Festival celebrates waterblommetjie season in the Boland

OWN Correspondent|Published 6 months ago

Getting ready to celebrate the waterblommetjie festival from left, are Rhebokskloof cellar master Rolanie Lotz, with Windmeul Kelder winemaker Jenna Higgins.

The annual Waterblommetjie Festival, celebrating the indigenous Boland delicacy, also known as Cape Pond Weed, be celebrated this coming Saturday September 7 in Paarl.

The festival, hosted at the Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities for the whole family.

Harvested only for a short period each year, the waterblommetjie has become a sought-after ingredient used in heritage foods. On the festival day, waterblommetjies will be featured in both the traditional and highly innovative ways.

Windmeul will serve the traditional stew and fresh waterblommetjies will be available at the famous farmers’ market and festival goers can also see experts conjure up dishes in the potjiekos competition, while breakfast and homemade stews and dishes will be served at The Plaaskombuis.

Popular festival offerings include waterblommetjie infused dishes and wine-pairing, outdoor experiences, music and other entertainment with play areas at both venues.

For trail runners, The Run the Vines trail run will take place at Windmeul Kelder with four distances for all ages and fitness levels, while MTB enthusiasts can head off to Rhebokskloof Estate for some fun outrides with Paarl Trails, featuring an easy 10km MTB ride for children, a 20km outride and a 30km outride. There will be an easy 10km MTB Outride suitable for the kids, a 20km. Rides will have a ride leader to assist and bikes as well as E-bikes can be rented on the day.

Wynand Windpomp and Vosloo Bekker will perform live in alternating sets at Windmeul and children can look forward to face painting and balloon twisting at Windmeul.

Rhebokskloof Estate will continue the festive atmosphere with background music throughout the days. While parents sip some awesome wines and savour amazing waterblommetjie dishes, kids can come out to play at both venues. Windmeul Kelder has a dedicated play area. Kids can enjoy the sprawling lawns at Rhebokskloof Estate as well as a special playground area under the trees.

Entry to the venues can be secured with the donation of one tin of canned food per person which will be donated to the official festival charity, Athlone House of Strength, a shelter for abused women and children in Paarl.

Festivities kick off at 8am, for more information visit www.waterblommetjiefees.com

Wine tasting and pairing can be booked at dineplan.co.za and bookings are essential for the four-course meal at Rhebokskloof. Book a table at www.rhebokskloof.co.za/.../waterblommetjies-event/

Rhebokskloof estate has pulled out all the stops to create some amazing wine and waterblommetjie pairings, from waterblommetjie teriyaki sushi to fritters, smoked snoek tarts, pizza, curried pork bon bons or braised beef spring rolls.