Darren Badenhorst and Jan Braai Bring South African Culinary Heritage to Life at Olijvenkraal's 'Festival of Food'
As South Africa celebrates Heritage Month, chef Darren Badenhorst and braai ambassador Jan Braai are joining forces for the Festival of Food at FYRE, a three-day celebration of South African food culture, open-fire cooking, wine and live music at Olijvenkraal Olive & Wine Farm in Paarl, running from 18 to 20 September 2026.
The festival brings together two distinctive voices in South African food culture across four separately ticketed experiences, from intimate chef-led dinners to a relaxed family spit braai, set against Olijvenkraal’s olive groves, vineyards and gardens.
Friday, 18 September: Open-Fire Collaboration Dinner
An exclusive four-course dinner hosted by Badenhorst and Braai together, opening with a welcome drink and canapé, moving through a starter inspired by classic braai favourites, a family-style open-fire showcase of premium cuts, and a signature fire-inspired dessert. Includes a bottle of Olijvenkraal Estate White Blend or Shiraz per two guests and live music from Brandon Baartman.
18:00–23:00 | R950pp
Saturday, 19 September: FYRE Dining Lunch and Festival Access
A three-course lunch from the FYRE Dining team, with a chance to meet and mingle with both chefs. From 16:00 the festival moves onto the open lawn, with wine tastings from pop-up vendors including Boschendal, Old Road Wine Co., Fryer’s Cove Wines, Patina Stellenbosch, Joseph Barry, Andiamo, Mt Vernon, Long Dog Wines, Long Barn Vineyards and Here & Now, plus live music from Kai Liam Connor, a brandy tasting hosted by Sommelier Shane Mumba, lawn games and a late-night afterparty with a DJ set from Oli Ditz.
11:00–23:00 | R950pp
Saturday, 19 September: Harvest Table in the Olive Groves
The festival’s VIP offering: an intimate, multi-course off-the-fire dining experience curated by Badenhorst and Braai, set among Olijvenkraal’s private olive groves. Opens with a welcome glass of Boschendal Cap Classique and an acoustic performance from Renate Riedemann, with wines sponsored by Old Road Wine Co. Full festival access is included.
11:00–23:00 | R2,500pp
Sunday, 20 September: Open Garden Casual Spit Braai & Live Music
A family-friendly close to the weekend: whole lamb on the spit and flame-cooked favourites served on the lawns, with live music from Brandon Lee Hunt, lawn games and vendor pop-ups.
12:00–18:00 | R650pp
Tickets for each experience are sold separately and available through Olijvenkraal Olive & Wine Farm and FYRE Dining directly.
