PAARL – The Waterblommetjie Festival returns to the Boland for its 16th year, spreading across three venues near Paarl. Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof Estate and Domaine Brahms have joined forces to celebrate the Cape’s indigenous waterblommetjie in all its culinary glory.

Set for Saturday, 5 September, the festival kicks off at 08:00 and promises a full day of food, wine and family entertainment. The three participating venues sit within a few kilometres of each other, making it easy to hop between locations and experience everything on offer.

Markets and trail running at Windmeul

Windmeul Kelder, the original home of the festival, combines its popular farmer’s market with the waterblommetjie celebrations. Local vendors will sell fresh, seasonal produce whilst the venue serves up a hearty farmer’s breakfast.

The Run the Vine trail run takes fitness enthusiasts through the vineyards with 5km, 10km and 17km routes available. Entries can be made at https://entries.onsite-events.co.za/events/84302-rtv-windmeul.

Between 10:00 and 12:00, visitors can enjoy a complimentary waterblommetjie bredie and wine pairing. Authentic waterblommetjie dishes are served both outdoors and inside the working cellar, with seating allocated on a first-come basis. Live music runs throughout the day, and children have access to a dedicated play area with a jumping castle, face painting and balloon twisting.

Wine and tapas at Rhebokskloof

Rhebokskloof Estate focuses on creative pairings, matching five tasting portions with five wines from their range, including the Rhebokskloof Shiraz. Pre-booking is essential for this experience.

The restaurant menu features waterblommetjie-inspired dishes such as boerewors and waterblommetjie paella, plus a waterblommetjie version of the traditional three bean salad. The Lume restaurant has created a special waterblommetjie margarita cocktail exclusively for the festival.

Family fun at Domaine Brahms

Domaine Brahms offers a buffet brunch and themed high tea at R215 per person.

The venue’s vintage car museum opens for the day, with prizes available for visitors who showcase their own classic vehicles. Garden picnics can be pre-booked, allowing families to relax in the estate’s surroundings whilst children play at the Rooibus Playpark, equipped with a jumping pillow, waterslide and animals.

Waterblommetjie dishes include quiche, a beef burger with waterblommetjie chutney and waterblommetjie beef pie. Domaine Brahms wines are available at festival prices.

More information is available at https://www.waterblommetjiefees.com/ or on social media at FB @waterblomfees and Instagram @waterblommetjiefees.