Workshops

Blacksmithing: Forge your own ladle

Only three places available (16 years and over)

Join us for a hands-on blacksmithing workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful new excursion by Babylonstoren.   

Learn the art of forging – from lighting the forge to mastering the heat for perfect results. Discover the basics of blacksmithing as you shape sheet metal, secure it with rivets and explore traditional twisting techniques.

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard. 

Under the guidance of our resident Blacksmith, you’ll make your very own handcrafted ladle (serving spoon) to take home. All materials included.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren. 

Babylonstoren Koppie Family Hike

When visiting Babylonstoren, you can’t miss our Toren, the farm’s iconic koppie. This hill reminded the first owners of the biblical Tower of Babel, inspiring them to name the farm Babylon’s Toren back in the 1700s. Now, you can join a group of adventurers on a hike to the top and discover some of its wonderful secrets.

This guided outdoor farm experience is perfect for the young and young at heart. After all your hard work, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious gelato from the Gelato Room.

Please book a place for both yourself and your child, as each participant requires a booking. You’ll receive light snacks and a bottle of water for the hike.

Please dress in comfortable hiking gear and remember your hat and backpack.

FAMILY WORKSHOP

Discover the healing powers of herbs

Only 16 places available

Welcome to the sanctuary of our Healing Garden, where Gundula, the guardian of this special space, will inspire you to look at herbs with new eyes. She’ll delve into the healing powers of each of the more familiar greens and uncover a few herbs you may not have come across before. You’ll return home with a few simple recipes for homemade remedies and an understanding of how herbs may support and guide the body – but not before indulging in a scrumptious, healthy alfresco lunch.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch in the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Birding at Babylonstoren

Only 16 places available

Bring your binoculars and comfortable shoes and join us for a walk through the garden and parts of the farm to spot some of our feathered friends. At Babylonstoren, we boast more than 70 bird species through the seasons – from the nocturnal barn owl to the gregarious mousebird. As the garden grows, more and more birds are attracted to visit or stay. Come and get to know your local birds and learn how to invite them into your own garden.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Hey, Brew! Fruit & flower cordials & bush teas

Only 10 spaces available

Bubble, bubble, boil and bottle.

In 1896, a visit to your neighbour would have meant a journey up a long winding track on foot or by carriage. Stopping off at Soetmelksvlei brought a welcoming relief with a cup of rooibos tea or a refreshing cordial to quench the thirst.

Join us for a hands-on morning in the fresh farm air as we step back in time to brew our own fruit and flower cordials and bush teas. Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, tea master Gundula Deutschländer will guide us up the mountain slope to find the ridge where the honeybush grows. We want to celebrate this cheerful local plant that provides so many health benefits.

The journey continues into the sheltered valley of Soetmelksvlei where the harvest has been generous, and cordials are made from the windfalls.

We will revisit traditional recipes and share techniques on how to adapt them with seasonal ingredients in your own kitchen.

After a hands-on morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Baking with cheese at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

A double delight for cheese lovers and keen bakers alike. Step into the warm, comforting world of golden, bubbling cheese in this hands-on workshop devoted to savoury bakes. Explore how cheese can bring depth, richness and a satisfying savoury note to breads, pastries and other oven-baked favourites, with practical guidance on pairing flavours, working with texture and baking for that irresistible golden finish.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Craft a traditional Riempie Camping Chair

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a folding riempie camp chair using reclaimed wood from Babylonstoren Farm. Limited to four participants due to the rarity of the wood, sourced from fallen trees on the farm. An opportunity like this comes along only when nature allows. Experience the scent and grain of wood in its most authentic form.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted riempie camp chair to take home.

Age requirement: 16+

Shuttle departs for Soetmelksvlei at 08h30.

Unlock the diversity of indigenous succulents

Only 16 places available

Drought-tolerant, hardy and amazingly diverse in shape, colour and type, succulents have taken the gardening world by storm. Learn to cultivate, propagate and design a succulent garden under the keen and knowledgeable guidance of Cornell Beukes, our resident botanist.

After walking through our cycad garden to look at various succulent ground covers and species, Cornell will share his top tips with some hands-on experience in the nursery on how to grow your own collection of succulents from seeds and cuttings.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Pruning pros: focus on fruit trees in summer

Only 16 places available

A good trim goes a long way to ensure healthy and good-looking trees in your garden. Did you know that a summer cut is just as important as pruning your trees ahead of the season? Join our fruit tree expert Comine van Zyl as she guides you through the technicalities of summer pruning with our own Babylonstoren garden as reference.

The start of summer signals the last thinning out of our stone fruit – plums, peaches and apricots. It’s also the time for our younger fruit trees (specifically plums) to be trained and fixed as needed for the espalier systems. Guests will be able to help trim our quince step-over hedges that need a cut every second week to keep in shape. We’ll look at the citrus shoots that need clearing and take part in the pruning of pears and apples.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Sun Prints at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

You are welcome at this hands-on workshop where we’ll harness the sun to create our own sun prints.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.
Inspired by the cyan-blue prints invented at the dawn of photography, we’ll explore the Soetmelksvlei garden to collect natural objects for our compositions. Each participant will paint their own paper with a photosensitive paint and create unique sun prints to take home. A sun print is also called a cyanotype to describe the cyan blue photographic print that is created when the specially painted surface is exposed to sunlight. The print is processed when the ink that was hidden by the shadow of the photographed object is washed away by running water.

After the art session, you are welcome to explore Soetmelksvlei and all its offerings to your heart’s content.

After a hands-on morning in the Meat Room, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Bake your own: teatime treats with choux pastry & almond cake

Only 12 places available. Join us for a choux pastry and almond flour baking workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful new excursion by Babylonstoren.

Prepare to roll up your sleeves as we embark on our journey at the Babylonstoren ticket office. Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Under the guidance of master baker Martjie Malan you will try your hand at creating sweet eclairs and savoury choux puffs made with gruyère cheese and biltong dust. Learn how classic farm ingredients such as butter, eggs, honey and almonds can be combined to create an elegant almond cake and macarons.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Bake your own savoury breads at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Join master baker Martjie Malan in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei to learn how to bake festive breads that will gather friends and family around the table.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Martjie will guide you through the steps of kneading and allowing the dough to rise. Herbs are added, and the dough is cut and twisted into shapes for easy pull-apart loaves – all inspired by the seasonal abundance from the garden.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Make a wooden birdhouse for your garden

Step into the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei to make a birdhouse for your garden or stoep. SMV's carpenter will guide you through the principles of carpentry to measure, saw and build a traditional wooden birdhouse. No previous woodwork experience required.

Price includes a shuttle from Babylonstoren to Soetmelksvlei, the workshop and materials, refreshments and a generous farm-style lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant. Plus, a beautiful birdhouse for your feathered friends.

Shuttle departs for Soetmelksvlei at 08h30. 

Age Restrictions: 16+

Christmas decor from the Garden

Only 16 places available

Join Constance, our floral artist, as we get into the spirit of the Christmas season. Walk with her through the garden and fill your basket with seedheads, flowers, foliage and whatever piques your interest, before observing a demonstration of a few of her favourite Christmas decoration designs. Constance will guide you while you make your own Christmas wreath to take home.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Create a natural freshwater pond

Only 16 places available

A thriving freshwater pond in your garden creates a habitat for various animals and plants. A well-established pond becomes a functioning ecosystem, including amphibians and freshwater invertebrates, and attracts birds as well as small mammals and reptiles.

In this workshop, master botanist Cornell Beukes and conservation ecologist and entomologist Arné Stander will share their knowledge on creating such an ecosystem at home – from where to start, what substrates to use, what plants to plant, and what fish you can add to create a wonderful oasis in your garden.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

A Christmas bake story

Only 12 spaces available

Step into the spirit of the festive season with this hands-on Christmas baking workshop. Bake your own mince pies, filled with spiced vine fruits and citrus notes in a buttery crust, prepare a classic chocolate panettone and add the finishing touch with a traditional brandy-soaked fruit cake. Filled with the warmth and generosity of Christmas baking, this workshop is designed to help you recreate these festive favourites at home.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Traditional needlework: the basics of colourful quilting at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 places available

Join us for a hands-on quilting workshop at Soetmelksvlei and learn two fundamental quilting techniques.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical Soetmelksvlei farmyard, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, renowned quilting master Doortjie Gersbach will share her extensive knowledge of the art of quilting. Guests will try their hand at two different techniques, the beautiful Grandma’s flower garden and Japanese fold. This class will focus exclusively on hand-quilting, where there is no need for a sewing machine.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren.

Leathercraft: Make a leather Belt

Only 5 places available 

Join us for a hands-on leather crafting workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful excursion hosted by Babylonstoren.

Learn the basic principles and techniques of leathercraft as you measure, cut and stitch your own leather belt, complete with buckle.

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we will take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard.

If you are crafting a belt for a loved one, remember to bring their exact measurements.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren.  

Grow your own edible and cut flowers

Only 16 places available

Let the seasons ahead be a flower feast! If you find joy in giving and receiving flowers, we hope to inspire you to grow your own. Join us at the start of summer for expert help to plan your cut flower and edible flower garden with flower specialist Louise Steenkamp and master gardener Gundula Deutschländer.

We’ll show you how to sow zinnias and other summer annuals, as well as how to propagate dahlias from cuttings and how to transplant seedlings – all in preparation for this summer’s fireworks.

In this hands-on workshop, guests will get to celebrate flowers for their beauty and their functionality. You’ll learn to use blooms as eye-candy as well as delightful snacks as so many flowers can be enjoyed both in a vase and on your plate. The class will give a whole different angle to skipping through the daisies this summer.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Cape food: Traditional bobotie with seasonal chutney at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Bobotie is considered the national dish of South Africa, having been served at a special dinner by the United Nations Women’s Organisation in 1954. It is one of the most engrained recipes in traditional South African cuisine, with cultural influences from all over the world, including Malaysia, France and the Netherlands. Bobotie is celebrated everywhere in South Africa – from high-end restaurants to casual eateries, and around the dinner table in many homes.

Join us in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei to celebrate this South African icon. Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you the art of making traditional bobotie alongside its classic companion. Chutney, or blatjang as it’s called in Afrikaans, is a spicy condiment cooked from a variety of fruits.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Pickle & preserve the season's abundance at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

Grandma’s pickles and preserves are part of a new revival of eating seasonal food and minimising food waste. Join us in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei as we unpack this traditional South African practice.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, we’ll join Rina van Velden for a hands-on morning of making our own pickled and preserved foods.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Creating a Christmas Occasion

Only 16 spaces available.

Join Martjie Malan and Inemari Rabie for an inspiration-packed demonstration on creating a festive table rooted in the season. From menu planning and garden-gathered flowers to natural decor, generous flavours and thoughtful finishing touches, they’ll guide you in styling a Christmas tablescape that feels abundant, personal and memorable.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Kids’ workshop: bake & decorate Christmas biscuits

Only 10 spaces available

Calling all aspiring mini master bakers and biscuit enthusiasts. Join us for a fun, hands-on Christmas baking experience where young bakers roll, press, bake and ice their own festive biscuits. Starting with vanilla biscuit dough, children will shape their biscuits before decorating them with colourful icing and Christmas sprinkles. A creative, joyful activity for ages 6–12.

Grow your own veggies (workshop for kids aged 8–12)

Only 16 places available

Note: This workshop is for children between eight and twelve years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum two children per adult. Adults need to book a space for themselves and cover the applicable fee.

Orange carrots, bright red beets and cute radishes! Did you know you can grow your own rainbow of colours? Bring your folks along for a dig in Babylonstoren’s sprawling gardens where we’ll learn to grow our very own veggies with Brent Reid from Babylonstoren’s garden team. It is a morning filled with picking, nibbling and planting. Discover frilly leaves and dig out strong root vegetables. Sow seeds, make cuttings and start potting your own plants. By the end of this day, you’ll have greener fingers than the Grinch who stole Christmas! You’ll also get some vegetable seedlings to take along and grow at home.

Juice and light snack are included.

Little Foodies: Mozzarella & Pizza Workshop

This unique kraal-to-table experience starts with freshly made pizza topped with authentic Italian-style mozzarella. Our in-house foodie Martjie Malan will teach you to make and bake your own pizza with water buffalo mozzarella and other delicious farm ingredients.

The workshop continues with a visit to Rietvlei’s milking parlour, where you’ll get to meet our water buffalo herd and bottle-feed the calves. While the children go on a farm adventure, the adults are treated to a selection of water buffalo milk products.

Please book a place for both yourself and your child, as each participant requires a booking.

A pizza lunch and gelato for dessert are included, as well as juice and snacks along the way.

FAMILY WORKSHOP

Lavender & essential oils

Only 16 places available

Harness the abundance of Babylonstoren’s fragrant lavender fields in this essential oil masterclass. Pack your hat and a pair of sturdy shoes as you’ll be exploring beyond the garden to harvest aromatics and other indigenous herbs for their fragrance. From there, guests will be taken to the Scented Room to see the steam-distilling process that captures the natural essence of the plant.

Guided by Babylonstoren’s in-house compounder, Gavin Hendriks, you’ll be able to create your own body products to take home, using a selection of our essential oils.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Bake Christmas gifts & decor

Only 16 spaces available

A festive, hands-on workshop where guests create beautiful edible Christmas gifts and decorative bakes, perfect for sharing, gifting and styling a holiday table for a summer Christmas. Make gingerbread ornaments, from wreaths to Christmas trees, dip homemade honeycomb in chocolate and fill glass jars with baked treats made to delight.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Advanced leathercraft: Make a leather handbag

Only 5 places available    (For ages 16 and over)

Join us for a hands-on leather crafting workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful excursion hosted by Babylonstoren. Master the principles and techniques of leathercraft as you measure, cut and stitch your very own leather handbag.

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we will take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren.

Leathercraft: Make a leather Belt

Only 5 places available 

Join us for a hands-on leather crafting workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful excursion hosted by Babylonstoren.

Learn the basic principles and techniques of leathercraft as you measure, cut and stitch your own leather belt, complete with buckle.

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we will take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard.

If you are crafting a belt for a loved one, remember to bring their exact measurements.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren.  

Discover the secret life of bees

Only 16 places available

Cape honeybees are honoured workers on the Babylonstoren Farm – not only do they produce an abundance of honey for the breakfast table at Babel Restaurant, but they also play a key role in pollinating many of our garden fruits, herbs and vegetables.

We host our workshops during the warmer seasons, when the garden is buzzing with Cape honeybees, hard at work foraging for pollen and nectar. The workshop starts with a guided walk through the garden to explore the bees’ favourite spots, from nectar-filled annual flowers to pollen-rich trees. We’ll then invite you to put on your beekeeping suit and discover a collection of diverse beehives – including the traditional woven skep, the practical Langstroth with moveable frames, and the much-talked-about flow hives. Our beekeeper, Arné Stander, will share the story of the indigenous Cape honeybee and explain the basics of beekeeping.

**Please bring along your sun hat for the garden walk and closed shoes such as gumboots or wellies or high-ankle hiking boots for the practical session with beekeeping suits.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

A refreshing lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Culinary herbs: tasting your way to health

Only 16 spaces available

Have your taste buds tantalised and green fingers inspired as we explore the wide range of tastes and textures found in green leaves. Herbs express their unique uses in their distinct taste – some bitter, some sweet, some pungent and some peppery.

We’ll kick off the workshop in the garden with guidance from our Healing Garden expert Gundula Deutschländer. After some gathering of herbs from the garden, we’ll be chopping and pounding the leaves in the kitchen to incorporate these aromas in the meal we will be preparing for our lunch, as well as to add to your pantry at home.

Bring along a hat and an apron for a fun day at Babylonstoren to learn about the what, when and why of cooking with herbs from the garden.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Fig feast: bake a fig tart at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 places available

Indulge in the season of figs at this hands-on workshop where we’ll learn various baking techniques with figs.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you the art of making a moreish masterpiece.

We will be making a sweet tart dough and a classic frangipane filling to bake a glorious fig tart. Frangipane refers to a French tart paste made of ground almonds. We will also learn how to bake a basic focaccia with fresh figs and parma ham.

After an exciting morning, a hearty lunch will be served at the Old Stables Restaurant.

Craft a traditional Riempie Camping Chair

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a folding riempie camp chair using reclaimed wood from Babylonstoren Farm. Limited to four participants due to the rarity of the wood, sourced from fallen trees on the farm. An opportunity like this comes along only when nature allows. Experience the scent and grain of wood in its most authentic form.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted riempie camp chair to take home.

Age requirement: 16+

Shuttle departs for Soetmelksvlei at 08h30.

Craft your own homemade soaps

Only 10 places available

Learn how to make your own natural soap using Babylonstoren’s olive and essential oils as inspiration. The experience includes a visit to our farm’s aromatic fields to harvest rosemary, lavender, Cape may or whatever’s in season.

In the Scented Room, you’ll learn how essential oils are distilled before using these in your own soap. Practical advice on the intricacies of natural soapmaking, such as infusing, preparing and casting soap will be shared by Babylonstoren’s in-house compounder, Gavin Hendriks. Creating and blending of iconic Babylonstoren products such as moisturisers will be explored. Guests get to take home their own creations at the end of the day.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Everlasting & essential oils

Only 18 places available

Join us on an olfactory adventure as we nose our way around the estate.

Our oil fields stretch out below the Babylonstoren koppie, sun drenched and rich in essential oils. Make sure to bring a sunhat and sturdy shoes as we follow master gardener Gundula Deutschländer on the scent trail to harvest some fragrant herbs.

Gundula will discuss the benefits of the various aromatic plants that grow here, including everlasting, otherwise known as Helichrysum (Latin: sun-gold). We adore this sun-worshipping shrub that brings new meaning to “immortality”.

Gavin Hendriks, our compounder, will explain the distillation process in the Scent Room. You will have the opportunity to make a bath soak with his essential oils.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served on arrival.

Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Traditional handcrafts: Colour crocheting at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

Ever dreamt of creating a handmade blanket, or perhaps a beautiful scarf of your own design? Join us at Soetmelksvlei to master the art of crochet with needleworker Doortjie Gersbach.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

NOTE: Guests need to know the three basic stitches (chain stitch, single and double crochet) before attending this hands-on workshop.

Under Doortjie’s guidance, we’ll then learn to crochet select heritage crochet patterns – used by grandmothers and great-grandmothers before us. Doortjie will also share how to set up and finish stitches in a neat fashion while using colour to show this handcraft at its best.

After a hands-on morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Blacksmithing Workshop: Forge a Pigtail braai fork

Under the guidance of SMV's Blacksmith, forge your own handcrafted pigtail braai fork to take home. With all materials included, you’ll learn the fundamentals of blacksmithing, from lighting the forge and working with heat to shaping metal by hand. Discover traditional techniques as you form, rivet and twist the steel, transforming raw materials into a beautiful braai fork built to last.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted pigtail braai fork to take home.

Workshop times: 09h00–15h30

Age requirement: 16+

Cape cookery: traditional melktert, melkkos & koesisters at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Milk tart is the unofficial national dessert of South Africa. It features at any self-respecting home industry store and in many South African home bakers’ recipe books – with a liberal sprinkle of cinnamon. Join us in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei to celebrate and enjoy this delicacy in all its delicious glory.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you the art of making traditional milk tart using the simplest of farm ingredients. We’ll also explore a variation on this recipe named melkkos (meaning “milk food”) and learn to bake traditional Cape Malay-inspired koesisters infused with sugar syrup and spice.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Craft a traditional folding camp chair (wood & leather)

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a folding camp chair with a leather seat, using reclaimed wood from Babylonstoren Farm. Limited to four participants due to the rarity of the wood, sourced from fallen trees on the farm. An opportunity like this comes along only when nature allows. Experience the scent and grain of wood in its most authentic form.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted folding camp chair to take home.

Age requirement: 16+ Workshop times: 09h00–14h30

Crafting kokedamas

Only 16 spaces available

Discover the quiet artistry of kokedama in this hands-on workshop at Babylonstoren. Originating in Japan, these elegant moss balls embody the harmony between humankind and nature, bringing organic beauty into even the smallest spaces – whether perched on a desk or suspended from above.

Guided by Constance, our talented gardener, you’ll learn the mindful craft behind these living sculptures and create your own kokedama to take home. It’s a chance to work with nature’s textures and forms, embracing the simple balance and serene aesthetic of this centuries-old tradition.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Pulp fiction: creative papermaking at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

Escape to the tranquillity of Soetmelksvlei and spend a sunlit day learning the gentle art of papermaking.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. With February’s warmth making drying easy and satisfying, guests will dip in and out of the pulp vats to form personalised sheets by hand.

Guided by master gardener Gundula Deutschländer, you’ll gather flowers and foliage from the garden to embellish your creations, resulting in beautifully textured, nature-inspired paper. Perfect for creative projects, heartfelt letters (just in time for Valentine’s Day) or as pages for your next bookbinding workshop.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Make a 3-legged Milking Stool

Only 5 places available

Hop on a shave horse (skaafperd) for a carpentry workshop that requires no previous woodworking experience. It is held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei – a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s – and the price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted wooden stool to take home.

Lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted wooden stool to take home.

Age requirement: +16

Compost 101: Let’s get down and dirty

Only 16 places available

We dig dirt – every garden lover’s dream starts with this miraculous dark material. If you love soil as much as we do and you’re passionate to learn about regenerative soil efforts, this compost class is just the thing for you.

This hands-on workshop is led by our vegetable gardener, Morné Olivier, who will share all his secrets on how to make several types of compost by selecting different materials and ingredients. The aim of the class is to better understand different soils and where to apply the different types of compost between the annual and perennial plants in your garden. By the end of the day, you’ll better understand the use of compost as a tool to support the fertility of your soil and how carbon is cycled by nature.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Taste of summer: fabulous figs

Only 16 spaces available

Is there anything better than biting into a ripe fig – freshly picked from the tree – in the height of summer? Join us for a hands-on workshop celebrating the rich flavour and versatility of these seasonal treasures.

You’ll taste and learn about the various cultivars growing on the farm and choose the ripest ones to take back to the kitchen. Here, you will learn how to utilise figs in different ways with Martjie Malan, preserving nature’s sweetest gift. Together, we’ll create beautiful fig-inspired treats, from artisanal fig preserve to fig rolls and fig paste.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Join us for healing herbal tea

Only 16 places available

Some like it hot

Some like it cold

Some like it in the pot

To share in the fold

This workshop is the ultimate tea party!

Join us for a meditative day of picking, steeping and sipping teas in the Healing Garden. Gundula Deutschländer, the guardian of the herbal garden, will give you the grounding to concoct tantalising teas and tisanes to suit any taste, easing a range of ailments. You’ll conclude your tea journey by making your own tisane using fresh clippings from the Healing Garden.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Inside scoop: the secrets to buffalo mozzarella and gelato

Only 15 places available

Observe Babylonstoren’s head cheesemaker, Alta Eybers, and learn a thing or two about making cheese and gelato. The class kicks off with meeting the farm’s herd of water buffalo that produce the milk we use to make our traditional-style water buffalo mozzarella.

Back in the Cheese Room, Alta will demonstrate the craft behind making this creamy delicacy – from cutting the curds to stretching them into balls. When the mozzarella is ready for stretching, guests can feel and experience this unique cheese before it is placed in brine.

Guests are treated to a lunch of cheese, meats and gelato – fresh from Babylonstoren’s deli store – the perfect end to a cheesy day!

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Master meringues and macarons at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Glistening peaks of meringue and perfectly plump macarons – in this workshop you’ll learn to master these delightful treats with master baker Martjie Malan.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Martjie will teach you the art of making these moreish treats.

You’ll learn to make the perfect meringue to top baked wonders and bake your own mini pavlovas and macarons. You’ll also be making various fillings for these homemade sweets.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Learn the art of bookbinding at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 places available

There is something magical about running your fingers over the spine of a hand-bound book. Lean to make your own in this beginner workshop at Soetmelksvlei. We’ll explore the Japanese style of binding, known for its simplicity and beauty. It is a wonderful introduction to traditional craftsmanship.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Babylonstoren designer and master bookbinder Marianne Cronjé will share her secrets and help you construct a personalised book.

Each participant will bind their own book to take home. Bookbinding is a valuable and fun skill. Handmade notebooks make meaningful and unique gifts, at the same time promoting sustainability and the use of natural materials.

After a hands-on morning, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Leathercraft: Make your own Apron

Only 5 places available
(For ages 16 and over)

Join us for a hands-on leather crafting workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful excursion hosted by Babylonstoren. Learn the basic principles and techniques of leathercraft as you measure, cut, punch holes and stitch a leather apron that will last a lifetime. If you’re not crafting this apron for yourself, remember to bring the measurements of the lucky recipient. From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we will take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren.  

Farm brew: bean to cup coffee experience

Only 10 spaces available

Immerse yourself in the full journey of Babylonstoren coffee – from green bean to aromatic cup. We begin among the coffee trees in our Spice House, where you’ll learn about cultivation and processing before witnessing the magic of a live roast and the principles that shape flavour.

Then step behind the bar for a barista crash course, mastering the basics of brewing and creating your own latte art. A guided coffee cupping will introduce the four distinct coffees in our Babylonstoren blend, roasted right here on the farm. The day ends with a leisurely lunch and a delightful coffee-inspired dessert.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Bloomin’ beautiful: the art of flower pressing at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available 

Remember plucking dainty blooms in the garden as a child, then carefully placing them between sheets of newspaper and piles of the heftiest books you could find? For centuries, botanists have relied on pressed plants for identification and to fill their herbariums with dried specimens as plant libraries. In Victorian times, children combined pressed picks with bright ribbons to create pretty pictures, while sweethearts would slip flowers between the pages of a book to preserve the memory of a special moment.

Flower pressing is back in a big way, and we love the practice for its calming effect and aesthetic appeal. Join us for a hands-on workshop at Soetmelksvlei and try your hand at this age-old craft. Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, artist Tina-Marié Malherbe will guide guests through the garden to pick, press and create their own botanical collection.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Culinary magic of mushrooms

Only 16 spaces available

Join our mushroom expert for a walk through the Babylonstoren garden and discover the fascinating fungi growing all around us. The journey continues to our culinary mushroom room, where conditions are carefully controlled to encourage optimal growth. Back in the workshop space, we’ll demonstrate a variety of recipes that illustrate their remarkable versatility. Learn how to select, clean, store and prepare mushrooms properly – unlocking their full flavour, texture and umami magic in the kitchen.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Master meat: make boerewors & droëwors at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

Nothing beats making your own boerewors and delicious frikkadelle from scratch, especially when you’re using our farm-reared, prime Chianina beef.

The day will start with a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg to Soetmelksvlei, a historical farmyard set in the late 19th century – a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, in the contemporary Meat Room, master butcher Jaco Koegelenberg will first demonstrate the carving and mincing of meat, before making traditional boerewors. Under Jaco’s guidance, guests will make their own droëwors and taste some of the dried delicacy as well.

After a hands-on morning in the Meat Room, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch including frikkadelle at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Blacksmithing: Forge your own Ladle

Only four places available (16 years and over)

Join us for a hands-on blacksmithing workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful new excursion by Babylonstoren.   

Learn the art of forging – from lighting the forge to mastering the heat for perfect results. Discover the basics of blacksmithing as you shape sheet metal, secure it with rivets and explore traditional twisting techniques.

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard. 

Under the guidance of our resident Blacksmith, you’ll make your very own handcrafted ladle (serving spoon) to take home. All materials included.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren. 

Capture the season’s scents with fragrant herbs

Only 16 places available

Nose your way through the world of fragrance and discover the joyful varieties grown at Babylonstoren. Join Gundula, guardian of our Healing Garden, in harvesting and exploring various ways in which natural fragrances can perfume your everyday living.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Advanced leathercraft: make your own wineskin

After an introduction to the tools of the trade, SMV's Leathersmith will guide you through the process of preparing, marking, cutting and stitching leather using traditional handcraft techniques. You’ll create your own leather wineskin, also known as a bota bag, entirely by hand, learning the precision and patience that lie at the heart of this timeless craft. After lunch, you’ll complete the final details before heading home with a beautifully handcrafted wineskin slung over your shoulder.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted, traditional wineskin to take home.

Age requirement: 16+ Workshop times: 09h00–14h30

Naturally sweet: baking with honey

Only 16 spaces available

Harness the power of liquid gold in your baking at this hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of using honey as a key ingredient in baking with master baker Martjie Malan.

Learn to use the natural sweetness of honey in baking, adding moisture and a warm flavour to your baked goods. Depending on the type of honey, it adds floral, caramel or fruity notes to desserts. Honey also keeps baked goods moist for longer and adds a tender crumb and slightly denser texture.

Join us in discovering the enchanting route of honey and use it to create the most delicious granola, Russian honey cake and lemon and honey burnt butter cakes.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Bake your own at Soetmelksvlei: Persimmons

Only 12 spaces available

Each month, the Babylonstoren garden offers an abundance of seasonal produce. In this hands-on baking workshop, Martjie selects the best of the harvest to create beautiful bakes, from lattice-top apple pie to rustic fruit galettes and fruit tea cakes. Learn how to work with fruit at every stage of ripeness, from rescuing overripe fruit to coaxing out its fullest flavour. Martjie shares practical baking skills, with each guest taking home their own baked goods.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Risotto 101: a celebration of our farm-grown rice & pumpkin

Only 18 places available

Always dreamed of making risotto like a true Italian nonna? Join head chef Schalk Vlok for a hands-on workshop celebrating the art of risotto, with golden farm-grown pumpkin as the star. The experience begins outdoors with farmer Ian de Villiers, who leads a stroll to Babylonstoren’s rice paddy where our own carnaroli rice is cultivated. Learn about the rice’s fascinating life cycle, traditional flooding methods and hand-harvesting techniques.

Back in the kitchen, chef Schalk demonstrates how to prepare a rich, velvety pumpkin risotto from scratch, using classic Italian methods. Building on this base, a selection of seasonal risotto variations will be created and tasted. The focus is on local ingredients, perfectly grown risotto rice and how pumpkin’s natural sweetness and texture can elevate every spoonful.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Old Bakery is included.

Easter sweet bakes at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Discover the art of Easter baking in a workshop devoted to sweet, enriched breads and generous seasonal bakes. Learn the techniques behind classics such as chocolate babka and cinnamon-sugared beignets with homemade caramel sauce – from mixing and proving to shaping, filling and adding the final flourish.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Craft a wooden spoon and an iron ladle

Only four places available (16 years and over)

Join us for a hands-on workshop that combines blacksmithing and woodwork at Soetmelksvlei, a delightful new excursion by Babylonstoren. 

From the Babylonstoren ticket office, we take a short shuttle ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg before descending towards the historic Soetmelksvlei farmyard.

Here, you’ll take turns to forge an iron ladle for serving and to carve a wooden spoon for stirring. You’ll spend around two hours on the woodwork side, carving your spoon, and three hours at the forge, making your iron ladle.

A hearty lunch will be served in the Old Stables Restaurant before guests return to Babylonstoren. 

Explore the world of Babylonstoren’s olives

Only 18 places available

Put on your hat and slip on a pair of comfortable shoes – we’re going to the orchards! Take a stroll through the olive orchards with farmer Ian de Villiers who will explain how to grow, maintain and harvest olives.

We then move from orchard to press as Petrus van Eeden, our resident olive man, explains the production process. Once you understand how olives are grown, you’ll delve into different olive oil varieties for cooking and dunking. A tasting of this season’s fresh olive oils will follow in the newly renovated Babylonstoren olive tasting room. Finally, Petrus will share his tried-and-tested methods for preserving your own olives.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch in the Tasting Room is included.

Easter delicacies: pickled fish & hot cross buns at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Celebrate a cherished Cape Malay Easter tradition in this joy-filled, hands-on workshop with master baker Martjie Malan.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Martjie will teach you to prepare classic pickled fish using battered hake fillets gently simmered in a mild curry sauce with onions and bay leaves – a South African favourite that beautifully balances sweet, tangy and spicy flavours.

You’ll also master warm, aromatic hot cross buns, lightly spiced and made with or without raisins. This workshop equips you with the confidence to recreate these beloved Easter staples at home, making it a festive day of skill-building and delicious discovery.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Blacksmithing Workshop: Make your own Carving steel fork

Step into the Workshop with Soetmelksvlei’s resident blacksmith for an ironmongery session. Using time-honoured tools and techniques, you’ll forge your own hand-wrought Carving fork – a utensil that will stand the test of time.

The price includes a shuttle from Babylonstoren, entry to Soetmelksvlei, the workshop, refreshments, as well as a generous farm-style lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant. Plus bragging rights to a beautiful hand-forged fork.

Age requirement: 16+

Autumn decor from the garden

Only 16 places available

We celebrate the new season in true Babylonstoren style by harvesting seasonal vegetables and autumn greens ripening into rich colour to use as farm-style decor. Join us as we explore different plant-based decorative styles for the table and create decor to share as gifts. Each guest will go home with a herb posy or bouquet of their own creation.

_Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Explore a bug’s life (for kids 8-12 years)

Only 24 places available per session

Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum two children per adult. Adults need to book a space for themselves and cover the applicable fee.

Explore a bug’s life at Babylonstoren and live in your own Disney animation for a day! In this exciting class for little ones, we’ll take a closer look at the critters and creatures that frequent our farm. Babylonstoren’s very own bug lover, Arné Stander, will help you seek out different insects in the garden, sharing his secret superpowers to attract and study them up close. We’ll also learn about the different and important roles various insects play in our ecosystems, like pollination, pest control, decomposition and more. We simply cannot live without them! If you love bugs, or even if you’re a little scared of the funny-looking ones, get Mom or Dad on board for this day of garden fun. By the end of the session, you could know more about insects than they do!

Juice and gelato are included.

Perfectly pumpkin: a seasonal baking experience at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Celebrate the golden bounty of our pumpkin patch in this warm and wonderfully aromatic baking workshop with master baker Martjie Malan.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Martjie will teach you the secrets to achieving perfectly tender bakes bursting with flavour, using our farm’s finest pumpkins.

You’ll craft a classic pumpkin pie with a buttery crust, along with a spiced pumpkin tea cake crowned with cream cheese icing and caramelised pumpkin seeds. And because pumpkins always hold a little magic, a few delightful surprises will emerge along the way.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Cakes in bloom: Baking at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, Martjie will teach you essential palette knife cake decorating skills to create exquisite floral designs with Swiss meringue buttercream. Under her expert guidance, you’ll explore blending colours, forming petals and textures. From the basics of cake layering to the final sharp edges and finishes, this workshop is a space where your creativity can truly blossom.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.

Indoor gardening: bringing succulents into your home

Only 16 places available

Ox tongue, horse teeth and elephant’s foot ... South Africa’s unusual collection of succulents may sound daunting to grow, but they’re true die-hards. In fact, some are even called kanniedood, meaning “can’t die”. Their quirky shapes range from compact rosettes to cluster-forming knobs. Some are thickset dwarf trees, while others cascade in strings of pearls – an indoor gardener’s dream.

Babylonstoren’s Succulent House is the mecca of dwarf plants found in South Africa. Here, master botanist Ernst van Jaarsveld and the garden team will show you how to assemble your own miniature succulent gardens. The practical workshop addresses different terrains, pot preferences, watering needs and rock selections for mini gardens to ensure plants are always grouped together in similar climatic conditions.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Master meat: all about venison & biltong at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

A springbok, a meat master and 10 eager learners in a masterclass presented at Soetmelksvlei.

If you’re serious about venison preparation and making your own biltong from scratch, this workshop is for you. The day will start with a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg to Soetmelksvlei, a historical farmyard set in the late 19th century – a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, in the Meat Room, master butcher Jaco Koegelenberg will demonstrate how to cut a springbok into primary cuts and help the group get to grips with their own knives. Jaco will then demonstrate how primary cuts are processed into secondary cuts for guest to turn the meat into one of South Africa’s favourite delicacies – springbok biltong. The class also gives a comprehensive overview of which cuts to use for different dishes.

After a hands-on morning in the Meat Room, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Bake your own: make butter & buttermilk scones

Only 12 spaces available

Butter was considered the golden commodity of the 1900s and today still, every knob is worth its weight in gold – and rightfully so! Join us on the historical farm of Soetmelksvlei to see how butter is made from scratch – from milking the cow to the separation of the cream and, finally, churning real farm butter.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you the art of handmade butter. With buttermilk as by-product, you’ll also learn to create the fluffiest scones.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Bake your own pies: Four ways with traditional butter pastry at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

Having a trusted shortcrust pastry recipe in your skill set opens a world of delicious bakes from your own kitchen. From home-baked quiche to mini fruit pies with a deliciously crumbly crust – butter pastry is the answer. Join us in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei to make the best and most versatile all-butter pastry.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you the art of making her very best butter pastry. Using your own pastry, you’ll create a variety of sweet and savoury bakes to enjoy and take home.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

African farm hand HOE (iron & woodwork)

Step into the world of traditional craftsmanship as you create a versatile African farming implement that combines the functions of an axe and a hoe. Once an essential tool across rural landscapes, it reflects generations of ingenuity, resourcefulness and skill. This workshop combines woodworking and blacksmithing, with two hours spent carving a wooden handle and three hours at the forge shaping and crafting the steel head entirely by hand.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted traditional farm implement to take home.

Age requirement: 16+

Healing herbs: doepa with local finds at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

It was crucial in 1896 for isolated homesteads to have a fully equipped “first-aid box”. Despite the international popularity of Dr Williams Pink Pills (developed in Canada in 1886), in South Africa local traditional remedies were relied upon as hospitals were far away, and motorcars scarce.

This creative workshop gives an in-depth look into (and taste of) herbal concoctions, extractions, infusions and balms that are easy to make and safe to use, and would have made up the emergency kit for a regular home.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, herbal queen Gundula Deutschländer will guide us through the Soetmelksvlei garden and farmyard to find a cure in nature.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Combat garden pests, naturally

Only 16 places available

Toss out the pesticides! Our botanist, Ernst van Jaarsveld, and entomologist, Arné Stander, will teach you how to plan a garden ecosystem that encourages predatory birds, insects, spiders and other garden animals to restore the balance in your garden – the way nature intended.

_Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Bank on it! Seed saving and swopping in the Soetmelksvlei garden

Only 10 places available

If you’re a collector or enjoy experiencing the full cycle of life, pop over for this workshop to get down to the nitty-gritty of seed saving.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, master gardener Gundula Deutschländer will provide an overview of the marvellous mechanics of seeds and how best to cultivate them. We will be discussing ripeness, sifting, sorting and storing of these precious seeds of hope, and share tips on how to sow once the time is right. Gundula will guide you into the Soetmelksvlei heritage garden to collect various seeds. We invite you to bring whatever viable seeds you might have to this communal seed-swopping circle.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Pasta from scratch

Only 16 spaces available

Join us on the farm for a morning stroll through the garden to collect farm-fresh eggs. We’ll use these to make our own pasta dough from scratch and create a variety of flat and filled pastas to enjoy on the day. Martjie Malan will share traditional Italian techniques for making and cooking the perfect pasta, as well as how best to pair different pasta styles with different sauces.

We’ll also stir up simple, flavoursome sauces with what’s available from the garden to pair with our homemade fresh pastas. A day filled with fresh, wholesome food awaits – come hungry for this one!

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

Magic with milk: make your own butter, soft cheese & yoghurt at Soetmelksvlei

Only 10 spaces available

Learn the incredible art of making your own soft cheese, butter and yoghurt from scratch at this hands-on, farm-to-table workshop on Soetmelksvlei.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, cheesemaker Alta Eybers will guide you through the art of creating magic with milk. We’ll start with the milking of the cow, then separating whole milk and using the bounty to create handmade butter, soft cheese and yoghurt.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Nuts for pecans! Bake a pecan pie & carrot cake at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 spaces available

With pecan nuts in season, there are many glorious baking options, but in this hands-on workshop you will learn how to make a classic pecan nut pie with flaky pie dough and nutty filling. We invite you to share in the season and join us in the heritage kitchen of Soetmelksvlei for a day of baking fun.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, master baker Martjie Malan will teach you her secrets to the classic pecan nut pie. You’ll also learn to bake a carrot and pecan nut cake and ice it with cream cheese buttercream.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Master meat: make your own salami & charcuterie

Only 10 spaces available.

Observe our master butcher in his element in this hands-on workshop. Come and make your own salami at Soetmelksvlei, a new Babylonstoren excursion.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical Soetmelksvlei farmyard, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured.

Here, you’ll join master butcher Jaco Koegelenberg and master charcutier Shelvin Jacobs in the Meat Room for a masterclass on butchery. The team will demonstrate how to break down a carcass, after which the pork and large intestine will be used to create the salami. The use of this natural sausage casing is an age-old skill. As it consists mainly of naturally occurring collagen, this is the option we prefer.

Guests will also learn to debone pork into its primary cuts – coppa, pancetta, loin and leg.

After a hands-on morning in the farm air, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant before heading back to Babylonstoren.

Blacksmithing: forge a hatchet (hand axe)

SMV Blacksmith will guide you through the fundamentals of traditional blacksmithing, from lighting and managing the forge to achieving and maintaining the correct working temperature. You’ll learn essential forging techniques, including drawing out steel, punching holes and sharpening by hand, before heading home with a solid steel hatchet featuring a finely honed edge. All materials are included.

Held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei, a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s. The price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant, plus a beautifully crafted steel hatchet (hand axe) to take home.

Age requirement: 16+

Break bread with our master baker

Only 15 places available

Flour it up and learn to bake bread with our master baker, Peachy Jacobs, and her team. Guests are invited to dust their hands and put their backs into some kneading and impressive shaping. Peachy will share her secret recipes and sourdough starter for each guest to nurture at home.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Tasting Room is included.

Celebrate with Chocolate & Cake: bake your own treats at Soetmelksvlei

Only 12 places available

Every home cook should have a seriously delicious chocolate cake recipe up their sleeve – and we’ve got just the one! Join us at Soetmelksvlei to learn to bake your very own chocolate cake with master baker Martjie Malan.

Following a short ride along the picturesque slopes of Simonsberg, we’ll descend towards the historical farmyard of Soetmelksvlei, which represents a time when life was simpler, and craftsmanship was treasured. Here, Martjie will teach you the art of making her tried-and-tested chocolate cake recipe.

Guests will learn all the tips and tricks on how to mix, bake and finish a classic chocolate cake – a staple in every home and for every type of celebration. You’ll also learn to make homemade caramel and use chocolate ganache filling to decorate your cake.

After a chocolatey morning, a hearty lunch will be served at the Old Stables Restaurant.

Winter gems: Citrus in the Garden

Only 16 places available

Winter is here and this means an abundance of citrus on the farm. Babylonstoren’s lemon-loving garden expert, Comine Joubert, shares her passion for this noble winter fruit. Join her on a stroll through the citrus blocks for an up-close look at the many cultivars growing in the garden.

We’ll take an in-depth look at growing citrus in your own garden at home too, as we share Babylonstoren’s secrets on how to care for citrus trees to achieve the most abundant winter yield. Come with an eager, open mind to learn from other keen gardeners for this practical workshop.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch in the Green House Restaurant is included.

Broaden your gardening horizons with indigenous trees

Only 16 places available

Come and spend the day with Ernst van Jaarsveld, our resident botanist and tree expert. He’ll guide you through the diversity of trees in various Southern African ecosystems, including the highveld, bushveld, subtropical coast, coastal Karoo, Namib and fynbos biomes. Together, you will explore the cultivation of trees at Babylonstoren and their use in the garden, how they are propagated from seed and cuttings, as well as how to combat typical pests and diseases.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.

Lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant is included.

Make a Wooden Milk Stool

A wonderful bonding experience for a parent and child or a grandparent and grandchild. Hop on a shave horse (skaafperd) for a carpentry workshop that requires no previous woodworking experience. Only 4 spots available.

It is held at the Workshop at Soetmelksvlei – a scenic working farmyard set in the late 1800s – and the price includes farm entry, shuttle rides, refreshments, a hearty farm-style lunch in the Old Stables Restaurant plus a beautifully crafted wooden stool to take home.

Age requirement: 8+

Please note: The workshop price is for both participants.

Cooking with olive oil

Only 16 spaces available

Babylonstoren offers a selection of olive oils, each with its own distinctive character. Knowing how to use them well in the kitchen deepens one’s appreciation for quality olive oil. In this workshop, we’ll share practical skills and techniques for pairing olive oil with the right ingredients and creating beautiful flavours with confidence.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Byzantium is included.

All about eggs: From coop to table

Only 18 places available

There’s no end to the magic of eggs and in this workshop, we’ll explore this versatile farm staple with executive chef Schalk Vlok. Join us in the Old Bakery for a masterclass on how to use eggs in showstopping seasonal dishes from breakfast and beyond.

We’ll explore a few basic but egg-cellent ideas that will take your home cooking to new heights ... and perhaps even inspire you to keep a few happy hens in your backyard!

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival.
Lunch at the Old Bakery is included.

Bake your own at Soetmelksvlei: Winter vegetables

Only 12 spaces available

Each month, the Babylonstoren garden offers an abundance of seasonal produce. In this hands-on baking workshop, Martjie selects the best of the harvest to create beautiful bakes, from lattice-top apple pie to rustic fruit galettes and fruit tea cakes. Learn how to work with fruit at every stage of ripeness, from rescuing overripe fruit to coaxing out its fullest flavour. The final workshop celebrates winter vegetables in deeply savoury, golden bakes. Martjie shares practical baking skills, with each guest taking home their own baked goods.

Steaming coffee from the Farm Shop is served upon arrival. 
Lunch at the Old Stables Restaurant is included.