IT'S NOT the first museum in South Africa's winelands, but the latest creation at Koos Bekker and Karen Roos's Babylonstoren on the Simonsberg foothills in Paarl is one of the standouts when it comes to the various bonus attractions on the farms, among the vineyards, i.e. besides the cellars, tasting rooms, restaurants, farm stalls, gift shops and places to stay.
‘The Story of Wine‘ is about the origins, cultivation and culture behind our ‘love affair' with wine. Visitors enter the museum through a giant sculptured structure of twisted vines and vine roots. Inside there's a collection of antique corkscrews, and a breakdown of the different soils that contribute to wines' distinct characteristics. There is something to delight both those who just want to stroll through and those eager to learn something new about wine.
Poems about wine can be experienced in seven languages. There's a bottle of Constantia dessert wine made in 1821, a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte. By way of virtual-reality headsets as well as multi-sensory experiences, visitors can enjoy an education without the lectures. Plus, there's a screening room in the shape of a wine barrel that features a music video that involves the sound of wine glasses and water…
BONUS ATTRACTIONS
IN CAPE WINELANDS
CAPE PENINSULA
• Groot Constantia Museum, Art, Walks
• Noordhoek Community Market, Cape Point Vineyards (Thurs, 4:30 to 8:30pm, Summer)
DARLING
ELGIN
FRANSCHHOEK
• Boekenhoutskloof Forest Boardwalk
• Boschendal Friday Night Market (Weather Dependent)
• Franschhoek Motor Museum at L'Ormarins, Anthonij Rupert Wines
• Franschhoek Wine Tram to Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, Allée Bleue, Plaisir de Merle, Vrede en Lust
• Grande Provence Art Gallery
• La Motte Museum, Walks, Hike
• Solms Delta Heritage Museum
HEMEL-EN-AARDE, HERMANUS
• Bouchard Finlayson Fynbos Hikes
PAARL
• Babylonstoren Gardens
• Fairview Goat Tower
• Glen Carlou Art Gallery
• Plaisir Market (Sat & Sun)
• Spice Route Trading Destination
• The Story of Wine at Babylonstoren (Museum)
• Windmeul Farmers Market (1st Sat of the month)
ROBERTSON
• Captivated by Chardonnay & Cap Classique – Weltevrede
• Van Loveren Garden Tours, Hiking Trails
• Viljoensdrift River Cruises
SOMERSET WEST
STELLENBOSCH
• Cavalli Art Gallery
• Delaire Graff Art
• DeMorgenzon Gardens
• Eikendal Vineyard Walks, Fly-fishing
• Jordan 360° Experience, Evening Wine Drive
• Kanonkop Art Gallery
• Mooiplaas Nature Reserve, Hiking Trail
• Rustenberg Gardens
• Spier Art Collection
• Spier Arts
• Spier Eagle Encounters
• Spier Segway Vineyard Tour
• Spier Self-Guided Walks
• Tokara Art
• Villiera Wildlife Sanctuary, Game Drive Safari
• Warwick Vineyard Safari
• Waterford Porcupine Trail Wine Walk
• Waterford Wine Drive Safari
TULBAGH
WELLINGTON
• Doolhof Labyrinth, River Walk