Heritage Month is best celebrated around an open flame, where the aroma of sizzling cuts and the clinking of glasses define the spirit of South African culture. As spring blooms across the Cape Winelands, the ‘Festival of Food’ at FYRE brings this rich food culture to life at Olijvenkraal Olive & Wine Farm in Paarl from 18 to 20 September 2026.
This three-day gathering brings together two giants of South African gastronomy: acclaimed chef Darren Badenhorst and braai ambassador Jan Braai. Set against a backdrop of olive groves, vineyards, and gardens, the duo has crafted an immersive weekend celebrating open-fire cooking, fine wines, live music, and the enduring tradition of gathering around the hearth.
Guests can shape their own festival experience across four distinct, separately ticketed offerings:
Friday Evening Open-Fire Collaboration Dinner: The festival opens on 18 September (18:00–23:00) with an exclusive four-course feast hosted by Badenhorst and Jan Braai. Beginning with a welcome drink and canapé, the menu moves to a plated starter of braai favourites, an open-fire showcase of family-style premium cuts, and a fire-inspired dessert. Includes Acqua Panna, San Pellegrino, Olijvenkraal Estate White Blend or Shiraz, and live music by Brandon Baartman.
Saturday FYRE Dining Lunch & Festival Access: Running from 11:00 to 23:00, Saturday features a three-course lunch by the FYRE Dining team, with Venison joining as a participating brand and an opportunity to meet the chefs. From 16:00, the open lawn comes alive with pop-up wine tastings, live music by Kai Liam Connor, a premium brandy tasting hosted by Sommelier Shane Mumba, lawn games, a cash bar with Stella Artois, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, and Perrier, and an evening DJ set by Oli Ditz.
Saturday Harvest Table in the Olive Groves & Festival Access: An exclusive VIP experience (11:00–23:00) set in Olijvenkraal’s private olive groves. Curated by Badenhorst and Jan Braai, this multi-course off-the-fire long-table feast opens with Boschendal Cap Classique and an acoustic performance by Renate Riedemann. Wines are sponsored by Old Road Wine Co., alongside Sommelier Shane Mumba’s brandy tasting, full festival access, late-night fire-cooked fare, and Oli Ditz’s DJ set.
Sunday Open Garden Casual Spit Braai: The weekend closes (12:00–18:00) with a family-friendly afternoon on the lawns featuring whole lamb on the spit, live music by Brandon Lee Hunt, lawn games, pop-ups, and a garden bar.
Throughout the weekend, wine and drink pop-up tastings feature Boschendal, Old Road Wine Co., Fryer’s Cove Wines, Winning Wine Consultants, Patina Stellenbosch, Joseph Barry, Andiamo, Mt Vernon, Long Dog Wines, Long Barn Vineyards, and Here & Now.
More than a food event, this gathering is a celebration of warmth, connection, and South African food heritage. Set in the Cape Winelands, it offers the perfect invitation to slow down, share a meal, and toast to the local spirit.
