The food
On the day of the festival, waterblommetjies will take the spotlight in both traditional and creative dishes. Windmeul will be serving the classic stew, and you can pick up fresh waterblommetjies at the farmers’ market. There’s also the chance to watch experts compete in the lively potjiekos competition, with the Plaaskombuis offering breakfast along with homemade stews and dishes.
Rhebokskloof Estate has truly outdone itself, with cellar master Rolanie Lotz teaming up with their chef to create an array of incredible dishes. Five award-winning wines will be paired with waterblommetjie-inspired creations like waterblommetjie teriyaki sushi, fritters, smoked snoek tarts, curried pork bon bons, and braised beef spring rolls.
Wine tasting and pairing sessions start at 9:30am, with just four sessions available and limited seating. Tickets are R350 per person. Head to dineplan.co.za to book your spot.
For those looking for something extra, a four-course menu showcases this local delicacy in inventive ways. Each course is perfectly paired with one of the estate’s exceptional wines. The first course features togarashi tuna with a crispy tempura-battered waterblommetjie flower, paired with the Rhebokskloof Estate 2022 Chardonnay. The second course, braised and roasted pork belly with celeriac purée and waterblommetjie ‘bubble and squeak,’ is topped with gooseberry chutney and paired with the Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 Shiraz. The third course brings out the traditional waterblommetjie and lamb bredie, complemented by the Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 The Rhebok. The grand finale is a dark chocolate tart with candied waterblommetjie ice cream, finished off with the Rhebokskloof Estate’s Flatrock Sparkle.
Tickets are R550 per person, and booking is essential. Secure your spot now at https://www.rhebokskloof.co.za/…/waterblommetjies-event/
Don’t miss out on their waterblommetjie ice cream and wood-fired pizzas – yes, there’s one with waterblommetjies too!
For outdoor enthusiasts…
The Waterblommetjie Festival offers plenty of activities before you dive into the food and drinks. The Run the Vines trail run at Windmeul Kelder offers distances ranging from 3km for juniors to 5km, 10km, and 17km, with starting times between 8am and 8:45am. Entry fees range from R80 to R180, depending on the distance, and all finishers receive medals.
Mountain biking fans can head to Rhebokskloof Estate for some fun outrides with Paarl Trails starting at 9am. There’s an easy 10km ride suitable for kids, as well as 20km and 30km E-MTB rides. Each ride includes a leader and a sweeper to assist and guide participants. Don’t have a bike? No problem – bike and E-Bike rentals are available.
Music and entertainment
Windmeul Kelder will keep the festive spirit alive with live performances by Wynand Windpomp and Vosloo Bekker, alternating from 10am to 4pm. Kids will love the face painting and balloon twisting from 10am to 1pm.
Over at Rhebokskloof Estate, the festive vibes continue with background music throughout the day. While parents sip on wine and enjoy the waterblommetjie dishes, kids can have fun at both venues. Windmeul Kelder offers a dedicated play area, while Rhebokskloof Estate has sprawling lawns and a special playground under the trees.
Entry fee
Entry to the festival is free with the donation of one canned food item per person. The donations will go to the festival’s official charity, Athlone House of Strength, a shelter for abused women and children in Paarl.
For more information, visit www.waterblommetjiefees.com.
ALSO SEE: Wine, dine and unwind at the pearl of Paarl, Grande Roche Hotel & Restaurant
Wine, dine and unwind at the pearl of Paarl, Grande Roche Hotel & Restaurant
Images: Supplied
