The Waterblommetjie, a unique indigenous delicacy only found in the Cape Boland, blooms to life in the spring. During this time, the Waterblommetjie Festival invites guests to experience these edible flowers in a range of dishes, often paired with wines, activities, and live music for the whole family.
The festival is collaborating with three wine estates – Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof, and Domaine Brahms – to provide a day of fine wines alongside authentic waterblommetjie meals and entertainment.
Windmeul Kelder
Windmeul is the original home of the Waterblommetjie Festival, and continues to be the liveliest hub for those wanting to join in on the celebrations.
Windmeul Kelder’s day kicks off with a vibrant and social farmers’ market, with local makers from across the Northern Suburbs and Boland, ensuring all guests start the day off with a hearty meal. Throughout the day, there are several waterblommetjie and wine pairings, with Windmeul’s award-winning Chenin Blanc being the must-try drink of the day.
Guests can enjoy an authentic waterblommetjiebredie, the traditional South African stew that has remained the primary way most people indulge in waterblommetjie cuisine. The dish usually contains lamb, onions, potatoes, and a wide variety of edible flowers.
Another big attraction is the annual potjiekos competition, where some of the region’s best chefs and fiercest competitors work in teams and battle for the coveted title of potjiekos champion. The designated children’s area includes a jumping castle, face painting, and balloon twisting for little ones to enjoy.
More information is available on the website.
Rhebokskloof
The preferred destination for the festival’s amateur sommeliers and wine enthusiasts, with an exclusive five-course pairing experience of their acclaimed blends and waterblommetjie-inspired dishes being the biggest selling point. Guests can try their Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Shiraz, and house wine with a mix of kingklip, sirloin, and dark chocolate tart with various waterblommetjie furnishings.
Their restaurant, El Picoteo, is serving a variety of waterblommetjie dishes throughout the day, and even a specially created, exclusive waterblommetjie cocktail for the adults to try. Children have their own play area, as live music is scheduled to be on the menu throughout the afternoon.
More information is available on the website.
Domaine Brahms
The most ideal choice for families looking to spend the festival together, as guests wander through the estate’s vintage warehouse filled with intriguing antiques and a vintage car museum, sit down for brunch or tea, and relax with a picnic.
They are also serving various waterblommetjie dishes, including burgers, pies, and quiches, with festival-priced wines to taste, and an all-new competition for the best vintage cars in town to show off. Kids have a play area all to themselves, as the Rooibus Playpark has the Boland’s only Jumping Pillow, a slippery waterslide, and cute animals.
More information is available on the website.
Run The Vines
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can kick off their waterblommetjie celebrations by joining the Run The Vines trail run, which offers an exercise challenge for all ages. All participants compete in either a 5km, 10km, or 17km trail run, with all finishers receiving a medal.
There are various hydration points on the way where runners get a sip of water, and every runner receives a BoutTime timing tag on registration, allowing friends and family to keep track of their pace and eventual finishing times.
Cost: Registrations can be done via the website.
When: 5 September 2026 | 7.45am start (17km) | 8.15am start (10km) | 8.30am start (5km)
Where: Windmeul Kelder, R44, Paarl
Bookings for each event that forms part of the Waterblommetjie Festival are made separately; find out more on the website.
When: Saturday, 5 September 2026 | 8am – 4pm | From 7.45am (race)
Where: Windmeul Kelder, R44, Paarl | Domaine Brahms, Vryguns Rd, Paarl | Rhebokskloof, Noord Agter – Paarl Rd, Paarl
Keep up to date with the biggest September events in and around Cape Town
