Waterblommetjies (Cape pondweed), like other plants, grow
more slowly in colder winter weather and bloom in the middle of August. The
dams in which the waterblommetjies grow are about 1 meter deep to make the
picking process easier.
Windmeul and Rhebokskloof have made food and wine pairing an
important part of their programme this year, to expose visitor to the great
taste experience. This unique Boland delicacy is prepared as potjiekos and by
top chefs in the kitchen. Waterblommetjies were part of the South African diet
long before the first Europeans settled here in 1652 and are mostly used as
vegetable ingredient of stews and soups.
“Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage are good matches for
Waterblommetjie dishes and suitably so, as Pinotage is also a true Boland
product, so two of our unique wine and food items will melt together in your
mouth. Pinotage is a strongly fruit-driven wine which combines well with the
Waterblommetjie flavours, as the latter is also prominent and unique. Sauvignon
Blanc’s fresh fruit and acidic balance also compliment the flavours of
Waterblommetjie dishes well. Lemon and natural sorrel (‘suring’) often form
part of this dish,” says Danie Marais, founder of the festival and general
manager of Windmeul.
Various competitions are also held during the festival. At
Windmeul there is the Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition and at Rhebokskloof
the Miss Waterblommetjie Competition and the Waterblommetjie Challenge (games
circuit with prizes) will be held.
At the Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition visitors can
tuck into these dishes and food lovers with a passion for making potjiekos can
also join in to compete. The first prize is a gift voucher of Windmeul wines to
the value of R2000, followed by R1000 and R500 for second and third prize. For
enquiries and entries, contact Liezl Vermeulen (tel. 021 869 8100; or email liezl@windmeul.com).
Miss Waterblommetjie 2014 is open to girls 4 to 6 years old.
During the first round of the competition 24 finalists are selected from
photographs sent in by the parents along with the entry form. For more
information, contact Lillian Jonker (cell 082 953 5825; email lillianjonker@gmail.com). The entry
form is also available on http://www.rhebokskloof.co.za/#/events.
Miss Waterblommetjie wins a kiddies’ party at Rhebokskloof to the value of
R5000, the first princess wins a picnic for 8 people to the value of R1500 and
the second princess wins a picnic for 4 people to the value of R750.
At Windmeul and Rhebokskloof there will be a wide variety of
fresh Waterblommetjie dishes for sale and music is part of the festival, as
well as kiddies’ entertainment. Pony rides, large balloons, face painting and
jumping castles are included in the fun at Rhebokskloof.
The Waterblommetjie Festival kicks off at Windmeul at 08:00
along with the monthly Windmeul Farmers’ Market and Farm Breakfast, followed by
the judging of the Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition and announcement of
the winners. Rhebokskloof’s activities will be held from 10:00 to 16:00,
including mountain bike tours.
Full programme:
Windmeul
08:00 to
16:00: Waterblommetjie Festival, includes Farmers’ Market from 08:00 to
12:30 and
Farm Breakfast until 11:00, as well as Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition.
The winners of the Potjiekos Competition and stalls will be announced at about
14:30. 11:00 – 12:00: Food and wine pairing presented by cellarmaster and
winemaker. Music from 10:00 to 16:00. Wine sales from 09:00 (10% discount on
wine purchases). Fresh Waterblommetjies and Waterblommetjie stew for sale.
Kiddies’ activities.
Rhebokskloof
10:00 –
16:00. Fresh Waterblommetjies and Waterblommetjie dishes for sale (stew, pies,
quiche, spring rolls and ice cream). Background music, wine tasting and
mountain bike route. Cooking with Waterblommetjies by chef Alicia Giliomee.
11:30 – 14:00: Various exciting kiddies’ activities include big balloons, face
painting, pony rides, jumping castles and jungle gyms. 12:00 – 14:00: SA versus
Australia on the big screen (predict the score and win prizes). 14:00 – 16:00:
Waterblommetjie Challenge (games circuit with prizes).
For more information, windmeul@iafrica.com
or tel. 021 869 8100 (Windmeul) and info@rhebokskloof.co.za
or tel. 021 869 8386 (Rhebokskloof).
Caption
for photo:
Andri le Roux (winemaker, Windmeul) and Karin Louw
(viticulturist, Rhebokskloof) knee deep in a waterblommetjie dam between Paarl
and Wellington during the August harvest time of this Boland delicacy. The
Waterblommetjie Festival will be presented at Windmeul and Rhebokskloof on 6 September
this year, to celebrate this tasty indigenous flowering vegetable with matching
wines. Pic: Maritha Livingstone-Louw