BabylonSTORIES invites you into the heart of Babylonstoren through the voices of the makers who shape the farm. From the garden and cellar to our kitchens, workshops and wild open spaces, each episode reveals the people, passions and expertise behind this extraordinary place. Filmed in the environments our team calls home, BabylonSTORIES offers intimate conversations and vivid glimpses into daily life on the farm, a chance to see, hear and feel Babylonstoren in a fresh, compelling way.
She was here when the first seeds of Babylonstoren's garden were planted. We sit down with founding gardener Gundula Deutschländer in the secluded, magical Garden of Shadows to talk about her lifelong love of plants, herbs and all things green. A passionate gardener, generous sharer of knowledge and tireless cross-pollinator of ideas, Gundula has helped shape the garden we know and love today. Pull up a chair for a little wisdom from the woman who has inspired so much of it.
21 Sept 2026
Elsabé Brits - Curator & Researcher at The Story of Emily
Special Episode: We talk to Elsabé Brits, curator and researcher at The Story of Emily in Cornwall, in the run-up to the 100th commemoration of Emily Hobhouse’s state funeral in Bloemfontein.
15 Sept 2026
Klaas Stoffberg - Cellar master
Cellar master Klaas Stoffberg takes us behind the scenes of our working cellar, revealing a few secrets along the way. Consider this your lusmaker. Step through the cellar doors for a hands-on tour, some perfectly respectable day drinking and a taste of the Babylonstoren Wine Pairing, served in our underground cellar. Beautiful wines, bold farm flavours and a few cellar secrets revealed.
15 Aug 2026
Medwin Dombas - Assistant Activity Manager at Soetmelksvlei
A cow was milked. Cream was separated. And not a plug point in sight. In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, we step into the world of Medwin Dombas, assistant activity manager at Soetmelksvlei – Babylonstoren’s farmyard experience set in 1897. Here life's necessities are made by hand, animals are part of the family and workforce, and guests are encouraged to participate in the slow cycle of growing, tending and crafting.
15 Jul 2026
Comine Joubert - Gardener and Citrus Enthusiast
There's so much more to citrus than lemons, oranges and mandarins - or naartjies, as we call them. In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, Comine explores this versatile, nutritious family, from the ancient mother fruits to our beloved blood oranges, and explains why these ruby-red beauties make the ultimate winter snack. Warning: Some weird and wonderful fruits were sliced in the making of this episode.
15 Jun 2026
Warren Sameuls - Tour Guide
In this episode of BabylonSTORIES, we head for the mountains to explore some of the spectacular sites reserved exclusively for guests of our Farm Hotel. Beyond the beautiful architecture and indulgent comforts of the hotel, the foothills of the Simonsberg reveal crisp mountain pools for swimming and fly fishing, romantic picnics and secluded gatherings in the natural splendour of the farm. This one is worth watching as well as listening to.
15 May 2026
Nicola Malan - Head of Product Development & Buying
In this episode, we speak to Nicola Malan, our energetic and inspired Head of Product Development and Buying, about the trials, triumphs and fine-tuning involved in creating products that capture the essence of Babylonstoren. More than a garden and an unforgettable experience, Babylonstoren is known for its beautifully considered products – from farm-fresh produce and botanical bath, body and home fragrances to luxurious linens, homeware, delicious nibbles and serious steaks. The list, ...
15 Apr 2026
Schalk Vlok - Executive Chef
The latest instalment of BabylonSTORIES features executive chef Schalk Vlok in conversation from the kitchen of the 19th-century farmhouse at Soetmelksvlei. It is a fitting setting for a chef whose cooking is rooted in time-honoured classics and shaped by the fresh abundance of the farm’s fields, orchards, gardens and animals. Schalk is happiest away from the spotlight - surrounded by loved ones, watching the sun go down, with roosterkoek hot from the coals. BabylonSTORIES is available on the...
15 Mar 2026
Elsa Vogts - Museologist
Babylonstoren’s museologist, Elsa Vogts, joins us in the House of Shadows for the latest instalment of BabylonSTORIES. Elsa is responsible for the visitor experience at each of the farm’s museums - the Story of Wine, Soetmelksvlei and the Byzantium. Ever wondered what a museologist does? In this episode, Elsa discusses her passion for sensory storytelling and shares insights into the creative practices that can help visitors learn by tickling the senses. You’ll also gain fascina...
14 Feb 2026
Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld - Master botanist & Succulent expert
In this third instalment of BabylonSTORIES, we share a conversation with Dr Ernst van Jaarsveld, renowned horticulturalist, succulent guru and eternal gardener. Ernst spent 42 years at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, where he planted and curated the Botanical Society Conservatory before joining Babylonstoren on his retirement in 2015. Today we visit him in the Succulent House to discuss the unique beauty of this resilient corner of the farm. Under his guidance and expertise, the ...
15 Jan 2026
Constance Stuurman - Floral Artist & Gardener
In our second episode of BabylonSTORIES, we talk with Constance Stuurman, floral artist, gardening guru and a true force of nature at Babylonstoren. Affectionately known as Connie, she is instantly recognisable for her unmistakable presence, boundless energy and a Tina Turner-like spirit. Connie has become legendary for her daily garden tours, spontaneous farm walks and the joyful way she shares her knowledge. Raised on the wisdom of her granny Angelina and great-grandmother Anna - who liv...
In our first episode of BabylonSTORIES, we sit down for a buzzing conversation with Arné Stander, resident beekeeper at the newly launched Byzantium, and an entomologist and conservation ecologist by training. Arné brings a rare blend of scientific insight, deep care for the natural world, and a gentle charm that makes every encounter with him feel like a sweet treat. Join us as he shares the hidden rhythms of the hives, the craft behind caring for bees at Byzantium, and why these tiny pollin...
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