Babylonstoren, on the Klapmuts Simondium Road near Paarl, has quickly established itself as a high-end destination for lovers of all that exemplifies country living at its very best. But there’s nothing precious about it, nothing that’s intimidating. While originally established in 1692, it’s as modern as tomorrow, the owners using great taste – and plenty of money – to make it really special. The words ‘casual elegance‘ spring to mind.

The vegetable gardens and orchards are magnificent, very much in the French manner, the fabulous new tasting room is a knockout, their famous restaurant Babel, and the Greenhouse where lighter fare is available, are always busy.

Then there are the wines, an expanding range of varietals and blends worth taking note of. Winemaker Charl Coetzee has been there for the last five years, developing the range right from the start. His wines have a restrained elegance very much in keeping with the Babylonstoren ethos, with plenty of fruit apparent on the nose and palate, and restrained use of wood where necessary.

Most of the grapes come from the farm itself, as does the fresh produce used in their kitchens. “I want to make wines that have a timeless quality and are true to their terroir, the earth they come from,” Charl sums up.

A bit more from Charl: "I am the Cellarmaster at Babylonstoren, started working there 6 years ago and headed up the wine brand.

Today I manage all business related to production and selling of wine locally as well as internationally.  I also look after the olive oil and balsamic production, as well as our Digital Department that includes the ecommerce business as well as the website

I am passionate about Namibia, camping, mountain biking, jogging, my bakkie and basically anything related to being active and being outside

I have got a wife and three little daughters and they are the loves of my life."