Situated in Paarl beneath the magnificent Drakenstein Mountains, Olijvenkraal has emerged as a destination where working-farm authenticity meets refined Winelands living. The estate’s olive groves, vineyards and immersive culinary experiences form a seamless union with handcrafted wines, adaptable event venues and the soon-to-launch luxury accommodation. With the intimate on-site lodgings set to welcome guests ahead of their official 2026 debut, the estate enters the festive season with elevated promise for travellers seeking a distinctive Cape Winelands retreat.

At the centre of the experience is FYRE Dining, Olijvenkraal’s signature open-fire restaurant where South African flavours meet contemporary technique. Here, the aroma of smouldering wood and the drama of live-fire cooking define the atmosphere, as braai specialists prepare flame-kissed dishes over glowing coals. The black-steel structure that houses the restaurant is softened by curated interiors, while an outdoor dining option invites guests to linger on lush lawns that spill into vineyard views, sharing the landscape with freely roaming peacocks.

For summer, FYRE unveils a refreshed seasonal menu that honours the soul of South African braai culture while embracing lighter, coastal influences. Starters include Cape Malay mussels, seared tuna, grilled chicken and a range of signature “fyre bites”. Among the standouts are oepsies—honey-glazed bacon wound around glacé cherries—braaibroodjies layered with boerenkaas and peach chutney, and the ever-popular skilpadjies served on grilled cornbread.

Main courses continue the open-fire theme with baby chicken, prawns and generous braaiplankies for two, complemented by triple-cooked chips and traditional pap en sous. Desserts bring a playful nod to nostalgia, from malva pudding cheesecake to velvety melktert ice cream.

Vegetarian guests enjoy thoughtful dishes such as roasted boerpampoen with lentils, while younger visitors are treated to classics like creamy macaroni and cheese, ensuring the menu remains welcoming for all ages and tastes.

Further deepening the estate experience, FYRE now offers guided tastings of Olijvenkraal’s estate wines. Guests can sample the acclaimed White Blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Viognier; the MCC Brut Rosé launching this December; and the estate’s food-friendly Shiraz and Shiraz Rosé. Each varietal has been curated to complement the fire-forward menu, making a tasting the ideal prelude to an unhurried lunch or an atmospheric sunset dinner.

The estate also offers a lively summer rhythm, with live performances by local musicians every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The combination of open-air dining, estate wines and relaxed live music creates an inviting setting for families and friends to unwind, reconnect and savour the season. Olijvenkraal’s FYRE Dining continues to position itself as a defining culinary experience in the Cape Winelands—one that brings together open-fire cooking, estate craftsmanship and warm hospitality. It is an expression of Paarl’s food culture at its best: generous, sensory and rooted in place.