It is time for the annual Waterblommetjie Festival. Celebrate this local delicacy on Saturday 3 September at three local wine farms in Paarl.
This event takes place only once a year when the indigenous waterblommetjies are in season. Windmeul Kelder, Domaine Brahms and Rhebokskloof Wine Estate are ready to treat for your tastebuds serving waterblommetjies in traditional and innovative ways. A fun-filled programme at each farm will also entertain the whole family.
Windmeul Kelder will host their traditional potjiekos competition that sees teams from far and wide competing in a taste-off to earn the coveted title and bragging rights for the year. The festival co-incides with their monthly farmers’ market where visitors can buy amazing local produces.
Domaine Brahms is a colourful stop featuring a treasure trove of collectables where you can browse at leisure. Have a meal at one of the eating spaces, taste some wines in the quirky wine tasting room and let the kids enjoy the great play area.
Rhebokskloof is another fun family-friendly destination with large play areas to entertain the kids, while adults enjoy the ambiance and estate wines. Be on the lookout for festival wine sales and stock up your home cellar at affordable prices.
The three farms are located conveniently within a radius of five kilometres, so you can visit them all between 09:00 and 16:00. Instead of entry fees, visitors are asked to make a donation of canned goods that will go to a local charity.
Try traditional waterblommetjies stew to soups, samosas, spring rolls and even decadent waterblommetjies ice cream. And don’t forget to pair these amazing dishes with delicious wines from the cellars.
For more information, visit @Waterblommetjiefees on Instagram or @Waterbomfees on Facebook.
WATERBLOMMETJIE
/ˈvɑːtəˌblɒməki/
noun
Aka Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae).
The waterblommetjie is one of South Africa's most famous edible plants. It has a long history of use by the indigenous Khoikhoi, both medicinally and as a nutritious food. The name means "little water flower" and though it's an edible flower, it's not the sort that is used to garnish a salad.
