Babylonstoren am Simonsberg
Babylonstoren lies at the foot of the Simonsberg between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and is one of the oldest still-working Cape Dutch farms in the region. Today the estate combines viticulture with an extensive fruit and vegetable garden, gastronomy and historic architecture. For the wines, the location on the slopes of the Simonsberg is particularly important, bringing together different elevations, soils and microclimates.
The history of the farm dates back to 1692, when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to Pieter van der Byl. The name Babylonstoren refers to a distinctive cone-shaped hill whose form reminded early residents of the biblical Tower of Babel. This long agricultural tradition remains an essential part of the estate's character today.
The vineyards now cover around 120 hectares and extend from approximately 170 metres to around 600 metres above sea level. The higher parcels on the Simonsberg are noticeably cooler than the valley sites. Babylonstoren grows a total of 13 different grape varieties. The soils vary considerably, ranging from granite-derived formations to Malmesbury shale, sandy sections and more clay-rich soils.
Among the white wines, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Sémillon play important roles. Chenin Blanc is made in a fresh style without dominant oak, while Chardonnay gains greater structure and depth through fermentation and maturation in French oak. Candide combines several of the white grape varieties grown on the farm in a dry, fresh blend that deliberately showcases the diversity of the estate's vineyards.
The red range includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Babel. Particularly well known is Nebukadnesar, the estate's flagship blend made from the classic Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The individual components are vinified separately and matured for an extended period in French oak barrels before being blended into the final wine.
In addition to still wines, Babylonstoren also produces a Cap Classique called Sprankel. The range also includes a pale Mourvèdre Rosé inspired by the rosé wines of Bandol. The breadth of the portfolio therefore arises not from purchased concepts but from the very different conditions found within the estate's own vineyards on the Simonsberg.
Babylonstoren combines historic Cape culture with a modern understanding of farming and winemaking. The wines range from approachable Chenin Blanc to structured reds and the complex Bordeaux blend Nebukadnesar. At Vin Africa, Babylonstoren represents a characterful estate from Simonsberg-Paarl whose wines reflect the landscape diversity around the Simonsberg particularly well.