Festival Showcases Indigenous Delicacy
08:54:00The annual Waterblommetjie Festival in Paarl is back on Saturday, 2 September, and visitors can expect a jam-packed day filled with fabulous wines, live entertainment and obviously this amazing local gourmet treat.
Waterblommetjie Pot |
This year, the festival has expanded to include four Paarl wine producers located within a five kilometre radius. Each participating venue will present its own fun-filled programme and the close proximity ensures easy access to allow visitors to experience the unique offerings at Boland Cellar, Rhebokskloof, Under Oaks and Windmeul Cellar.
Boland Cellar will be offering
waterblommetjie tapas, a pop-up shop with waterblommetjie-inspired arts and
crafts, special kiddies’ entertainment, henna tattoos and great wine
promotions. Local artist Ivan van der Merwe will be performing from
10h00. Festival trading times: 09h00 – 16h00.
Amazing activities for younger
visitors will definitely be a draw card at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. The
latest addition to their programme is a Super Hero Adventure Race, where
participants can tackle the fun obstacle course dressed as their favourite
super heroes. Register at Hero Adventures on the farm on Friday, 1
September, between 15h00 – 17h00. Entry fees are R30 for kids aged 6-12,
while tweens over 13 pay R60. Free entry for toddlers and kids under
five. Other fun activities include face painting, pony rides, jumping
castles and Zorbing. Adults can enjoy live music and the gourmet
offerings at the pop-deli, including waterblommetjie ice cream and stews as
well as oysters and bubbly. Wine lovers can join Shiraz tastings and take
advantage of the incredible wine specials. Open from 08h00 – 17h00.
L-R Bertus Fourie (Under Oaks), Rolanie Lotz (Rhebokskloof), Abraham van Heerden (Boland), Handré Barkhuysen (Windmeul) |
At Under Oaks, the traditional
waterblommetjies will experience a culinary transformation and can be tasted in
muffins, pastas and even as a pizza topping. Savour the special
Waterblommetjie & Wine pairing at R100 per person. Or join winemaker
Bertus Fourie and well-known charcutier Richard Bosman for the Canapés for
Kings pairings at 12h00 and 14h00 to learn more about the art of making
wine and charcuterie. This highly entertaining and informative sessions
take place in the private cellar at R150 per person. Stock and seating
are limited, so pre-bookings are essential.
Windmeul Cellar is the ideal
start for early birds and will be serving a delicious farm breakfast.
Visitors can browse at the farmers’ market for fresh local produce and
home-made treats. Fitness fans can enter the 5km or 10km Run the Vines trail
run, while kids can bounce around on the jumping castle or have fun in the
designated play area. The winemaking team will present a tasting session
featuring a Windmeul wine with a waterblommetjies dish between 10h00 and 12h00
as long as stocks last with special wine offers as long as available. Watch the
experts in action during a potjiekos competition and stock up on some fresh
waterblommetjies to try your own recipe at home. Open from 08h00 –
16h00.
Abraham van Heerden of Boland Cellar and Bertus Fourie getting into Waterblommetjie Festival mode |
The Haven Night Shelter in Paarl is once again the official festival charity and festival goers can obtain entry to all four venues by donating one tin of canned food per vehicle. Collect a stamp from all four participants in the festival passport to qualify for amazing prizes such as gift vouchers and product hampers.
For more information or to make reservations for special tastings and demonstrations, contact the individual participants.
Boland Cellar: 0218721766; info@bolandkelder.co.za
Rhebokskloof: 021 869 8386; functions@rhebokskloof.co.za
Under Oaks: 021 869 8045; wine@underoaks.co.za
Windmeul: 021 869 8100; windmeul@iafrica.com
Pictures: SUPPLIED
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