Wine, Waterblommetjies and Song at this fun-filled Paarl Festival

On 2 September 2017, the ninth annual Waterblommetjie Festival makes a welcome return to the picturesque Paarl Valley. Festival-goers can expect a day of great wine, live entertainment and hearty grub, brought to you by four top Paarl wine producers!

Flowery festival fun

Waterblommetjie bredie (stew) is one of South Africa’s most well-loved traditional foods. Harvested from dams in the Boland Region during winter only, these little flowers are a rare treat, appearing in an array of dishes – from traditional potjies and wholesome stews, to pizza, pasta, and even ice cream!

This year the festival extends across four farms – Boland Cellar, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Under Oaks and Windmeul Cellar – all located within a five-kilometre radius. Each estate will offer its own fun-filled programme, providing its own unique take on the waterblommetjie experience.

Four fabulous farms

At Boland Cellar, expect waterblommetjie tapas, bredie and waterblommetjie soup, a waterblommetjie-inspired arts and crafts kiddies’ entertainment area, henna tattooes and great wine promotions, with local musician Ivan van der Merwe performing from 10am.

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate has loads on offer for the whole family. While adults enjoy the live music, shiraz tastings, waterblommetjie stews,  ice cream, oysters and bubbly from the pop-up deli, children can enjoy an exciting obstacle course and even a SuperHeroes Adventure Race. (Registration is Friday 1 September, between 3pm and 5pm.) Other fun children’s activities include face painting, pony rides, Zorbing and jumping castles.

At Under Oaks, waterblommetjie muffins, pizza toppings and pasta are the order of the day. Enjoy a Waterblommetjie & Wine pairing (R100 per person) or join winemaker Bertus Fourie and well-known charcutier, Richard Bosman, for the Canapés for Kings pairings (R150 per person, 12pm – 2pm). Pre-booking is essential.

Windmeul Cellar is for the early birds, who’ll be able to catch a scrumptious farm breakfast. There’ll also be a farmers’ market, selling fresh local produce and homemade treats; a Run the Vines trail run; play area and jumping castle for the kids; as well as a gripping potjiekos competition. And, from 10am to 12pm, the winemaking team will present a wine-paired   waterblommetjie tasting session.

Although there is no entry fee, visitors may obtain entry to all four venues by donating a can of food (which goes directly to the Haven Night Shelter in Paarl). You can also collect a stamp from each venue in your festival passport, which qualifies you for the chance to win some amazing prizes.

Tuck in, stock up, and savour new and fun ways to enjoy these Cape delicacies!