The annual Waterblommetjie Festival brings regional culinary culture to the fore in the Winelands on Saturday, 5 September 2026, celebrating one of the Western Cape’s most iconic indigenous edible plants. Hosted jointly by three neighbouring estates outside Paarl—Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof Estate, and Domaine Brahms—the event offers visitors an opportunity to experience traditional and modern variations of this unique local ingredient.
Situated within a short radius of one another, the three participating venues make it simple for visitors to travel between locations to explore a wide variety of outdoor activities, live entertainment, and themed dishes.
Windmeul Kelder: Vineyard Trail Runs, Farmers’ Market & Potjiekos
As the original founding host of the festival, Windmeul Kelder pairs the event with its regular farmers’ market, featuring local vendors offering fresh, seasonal produce alongside breakfast options.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take part in the Run the Vine trail run, which winds through the surrounding vineyards across short, medium, and long-distance routes. Additional program features at Windmeul Kelder include:
- A traditional waterblommetjiebredie and wine pairing demonstration.
- A potjiekos competition featuring teams competing to present their best stew recipes.
- Live music performances inside the working cellar and outdoors on the lawns.
- A dedicated children’s activity zone featuring a jumping castle, face painting, and balloon twisting.
Rhebokskloof Estate: Culinary Pairings & Specialty Cocktails
At Rhebokskloof Estate, the focus centres on curated food and wine pairings designed to highlight estate vintages, including their Shiraz.
The estate offers a multi-course tapas and wine tasting experience, alongside a restaurant menu dedicated to waterblommetjie-inspired dishes. Featured culinary items include boerewors and waterblommetjie paella, as well as a waterblommetjie three-bean salad. Visitors can also stop by Lume Restaurant to sample a specialty beverage crafted specifically for the occasion: a waterblommetjie margarita cocktail.
Domaine Brahms: Vintage Car Displays & Family Playpark
Domaine Brahms provides family-focused entertainment and dining options across its grounds. Car enthusiasts can tour an on-site vintage automobile collection, with classic car owners invited to display their vehicles for prize judging.
Dining and activity options across the estate include:
- A themed High Tea, buffet brunch, and garden picnics.
- Specialty menu items available throughout the day, including waterblommetjie quiche, beef burgers topped with waterblommetjie chutney, and savoury beef pies.
- Dedicated outdoor recreation at the Rooibus Playpark, equipped with a waterslide, jumping pillow, and farm animals for children.
A Celebration of Boland Tradition
Whether visiting for the vineyard trail runs, the vintage car displays, or the inventive culinary twists on South Africa’s favourite aquatic flora, the Waterblommetjie Festival highlights the rich food culture and community spirit of the Boland. With three distinct venues celebrating a shared local heritage, the festival offers an engaging experience for food enthusiasts, families, and outdoor lovers alike.
