The annual Waterblommetjie Festival is coming to Paarl on Saturday 2 September, for a day filled to the brim with fine wines, electric entertainment and this delectable indigenous delicacy.
The main attraction of the festival, the waterblommetjie (little water lily), is one of South Africa’s most popular ethnic foods and can only be harvested from the dams in the Boland region during the winter season. The little flowers will be the leading culinary grandee of the day, with the delicacy being prepared and served in more than a few creative ways – think potjiekos, stews, pastas, pizzas and even ice cream!
The festival will be including four Paarl wine producers within the five-kilometre surrounding area this year. Each venue participating in the festival will be presenting its own fun-filled programme, with the close proximity allowing visitors to experience the unique offerings at Boland Cellar, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Under Oaks and Windmeul Cellar.
Waterblommetjie tapas, a pop-up shop with waterblommetjie arts and crafts, special entertainment for the kids, henna tattoos and fabulous wine promotions will all be on offer at Boland Cellar. Enjoy the tunes and melodies of local artist Ivan van der Merwe, performing from 10am. Open from 9am – 4pm.
Contact +27 21 872 1766, [email protected]
Some fun-filled and amazing activities will be on offer for the younger festival goers at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. A Super Hero Adventure race is the latest addition to their programme, where kids can tackle the fun obstacle course dressed as their favourite super heroes. The mini-heroes will be able to register at Hero Adventures on the farm on Friday, 1 September, between 3pm – 5pm. Entry fees are R30 for kids aged 6 – 12 and R60 for tweens over 13. Rhebokskloof will also have other fun activities like face painting, pony rides, jumping castles and Zorbing on offer. Live music and gourmet offerings at the pop-up deli, including waterblommetjie ice cream and stews, as well as oysters and bubbly will be available for the adults to enjoy. Wine lovers can enjoy Shiraz tasting and incredible wine specials. Open from 8am – 5pm.
Contact +27 21 869 8386, [email protected]
Enjoy the traditional waterblommetjie, transformed into culinary creations in the form of muffins, pastas and even as a pizza topping at Under Oaks. Get to know another side of the waterblommetjie, and how fabulously it pairs up with a good vino with the special Waterblommetjie & Wine pairing at R100 per person. Join winemaker Bertus Fourie and popular charcutier Richard Bosman for the Canapes for Kings pairings at 12pm and 2pm to become more knowledgable of the art of making wine and charcuterie in the private cellar at R150 per person. Seats and stocks are limited, so be sure to book soon.
Contact +27 869 8045, [email protected]
Start your morning off the right way with a delicious farm breakfast at Windmeul Cellar. Guests will be able to browse the farmers’ market for fresh local produce and home-made goodies. Challenge your fitness levels with the 5km or 10km Run the Vines trail run, while kids can bounce the day away on the jumping castle or enjoy endless fun at the designated play area. Indulge in a wine tasting session with a Windmeul wine and a waterblommetjie dish between 10am and 12pm, with special wine offers while stocks last. Experience the action as the experts take on the potjiekos competition and stcok up on some fresh waterblommetjies to try your own recipe at home. Open from 7am- 4pm.
Contact +27 21 869 8100, [email protected]
Once again the Haven Night Shelter in Paarl is the official charity and festival goers can obtain entry to all four venues by donating one tin of canned food per vehicle. Collect your stamp from all four participants in the festival passport to qualify for amazing prices such as gift vouchers and product hampers.
Featured image Rhebokskloof