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.
This unique Boland delicacy is
properly celebrated with these two wine cellars in Paarl. Windmeul and
Rhebokskloof have made food and wine pairing an important part of their
programme this year, to expose visitors to the great taste experience.
Waterblommetjie dishes are 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.
Windmeul this year wants to
show visitors alternative ways of preparing a Waterblommetjie dish besides the
Waterblommetjie stews. The Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition again takes
place at Windmeul and the winners are announced after the judges’ palates have
done a thorough task. The first prize is Windmeul wines worth R2 000, the
second prize wines worth R1 000 and the third prize wines worth R500.
Activities at Windmeul include
live music by Karin K and Mello & Jive. There will also be kiddie’s
entertainment. For those who are fit a 5km/10km fun jog will take place from
Windmeul, organised by Run The Vines.
The Waterblommetjie Festival
goes with Windmeul’s monthly Farmers’ Market. The day can be started with a
farm breakfast and ended with a glass of wine and a Waterblommetjie dish in
each hand.
At Rhebokskloof one of the
highlights is the very popular Miss Waterblommetjie Competition. Miss
Waterblommetjie 2015 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
R4000, the first princess wins a picnic for 4 people to the value of R650 and
the second princess wins a picnic for 2 people to the value of R325.
The other highlight at
Rhebokskloof is the deli tables where the Waterblommetjie art of cooking is
moved and exceeded every year. Their chef’s creative dishes vary from
waterblommetjie, pizzas, pastries, stews, mousse, ice cream and more. Cooking
demonstrations are also presented. Oysters and Rhebokskloof Cape Classique is
part of the day’s highlights and this year there is an open pub area with the
well known Shiraz on tap.
Rhebokskloof’s programme
includes performances by the Tequila band, kiddie’s activities, games, pony
rides, spring castles and the Waterblommetjie sporting challenge. Fresh
delicacies will again be available to round off the day.
For more information and the
full programs, windmeul@iafrica.com
or tel. 021 869 8100 (Windmeul) and info@rhebokskloof.co.za
or tel. 021 869 8386 (Rhebokskloof).
Windmeul
program
08:00 –
12:30: Farmers’ Market. 08:00 – 11:00: Farm breakfast. 08:00 – 14:30:
Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition. 08:00 – 11:00: Run the Vines (5km &
10km). 09:00 – 16:00: Wine sales (10% discount). 12:00 – 14:30. Judging of
potjiekos and stalls. 10:00 – 16:00: Live music (Mello & Jive en Karin K)
and kiddies’ activities.
Rhebokskloof
program
10:00
- 12:00: Miss Waterblommetjie. 12:30 – 13:30: Kiddies’ face painting. 12:00 –
14:00: Pony rides. 09:00 – 16:00: Jumping castles. 10:30 – 15:00: Performance
by Tequila.