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As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, acclaimed chef Darren Badenhorst and braai ambassador Jan Braai join forces for the Festival of Food at FYRE, a three-day celebration of South African food culture, open-fire cooking, fine wines, live music and the enduring tradition of gathering around the flame.
Taking place from 18–20 September 2026 at Olijvenkraal Olive & Wine Farm in Paarl, the festival brings together two distinctive voices in South African food culture for a weekend of immersive culinary experiences, with the farm’s olive groves, vineyards and gardens providing a spectacular Winelands backdrop.
Guests can shape their own festival experience across four distinct offerings, from intimate chef-led dining and olive-grove feasting to a relaxed garden braai. Each experience is ticketed separately, giving guests the freedom to choose how they wish to enjoy the weekend, with culinary experiences led by Chef Darren Badenhorst, Jan Braai and the FYRE Dining team.
Friday, 18 September | Open-Fire Collaboration Dinner
The festival opens with an exclusive Open-Fire Collaboration Dinner hosted by the duo. Guests will enjoy a refined four-course menu, beginning with a welcome drink and canapé on arrival, followed by a plated starter inspired by classic braai favourites. The main course takes centre stage as an open-fire showcase of premium cuts, served family-style, before finishing with a signature fire-inspired dessert. The experience includes Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino water, one bottle of Olijvenkraal Estate White Blend or Shiraz per two guests and live music by Brandon Baartman.
18:00–23:00 | R950 pp
Saturday, 19 September – FYRE Dining Lunch and Festival Access
Saturday brings a lively celebration centred around three course lunch prepared by the FYRE Dining team, with Venison joining as a featured participating brand and an opportunity to meet and mingle with the two celebrated chefs.
From 16:00, the experience moves outdoors onto the open lawn, where the festival atmosphere comes to life with wine tastings from pop-up vendors including 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.
Live music by Kai Liam Connor, a premium brandy tasting hosted by Sommelier Shane Mumba, lawn games and a well-stocked cash bar bring an added sense of energy and occasion to the afternoon. Refreshments from Stella Artois, San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Perrier will flow throughout, before the evening continues into a late-night afterparty with a DJ set by Oli Ditz.
11:00–23:00 | R950 pp
Saturday, 19 September – Harvest Table in the Olive Groves and Festival Access
For a truly exclusive experience, the Harvest Table unfolds among Olijvenkraal’s private olive groves and estate grounds. Curated by Darren Badenhorst and Jan Braai, the intimate, multi-course off-the-fire dining experience begins with a welcome glass of Boschendal Cap Classique, followed by an acoustic performance by Renate Riedemann. Wines are sponsored by Old Road Wine Co., with tastings available from participating vendors including Boschendal, Fryer’s Cove Wines, Winning Wine Consultants, Patina Stellenbosch, Joseph Barry, Andiamo, Mt Vernon, Long Dog Wines, Long Barn Vineyards and Here & Now, alongside a guided premium brandy tasting. Full festival access is included in this VIP ticket, with live music by Kai Liam Connor, followed by a DJ set by Oli Ditz and more gourmet late-night fare served straight from the fire.
11:00–23:00 | R2,500 pp
Sunday, 20 September | Open Garden Casual Spit Braai & Live Music
The weekend closes with a family-friendly Spit Braai, bringing friends and families together for an easy-going afternoon on the lawns. Whole lamb on the spit and flame-cooked favourites are served alongside live music by Brandon Lee Hunt, lawn games, vendor pop-ups and tastings. A relaxed celebration of good food, great music and a flowing garden bar to round off the weekend.
12:00–18:00 | R650 pp
More than a celebration of food, this festival is a culmination of the heritage, generosity and connection at the heart of South African food culture. Set against the beauty of the Cape Winelands as spring gets into full swing, it’s an invitation to slow down, gather and raise a glass to the unmistakable spirit of South Africa.
Festival of Food at FYRE
Dates: Friday to Sunday, 18–20 September 2026
Venue: Olijvenkraal Olive & Wine Farm, Paarl
Hosted by: Darren Badenhorst and Jan Braai
Tickets: Available here