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 Saturday, September 7. 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. The participating wineries are conveniently located within a five kilometre radius, which makes it easy for festival goers to visit all four between 9am and 4pm.
Great waterblommetjie and wine pairings as well as fabulous entertainment are on the cards. 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 its award-winning wines. There will 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, and there will be a dedicated play area and activity packs for kids. Station Flowers will 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 children can enjoy the fabulous play area outside.
Rhebokskloof is a family-friendly stop with loads of activities for young and old. Children 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 from 10am till 4pm will keep the good times rolling.
Windmeul will be hosting its 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. A special waterblommetjies and wine pairing session will be presented; limited servings are available so be sure to book. A dedicated play area with a jungle gym is available for younger visitors.
The cellar master’s recipe by Danie Marais is provided below. The nice people sent me a box with a bottle of wine from each of the participants, as well as the recipe and ingredients needed to make the bredie. I adore waterblometjie bredie and try to make it at least once a year when the delicious little weeds are in season. For this recipe, I did add quite a bit more than 150ml water, and added a generous slug of chenin blanc for good measure. I forgot the cloves at the end but it was still flipping amazing.
For more information about the festival, click here. To make reservations for special tastings and demonstrations, contact the individual participants.
Boland Cellar: 0218721766; [email protected]
Domaine Brahms: 021 869 8570; [email protected]
Rhebokskloof: 021 869 8386; [email protected]
Windmeul: 021 869 8100; [email protected]
