Found in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Vondeling Wines has unveiled a stunning addition to its ecotourism offerings: the Babiana Trail and bird hide. This serene escape invites visitors to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom while connecting with nature through birdwatching and a leisurely walk.
A biodiversity hotspot in the Cape Winelands
Vondeling Wines lies in one of the Western Cape’s biodiversity hotspots, the Cape Floral Kingdom. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, the estate is perfectly situated for nature-based activities like birdwatching. The surrounding Paardeberg Mountains are rich in indigenous fynbos, including endemic species such as Babiana noctiflora, Erica hippuris, and Serruria roxberghii.
As a WWF Conservation Champion and a key player in sustainability initiatives, Vondeling is deeply committed to preserving this natural heritage. Through projects like the Cura initiative in partnership with WESSA and the publication of the species guide Fire to Flower, Vondeling is actively working to protect the region’s unique flora and fauna.
The Babiana Trail
The Babiana Trail is named after the rare Babiana noctiflora flower, one of the many botanical treasures found in the area. Starting at the Vondeling Tasting Room, the trail meanders through almond orchards, past “Drie Bos”—three ancient olive trees—and vibrant fynbos. Visitors are encouraged to pause and admire the surroundings, binoculars in hand, as they search for birds unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The 3-kilometre walk culminates at the Lambert Bird Hide, a tranquil spot overlooking St. Clement’s Dam. This picturesque dam is a haven for birdlife, with up to 30 species, including the iconic Cape sugarbird, frequently spotted.
Connecting people to nature
Julian Johnsen, owner and general manager of Vondeling Wines, describes the trail as more than just an activity: ‘We hope to influence visitors by reconnecting them with the natural world and, in doing so, reconnecting with themselves. There is something incredibly healing and inspiring about engaging with nature.’
Matthew Copeland, Vondeling’s winemaker, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the estate balances farming needs with environmental stewardship. ‘By creating a dam for farming, we also create space for nature to flourish,’ he notes, highlighting the thriving wildlife now supported by the dam.
A holistic experience
After completing the trail, visitors can unwind at the tasting room with Vondeling’s award-winning wines and curated snacks. Packages include options for non-guided trails or combined trail and wine tasting experiences, making it an ideal outing for families and nature lovers alike.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Vondeling Wines, Voor-Paardeberg Road, Paarl, South Africa
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Contact: 021 869 8595 | [email protected] | www.vondelingwines.co.za
- Packages:
- Non-guided trail: R50
- Non-guided trail + wine tasting: R120
- Add-ons: Kiddies tasting (R65) or a cheese and charcuterie platter (R150 per person)
Vondeling recommends booking in advance, as certain dates may be unavailable due to events like weddings.
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