The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday, 7 September, hosted by Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl. This fun-filled day of festivities is suitable for the whole family, featuring delicious cuisine, outdoor activities, and live entertainment.

The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos, or Aponogeton distachyos) is an indigenous delicacy found only in the Boland area of the Western Cape. With its limited harvest period each year, it’s a sought-after ingredient in heritage foods like the traditional waterblommetjiebredie (stew). Historically used by the KhoiKhoi for medicinal purposes, it is packed with vitamins and valued for its nutritional benefits.

Culinary Delights

On festival day, waterblommetjies will be featured in both traditional and innovative dishes:

• Windmeul Kelder will serve the traditional stew, and fresh waterblommetjies will be available at the famous farmers’ market. Festival-goers can also watch experts in action during the highly competitive potjiekos competition. The Plaaskombuis will be serving breakfast, as well as homemade stews and dishes.

• At Rhebokskloof Estate, cellar master Rolanie Lotz has collaborated with the estate’s chef to create award-winning wine pairings and waterblommetjie-infused dishes. Expect a variety of tasting portions featuring waterblommetjies, from teriyaki sushi and fritters to smoked snoek tarts, curried pork bon bons, and braised beef spring rolls.

Wine Tasting & Pairing Sessions

Book your wine tasting and pairing slot from 09:30. There are four sessions available with limited seats for each tasting, costing R350 per person. Visit dineplan.co.za to secure your spot.

Four-Course Gourmet Experience

For a more extensive culinary adventure, indulge in a four-course menu that showcases this local delicacy in novel ways. Each course is perfectly paired with one of the exceptional estate wines:

1. First Course: Togarashi tuna with a crispy tempura-battered waterblommetjie flower, paired with Rhebokskloof Estate 2022 Chardonnay.
2. Second Course: Braised and roasted pork belly served with celeriac puree, waterblommetjie ‘bubble and squeak’, topped with gooseberry chutney, paired with Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 Shiraz.
3. Third Course: Traditional waterblommetjie and lamb bredie (stew), complemented by Rhebokskloof Estate 2020 The Rhebok.
4. Final Course: Dark chocolate tart with candied waterblommetjie ice cream, concluded with Rhebokskloof Estate Flatrock Sparkle.

Tickets for the four-course experience are R550 per person. Bookings are essential. Secure your table at Rhebokskloof's website.

Also, try the waterblommetjie ice cream and wood-fired pizzas—yes, there’s even one featuring waterblommetjies!

Outdoor Experiences

Outdoor enthusiasts can join the activities before sampling the exquisite food and wines at the Waterblommetjie Festival:

• Trail Run at Windmeul Kelder:
  Participate in the Run the Vines trail run, featuring distances of 3km (juniors), 5km, 10km, and 17km with starting times between 08:00 and 08:45. Entry fees range from R80 to R180, and registration can be completed online. All finishers receive medals.

• Mountain Biking at Rhebokskloof Estate:
  Enjoy fun outrides with Paarl Trails from 09:00. Options include a 10km MTB Outride suitable for kids, a 20km Outride, and a 30km E-MTB Outride. Each ride will have a leader and sweeper for assistance. Bike and E-Bike rentals are available.

Music and Entertainment

• At Windmeul Kelder, enjoy live performances by Wynand Windpomp and Vosloo Bekker from 10:00 - 16:00. Kids can enjoy face painting and balloon twisting between 10:00 and 13:00 at Windmeul.

• Rhebokskloof Estate will feature background music throughout the day, creating a festive atmosphere. While parents sip wines and savour waterblommetjie dishes, kids can play at Windmeul’s dedicated play area or the special playground under the trees at Rhebokskloof.

Winning Wines

This is a great opportunity to stock up your wine cellar with exclusive specials while stocks last. Sample and purchase your favourites, from Windmeul’s acclaimed Chenin Blancs to Rhebokskloof’s multi-award-winning Shiraz—there’s a wine for every palate.

Entry Fee – Donation to Festival Charity

Free entry to the festival venues can be secured by donating one tin of canned food per person. The donations will go to the official festival charity, Athlone House of Strength, a shelter for abused women and children in Paarl.

For more information, visit www.waterblommetjiefees.com or follow Waterblommetjiefees on Instagram and Facebook.

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Press Release Submitted By:

Event Organisers: Waterblommetjie Festival Committee
Contact Email: [Provided Upon Request]
Website: www.waterblommetjiefees.com

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