, inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town. In recent years, Babylonstoren has become a renowned establishment in the vibrant Boland region. The farm’s garden is known for its diverse and expansive botanical collections. 

We were super impressed with the layout of this whole estate. Almost everything served here is organic, from the homemade jams and honey, to the wines, vinegar and olive oil.

The farm’s various eateries all celebrate and incorporate the garden’s seasonal bounty. Fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs and other edible delicacies are harvested daily and transformed into dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative. Babel Restaurant, situated in a refurbished old cowshed with Cape Dutch gables and modern glass walls, sets the perfect backdrop to savour these extraordinary dishes. The more relaxed Greenhouse eatery, again, offers an informal experience where light meals can be enjoyed after a stroll through the garden.  The restaurant was fully booked for lunch, so we had some light bites at the Greenhouse instead. The winter sunshine was strong and lit up the greenhouse.

Next, it was time for wine tasting. I had the tasting set which comes with seven wines from the Babylonstoren range R90 (~ SGD 6.60) while my wife had the express tasting R50 (~ SGD 3.65). We definitely can’t get this type of prices in Singapore. The express tasting includes Chenin Blanc, Moivedre Rose and Babel Red.

Babylonstoren even its own wine museum which is very informative. It details the origins, cultivation and culture behind mankind’s love affair with wine, while encouraging a contemporary narrative of its age-old traditions and social gravitas. 

For those who do not wish to drive to the wine estate, there is an option of taking the Franschhoek wine tram. Our most popular option, the Hop-on Hop-off Experience, allows you to do just that – hop on and off as you like, experiencing the different activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or just a stroll through the vineyards. And when you’re ready, simply hop-on to continue your journey.

There are various lines such as blue, pink, orange, red etc, taking you through rolling hills and the beautiful wine estates. Lines depart between 08:45am & 13:00pm (check the terminal of departure for the specific line). Visit a number of wine estates over the course of a day. It is suggested to visit 3-4 wineries when starting with one of the earlier departures. The tour starts and ends at either the Franschhoek Terminal or the Groot Drakenstein Terminal.

PRICING

Adult R280 (~ SGD 20.91)

Child (3-17) R90 (~ SGD 6.72)

Leipzig Country House & Winery

Address: Nuy Valley Road, Nuy Valley, Worcester, 6850, South Africa

Nuy Valley between Worcester and Robertson

We stayed here for the night. There are 21 luxury double en-suite rooms have writing desks, air conditioning, heating, seating, Wi-Fi and good internet access. In the morning, you can indulge in a delicious farm-style breakfast, which is included in the room rate. The freshly prepared breakfast was so good.

Here at Leipzig Winery, the wine tasting is R65 (~SGD 4.75) for 4 wine tasting and R95 (~ SGD 6.95) for 6 wines tasting. We could choose freely from the wine list, with a range of wines such as Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon blanc etc.

Other notable wineries:

– Vergelegen Wine Estate (which I has visited in 2012)

– Nuy Winery

– Du Toitskloof Wines

– Breeland Winery

– GlenWood Vineyards

– Dieu Donne Vineyards Cellar & Tasting Room

– Stony Brook Vineyards