Four local wine producers in Paarl have joined forces to celebrate the 10th annual Waterblommetjie Festival with a fun-filled line-up for the whole family on September 7, 2019. This indigenous edible flower is only in season during late winter and early spring and will be showcased in a variety of ways at the festival.
Explore a taste journey from traditional waterblommetjie bredie and soups to gin cocktails and decadent waterblommetjie ice cream at Boland Cellar, Domaine Brahms, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate and Windmeul Cellar.
Great waterblommetjie and wine pairings as well as fabulous entertainment are also on the cards. This is a festival you don’t want to miss. Free entry is secured with the donation of one tin of canned food per vehicle to be donated to a local charity Athlone House of Strength for women and children in Paarl.
Boland Cellar will dish up hearty waterblommetjie stew, soup and samoosas to enjoy with their award-winning wines. There will also be other traditional South African nibbles such as biltong and droëwors as well as craft beer, coffee and tea. Well-known local band Newton & Co will provide live entertainment, while there will be a dedicated play area and activity packs for kids. Station Flowers will also be selling fresh cut flowers and home-made delicacies.
The colourful Domaine Brahms will start you off with a hearty farm breakfast before serving waterblommetjie stew, spring rolls and roosterkoek (fire baked bread) with waterblommetjie jam. Nifty Art will offer free face painting and kids can enjoy the fabulous play area outside.
Rhebokskloof is certainly a family-friendly stop with loads of activities for young and old. Kids can enjoy traditional games, pony rides, face painting and jumping castles, while the grown-ups sample a variety of waterblommetjies dishes, including the ever popular waterblommetjies ice cream. The wine tasting room will be buzzing with Shiraz on tap and selected wine specials. An artisanal pop-up deli, open air bar area, oyster and bubbly stand and live entertainment.
Windmeul will be hosting their customary potjiekos competition, which will also feature their cellar master’s original waterblommetjies recipe. Outdoor enthusiasts can enter the Run the Vines trail run before tucking into some delicious waterblommetjies. The festival coincides with the monthly Windmeul farmers’ market; where visitors can stock up on fresh local produce such as locally grown waterblommetjies.
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