Babylonstoren launches innovative wine museum

Located in the winelands of Klapmuts, Babylonstoren is known for its wide offering and lush gardens. Not only is the farm home to a range of dining options and a thriving garden, but the iconic destination has now launched its very own wine museum.

Having officially opened to the public in December 2021, the wine museum, aptly titled The Story of Wine, is located in the wine-tasting building on the farm.

The two-storey museum includes exhibits that pay homage to the foundations of wine, the cultivation and the history of the much-loved grape elixir.

Constructed to reflect the many facets of wine, patrons enter The Story of Wine by walking through a giant sculpture that has been designed to reflect twisted vines and vine roots.

Designer of the wine museum Etienne Hanekom says that the design of the entrance was informed by viticulture. “The inspiration behind this elaborate structure was to create a sense of the origin of wine, within its deepest roots and genesis. We hoped that visitors would feel like one of the organisms within the soil, weaving its way through the terroir. Working with architect Jürgen Kieslich helped put the conceptual ideas into a tangible and relatable artwork.”

Unlike traditional museums, The Story of Wine has carefully curated a selection of educational, informative and interactive exhibits, all thanks to the aid of technology and a range of sensory experiences.

Upon arrival, patrons can opt to use an audio device to listen to information about the exhibits on display. The audio device caters to international guests as it is available in seven different languages.

One of the many attractions of the museum includes a sensory experience prompting guests to guess the notes of the Babylonstoren wines on display by both smelling a scent and feeling a disguised object. Other exhibits include a virtual reality experience of the farmhouse in small pods to give a 3D tour of the expansive grounds.

Additionally, a cinematic vat is located on the upper level of the museum and showcases an entertaining visual screening of wine.

“Our ‘cinematic vat’, a screening room made in the shape and design of a wine barrel, is sure to be another hit. It features a music video made from wine glass music and the resonance of water and glass. The Story of Wine is sure to delight a wide range of visitors, and is a valuable addition to the Babylonstoren experience,” adds Hanekom.

A creative touch and approach is echoed throughout The Story of Wine exhibits and includes displays that are a treat for the eye, such as a display of wine barrels and the elements that all play a role in the growth of wine. By simply peeking through the corkscrew hole of the large wine barrels patrons can view the art display found inside the barrel.

Other showcases include a display of wine bottles through history, an antique collection of corkscrews, and a display of different soils that give each wine its distinctive characteristics.

The museum is truly an experience for wine lovers.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Entrance to the museum is free of charge but entrance to the farm cost R20 per adult and R10 per child under the age of 12 years.