Crush’s Best Local Olive Oils 2024
Babylonstoren Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend
Babylonstoren is famed for its beautiful garden and orchards that celebrate the principle of growing and enjoying food with intent. Located on the slopes of Simonsberg, the farm’s olive groves produce fruit of exceptional quality, which are cold-extracted to create superb oils. With notes of fresh herbs and nuts, smoothly followed by bitter, peppery notes of medium intensity, the Babylonstoren Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is wonderfully versatile. This oil enhances the inherent flavours of any well-crafted dish or delicious ingredient, adding a touch of golden goodness. The blend pairs beautifully with steamed fish, artisanal cheese, crisp salad, roast veg, or whipped into the fluffiest scrambled eggs.
The olives are pressed, processed and packaged on the farm in the production plant. Daily tours provide an overview of Babylonstoren, the groves, olive oils and other olive-based products crafted on the farm.
Origin: On the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain between the wine-growing areas of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, Cape Winelands.
Style: Medium
Cultivar: Multi-varietal; a blend of 5 Italian varieties, including Frantoio and Coratina olives.
Tasting Notes: Herby, nutty, fruity, and peppery with subtle florals (Blended).
Price: R199.00 (500 ml) | R800.00 (3L) | SHOP HERE | BOOK A TOUR
Recipe Inspiration: The nutty notes of this olive oil are ideal for dressing this Shaved Lemon Broccoli & Wild Rocket Salad with Jammy Eggs.
babylonstoren.com | Facebook | Instagram
RIO LARGO Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Estate Blend
Nestled in the picturesque Scherpenheuwel Valley near Worcester lies RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE, a shining example of local olive oil excellence. Owned by the dynamic duo, Nick and Brenda Wilkinson, the estate has been crafting premium extra virgin olive oils since 2010.
RIO LARGO’s commitment to quality has earned them international acclaim, with a collection of prestigious awards from New York, Japan, Amsterdam and South Africa. At the esteemed Flos Olei awards in Italy, RIO LARGO won ‘Best Medium Blend’ (2023), and received a consistent score of 98 out of 100 — a testimony to the oils produced by the master miller, Nick Wilkinson. Their dedication to creating liquid gold perfection is evident in the rich, robust flavours that have captivated the taste buds of connoisseurs worldwide. RIO LARGO’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil blend is a true gem grown, produced and bottled on their estate. They also have an award-winning lemon, and chilli-flavoured olive oil in their product range. Try it, you’ll love it!
Origin: Breede River, Western Cape
Style: Medium; ideal for cooking various dishes.
Cultivar: Multi-varietal; a blend of Frantoio, FS-17 and Coratina olives.
Tasting Notes: Fresh herbs, artichoke, green tomatoes; fresh with a balanced pungency and bitterness and a lingering nuttiness.
Price: *Refer to the website for prices | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: The crisp flavour and green notes of this extra virgin olive oil pair perfectly with this Crispy Pork Schnitzel with Tomato Salad & Labneh.
riolargo.co.za | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Tokara Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The synergy between olive groves and vineyards is a celebrated tradition throughout the classical wine-producing regions of the world, and at Tokara Wine and Olive Estate in Stellenbosch, this relationship thrives. The Ferreira family embarked on their olive oil journey in 2000, driven by Anne-Marie Ferreira’s vision to create unique single-variety oils that would set them apart from the few South African producers at the time. Tokara’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils are renowned for vibrant green fruit aromas and a rich, creamy mouthfeel. The balance of dominant fruit flavours, tingling peppery notes, and pleasant bitterness makes these oils stand out.
The estate produces four exquisite cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils. Among them, the delicately flavoured Mission offers a subtle taste, while the full-flavoured Frantoio creates a spicier experience. Additionally, Tokara crafts two multi-variety blends that reflect the harmonious interplay of different olives. This commitment to quality showcases Tokara’s dedication to olive oil excellence and embodies the rich agricultural heritage linking vineyards and olive groves, enhancing the experience for both wine and olive oil enthusiasts.
Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Style: Intense
Cultivars: Multi-varietal; a blend of Coratina, Leccino, Frantoio and Mission olives.
Tasting Notes: Dark green flavour, subtle walnut notes and hints of rocket and baby spinach; a pleasantly bitter and well-balanced taste.
Price: R190.00 (500 ml) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: The green flavours and nutty notes of this olive oil complement this Crudité Salad with Hummus & Cracked Chickpeas.
tokara.com | Facebook | Instagram
Willow Creek Estate Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Willow Creek Olive Estate is nestled in the Nuy Valley, which lies at the foot of the majestic Langeberg Mountains. Located just outside of Worcester, the farm was initially used to cultivate a multitude of crops, including wine grapes, table grapes, wheat and vegetables, for over two centuries. However, this all changed in 1997, when a dramatic drop in wine prices led Willow Creek Olive Estate to diversify its farming operations. After discovering that the lime-rich soils and Mediterranean climate of the Nuy Valley offer the ideal terroir for olive cultivation, the estate set its sights on olive farming. The rest, as they say, is history.
Willow Creek Olive Estate offers a diversified range of good-quality trusted products. Their versatile range of premium olive-based products constantly evolves to accommodate the culinary and sensory demands of both olive oil connoisseurs and those who strive to create culinary magic in the comfort of their own kitchen. The Willow Creek Estate Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a blend of mainly Frantoio and Mission cultivars harvested at a half-ripe stage and has a medium, fruity character. The slight bitterness and gentle pepper aroma are perfectly balanced and fade to leave a pleasant aftertaste.
Origin: Nuy Valley, Western Cape
Style: Medium
Cultivar: Multi-varietal; a blend of Frantoio and Mission olives.
Tasting Notes: Fruity and slightly bitter with a balanced taste.
Price: R130.00 (500 ml) | R220.00 (1L) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: Ideal for finishing salads and roasted vegetables, like this Roasted Pumpkin & ClemenGold Salad with Labneh & Dukkah Crumble.
willowcreek.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
African Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil
African Gold is a symphony of flavour, composed by nature and perfected by artisans. This high-quality blend of local extra virgin olive oil is perfect for infusing deliciousness into everyday cooking. An embodiment of the land’s riches, African Gold is a true expression of the South African terroir, all carefully curated by the people of Southern Oil.
Koroneiki, Nocellera, Frantoio, Coratina, Mission, Favalosa and Leccino olive cultivars are used to create the olive oil, all of which are sourced solely from local farms across the region and blended together to create a consistently delicious product. This liquid masterpiece reflects a commitment to excellence, each bottle reflecting the diversity of our land. This perfectly balanced olive oil has a medium-to-intense style, with fresh, green aromatic fruitiness, distinct pepperiness and pleasantly bitter notes.
Origin: Overberg, Western Cape. *Sourced from olive farms in the Overberg and pressed in Swellendam.
Style: Medium-intense
Cultivar: Multi-varietal; a blend of Koroneiki, Nocellera, Frantoio, Coratina, Mission, Favalosa and Leccino olives.
Tasting Notes: fresh, green aromatic fruitiness; pepper and pleasantly bitter notes.
Price: ±R130.00 (500 ml) | *Available at retail stores, nationwide.
Recipe Inspiration: Use African Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil to uplift the spices in this comforting bowl of Umngqusho with Smoky Pork.
africangoldoil.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Kransfontein Extra Virgin Mission Olive Oil
Established in 1833, Kransfontein Estate is an amalgamation of four adjacent farms, three of which were owned by the celebrated author, Wilbur Smith, who wrote many of his first novels here. In 2000, Adv. Altus Joubert SC bought the farms, planted 10,000 olive trees, and with the help of Prof. Ben Farrell – doyen of SA landscape architecture – transformed the farms into a place of tranquillity and beauty. Conditions are perfect for growing olives. The soil is calcium-rich and the climate approximates the Mediterranean. Besides olive oil and table olives, the farm produces olive preserves, chutneys, olive spices and soap products made from award-winning olive oil.
Kransfontein‘s Frantoio Olive Oil is well-balanced and flavourful. Their Coratina olives produce an intense oil, featuring strong, peppery flavours. On the more delicate side is Kransfontein Mission Olive Oil, which has a soft, fruity flavour. It’s ideal drizzled over salads, or combined with balsamic vinegar and used as a bread dipper.
Origin: Stillbaai, Garden Route, Western Cape
Style: Delicate
Cultivar: Mission
Tasting Notes: soft, fruity flavours.
Price: R110.00 (250 ml) | R 200.00 (500 ml) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: The well-balanced, fruity flavours taste great incorporated into these Olive Oil Polenta Cakes with Pink Grapefruit Drizzle.
kransfontein.com | Facebook | Instagram
Anysbos Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Anysbos is a boutique farm renowned for its artisanal approach to olive oil production. Aptly named after the Anysboegoe (Agathosma Cerefolium) that grows within the Botrivier Valley, Overberg region, the farm has been operational since 2008 and is home to exceptional olives. The estate olive oil is a blend of Frantoio, Favolosa, Coratina and Kalamata olives.
The Mediterranean-like climate and cool breezes from the nearby coast allow the olives to ripen slowly, resulting in a deeply nuanced medium-style oil. It has a lively palate with notes of artichoke, olive leaf, herbs and tomato; and aromas of green, ripe olives and green apples.
Origin: Overberg, Theewaterskloof, Western Cape
Style: Medium
Cultivars: Multi-varietal; a blend of Frantoio, Favolosa, Coratina and Kalamata olives.
Tasting Notes: Artichoke, olive leaf, herbs and tomato; lively with good complexity.
Price: R840.00 (6 x 500 ml bottles) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: Drizzle this medium-style extra virgin olive oil over this Zaalouk with Fried Halloumi and Toasted Pita Bread.
anysbos.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Darling Olives
Situated amidst the rolling hills of the Darling region, within the spectacular Cape Floral Region, Darling Olives has been a pioneer in South Africa’s olive industry for over two decades. The estate combines its olive groves with vineyards and balsamic vinegar production, showcasing its versatility. Its medium-intense extra virgin olive oil has garnered multiple awards, including a gold medal at the 2024 SA Olive Awards.
Made using Mission olives, this delicate olive oil has delicious buttery and peppery notes, with aromas of freshly cut grass, green olive and olive leaf, green vegetables, artichoke, tomato and hints of banana. It’s perfect for dressing salads and finishing rich tomato dishes.
Origin: Swartland, Western Cape
Style: Delicate
Cultivars: Mission
Tasting Notes: Buttery, peppery; well-balanced with a good complexity.
Price: R100.00 (250 ml) | R150.00 (500 ml) | R265.00 (1L) | R1,250.00 (5L) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: This delicate olive oil is ideal for everyday cooking; use it to finish this classic Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce Pasta.
darlingolives.co.za | Facebook | Instagram
Kleinbergskloof Estate Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Nestled along the banks of the Goukou River in Stillbaai, Kleinbergskloof is celebrated for its incredible views and award-winning extra virgin olive oil. The region’s dry and warm climate results in an exceptional extra virgin olive oil, which is produced from a harmonious blend of Mission, Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina cultivars.
The farm has built its reputation on quality and sustainability; from the olive harvest to cold extraction, everything is done with care. Their estate blend of extra virgin olive oil is well-balanced with fresh, grassy notes. Its complexity and aroma have earned it numerous wins at the 2024 SA Olive Awards, including a gold medal within the medium-style category for both the Kleinbergskloof Directors Blend and the Family Reserve. Whether drizzled over salads or used as a dip for artisanal bread, it elevates simple dishes to gourmet status.
Origin: Stillbaai, Garden Route, Western Cape
Style: Medium
Cultivars: Multi-varietal; a blend of Mission, Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina olives.
Tasting Notes: Grassy and fresh, with a complex character and strong aroma.
Price: ±R195.00 (500 ml) | R260.00 (750 ml) | R290.00 (1L) | R860.00 (3L) | R1,300.00 (5L) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: Enjoy this delicious olive oil with toasted baguette slices and Whipped Feta & Cream Cheese with Green Olive Salsa Verde.
kleinbergskloof.com | Facebook | Instagram
Terre Paisible Modérée Huile d’Olive
Franschhoek’s rich winemaking history often overshadows its olive oil production, but Terre Paisible proves that this region can produce both exceptional wines and exquisite olive oils. Their masterful range includes a trio of extra virgin olive oils — Délicate, Modérée and Aromatique — with varying intensities. The olive oils are produced from five unique Italian olive cultivars: Favolosa, Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina and Delicata.
The Modérée Huile d’Olive is a moderately aromatic oil, ideally paired with grilled meat, seafood and roasted vegetables. This olive oil provides a balance of green olive, olive leaf, artichoke, almond and herb notes, with a slightly peppery finish. Known for its elegant yet bold character, it has been a top contender in olive oil competitions, including at this year’s SA Olive Awards where Terre Paisible Modérée Huile d’Olive earned a gold medal.
Origin: Franschhoek, Western Cape
Style: Medium
Cultivars: Multi-varietal; a blend of Favolosa, Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina and Delicata olives.
Tasting Notes: Green olive, artichoke, almond, mild pepper.
Price: R195.00 (500 ml) | SHOP HERE
Recipe Inspiration: This moderately aromatic olive oil pairs perfectly with the chunky green salsa verde and whipped hummus in this Greek-style Pork Chops Platter.
terrepaisible.com | Facebook | Instagram
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