Ring In Spring At The Waterblommetjie Festival 2026
Three iconic Paarl wineries. One of South Africa’s most indigenous culinary delicacies. The Waterblommetjie Festival returns for its 16th edition as Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof Estate, and Domaine Brahms team up to showcase and celebrate this native edible plant.
Harvested exclusively during August and September in the Boland, this short-season winter treat takes center stage across all three venues on Saturday 5 September 2026. Expect everything from soul-warming, classic waterblommetjiebredie to daring culinary twists, all perfectly paired with fine wines, live tunes, and tons of family fun.
FREE FOR ALL!
Best of all? Admission to every farm is 100% FREE! Just bring your appetite, check the individual line-ups, and pre-book those specialty pairings early!
1. Windmeul Kelder
The birthplace of the Waterblommetjie festival & home to the legendary farmers’ market.
Run the Vines
For the fit and the fearless! Enter the Run the Vines trail run (3km, 5km, 10km, and 17km options) starting from Windmeul Kelder.
Entry fees and time slots:
5km – R180 – Start: 8:30
10km – R200 – Start: 8:15
17km – R230 – Start: 7:45
Waterblommetjie Potjiekos Competition
Put your best pot forward at the much-anticipated annual potjiekos competition. Cooking teams are challenged to let their creativity flow as freely as the wine, using waterblommetjies as the star ingredient in bold, inventive new recipes.
Waterblommetjies & Wine Pairing
Sip on Windmeul Chenin Blanc paired with waterblommetjies, or sit down for cellarmaster Danie Marais’ authentic waterblommetjiebredie, to be served outdoors or inside the working cellar on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entertainment
Jam to live local tunes while the kids burn off energy in a dedicated play zone packed with jumping castles, face painting, and balloon twisting.
2. Rhebokskloof Estate
Sophisticated wine pairings & gourmet waterblommetjie creations.
Exotic Wine & Food Pairings
Rhebokskloof is highlighting their superb wines such as the Rhebokskloof Shiraz with a delicious tapas and wine pairing. Five delectable tasting portions have been paired with five of their amazing wines. Pre-booking for this tasting is essential. The restaurant will serve a selection of waterblommetjie inspired dishes, including a boerewors and waterblommetjie paella and a creative waterblommetjie twist on the traditional three bean salad.
Pop in at the stylish Lume restaurant to try signature festival-exclusive waterblommetjie margarita cocktail, which has been created especially for this year’s event.
A massive, dedicated play park to keep the little ones entertained while you sip.
3. Domaine Brahms
A lively, family-friendly farm atmosphere packed with entertainment.
A selection of waterblommetjie dishes, including waterblommetjie pies, waterblommetjies burgers and waterblommetjie quiches, will be available all day. Other offerings include their famous buffet brunches, a waterblommetjie inspired high tea for two and garden picnics.
Waterblommetjie-themed High Tea
The high tea costs R215 per person and must be booked by 28 August at [email protected]. Grab the award-winning wines from Domaine Brahms at discounted festival prices.
Kids Entertainment
Check out the vintage car museum or bring your own vintage ride to enter and win prizes! Epic fun awaits the kids at the Rooibus Playpark featuring a giant jumping pillow – one of only 2 in the Western Cape, a waterslide, farm animals, and more.
Waterblommetjie Festival Details
Start early, hit all three farms to catch the full experience, and pre-book your specialty tastings in advance so you don’t miss out!
| Detail | Information |
| Date & Time | Festivities start at 08:00 on 5 September 2026 |
| Location | Windmeul Kelder, Rhebokskloof Estate, Domaine Brahms in Paarl |
| Admission | FREE Entry at the gate (Special tastings, meals & trail runs require pre-booking) |
| Suitable For | Wine lovers, foodies, fitness enthusiasts & families |
