Waterblommetjie Festival features local Paarl wineries

The waterblommetjie (little water lily) is one of South Africa’s most popular ethnic foods and can only be harvested from dams in the Boland region during the winter season. These little flowers will be the culinary stars of the day and will be served in several innovative ways ranging from traditional potjiekos, stews, pastas, pizzas and even ice cream!

Four Paarl wine producers

This year, the festival has expanded to include four Paarl wine producers located within a five kilometre radius.  Each participating venue will present its own fun-filled programme and the close proximity ensures easy access to allow visitors to experience the unique offerings at Boland Cellar, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Under Oaks and Windmeul Cellar.

Tapas and pop-up shops

Boland Cellar will be offering waterblommetjie tapas, a pop-up shop with waterblommetjie-inspired arts and crafts, special kiddies’ entertainment, henna tattoos and great wine promotions. Local artist Ivan van der Merwe will be performing from 10am.

Super heroes and face painting

Amazing activities for younger visitors will definitely be a draw card at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. The latest addition to their programme is a super hero adventure race, where participants can tackle the fun obstacle course dressed as their favourite super heroes.  Register at Hero Adventures on the farm on Friday, 1 September, between 3pm and 5pm.  Entry fees are R30 for kids aged 6-12, while tweens over 13 pay R60.  Free entry for toddlers and kids under five.

Other fun activities include face painting, pony rides, jumping castles and Zorbing.  Adults can enjoy live music and the gourmet offerings at the pop-deli, including waterblommetjie ice cream and stews as well as oysters and bubbly.  Wine lovers can join Shiraz tastings and take advantage of the incredible wine specials.  Open between 8am and 5pm.

Culinary tastes under the oak

At Under Oaks, the traditional waterblommetjies will experience a culinary transformation and can be tasted in muffins, pastas and even as a pizza topping.  Savour the special Waterblommetjie and wine pairing at R100 per person, or join winemaker Bertus Fourie and well-known charcutier, Richard Bosman for the Canapés for Kings pairings at 12pm and 2pm to learn more about the art of making wine and charcuterie - this entertaining and informative sessions take place in the private cellar at R150 per person.  Stock and seating are limited, so pre-bookings are essential.

Local produce and farm breakfasts

Windmeul Cellar is the ideal start for early birds and will be serving a delicious farm breakfast.  Visitors can browse at the farmers’ market for fresh local produce and home-made treats.  Fitness fans can enter the 5km or 10km Run the Vines trail run, while kids can bounce around on the jumping castle or have fun in the designated play area.  The winemaking team will present a tasting session featuring a Windmeul wine with a waterblommetjies dish between 10am and 12pm as long as stocks last with special wine offers, as long as available. Watch the experts in action during a potjiekos competition and stock up on some fresh waterblommetjies to try your own recipe at home.  Open from 8am to 4pm.

The Haven Night Shelter in Paarl is once again the official festival charity and festival goers can obtain entry to all four venues by donating one tin of canned food per vehicle.  Collect a stamp from all four participants in the festival passport to qualify for amazing prizes such as gift vouchers and product hampers.

For more information or to make reservations for special tastings and demonstrations, contact the individual participants.

Boland Cellar:  0218721766; az.oc.redlekdnalob@ofni
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate: 021 869 8386; az.oc.foolkskobehr@snoitcnuf
Under Oaks: 021 869 8045; az.oc.skaorednu@eniw
Windmeul: 021 869 8100; moc.acirfai@luemdniw