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The inspiration behind this range of natural wines

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BabylonstorenLeonardo da Vinci once said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. No truer is this than at Babylonstoren, the 580 hectare botanical paradise that is orchard, vineyard, garden and getaway; a serene haven that grounds visitors with its harmony with nature.

Opened to the public in 2010, the estate dates back 300 years and today is one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape. It also boasts a magnificent eight acre garden that – besides seasonally bearing fruit, berries, vegetables and olives – is also the breath-taking backdrop for its range of fine wines that will be exhibited at the annual TOPS at SPAR Wine Show – an annual national tour of South Africa’s top wine producers – this August.

CLICK Here to get free tickets to the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show.

Here, cellar master Charl Coetzee provides a glimpse into the glorious garden and “back to nature” philosophy that is Babylonstoren:

What is your wine-making style? Our wines are best exemplified by the farm’s striking logo which consists of the pipe, representing the farmer; the flower, representing the garden; and the bird, representing nature. This combination is the very essence of Babylonstoren; that is keeping things as simple and as true to the earth as possible. It is this that we strive to achieve in our wine: Truth to the area we are situated in on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, and simplicity by making elegant and balanced wines as natural as possible.

Tell us about your range? We have 72 hectares under vine which produce 13 grape varietals. This includes the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc, Viognier and Shiraz. There’s also a Mourvèdre Rosé and two Bordeaux Blends: Babel and the premium Nebukadnesar. And our highest vines, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lie 600m above sea level up in the mountains. Every aspect of our wines are informed by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the gardens.

Tell us about Babylonstoren, the farm: It dates back to 1692 when the oldest buildings were built. After the property was bought in 2007, French architect, Patrice Taravella designed the garden. It was inspired by the historic Company Gardens in Cape Town which supplied fresh fruit and vegetables to Dutch East India sailing ships. Pergolas, gravel pathways and water canals followed, and in 2009, we started preparing the soil and did most of the planting for the formal garden.

Besides wine, what else does Babylonstoren offer? The farm also has 16.5 hectares of olive trees which produce eight cultivars. In March 2014 we produced our first home-grown olive oil using the modern Pieralisi olive press. We also have a farm shop and bakery which sells freshly baked bread and exclusive products from the garden. In the scented room, visitors are mesmerized with the garden-inspired fragrances in our soaps, candles and bath salts, etc. while between the oak trees The Greenhouse restaurant offers delicious meals and drinks made with fresh ingredients and produce grown on the farm. There’s also a Garden Spa which adds another level of relaxation for guests, our boutique hotel, Farm, and fine-dining restaurant, Babel.

When visiting the gardens, what shouldn’t first time visitors miss? We have a daily garden tour at 10h00. Alternatively, day visitors can explore on their own. Guests are also welcome to join us for a tour of our wine cellar and olive press followed by a wine tasting.

Which wines will be available to taste and buy at this year’s TOPS at SPAR Wine Show? Klaas Stoffberg our wine maker and Elsabe Lategan, our PE sales representative will be at the show to present Babylonstoren’s 2016 Chenin Blanc, 2016 Mourvèdré Rosé, 2015 Viognier, 2014 Babel Red, 2014 Shiraz and our flagship wines; 2014 Nebukadnesar – classic full Bordeaux blend as well as our flagship wine, the 2015 Chardonnay.


Free Wine Show Tickets

Correctly complete this form to be in the RUNNING to snag a set of free double tickets. The TOPS at SPAR Wine Show runs from 4 to 6 August 2016 at The Boardwalk, PE.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.