.svg)
-1.svg)
Extra Virgin Alliance - The Olive Oils
Rio Largo Olive Estate
RIO LARGO OLIVE ESTATE is a family-owned olive farm situated in the picturesque Scherpenheuwel Valley on the banks of the Breede River in the Western Cape of South Africa. Husband-and-wife team Nick and Brenda Wilkinson bought the estate from Carlos Raposa (hence the fox logo!) in 2010. The estate was established with a vision to produce world-class extra virgin olive oil while respecting the unique natural environment in which it is grown.
Nick who studied Master Milling at UC DAVIS in 2015, oversees the agricultural and production side of the business, bringing years of dedication to sustainable farming, orchard management, and olive oil craftsmanship. Brenda leads the brand, marketing, hospitality, and business development aspects of RIO LARGO, sharing the estate's story with customers and olive oil enthusiasts both locally and internationally. Together, they have built RIO LARGO into one of South Africa's most respected olive oil producers.
The olive groves thrive in a Mediterranean-style climate with warm summers, cool winters, and fertile soils nourished by the Breede River which gave rise to the name RIO LARGO (wide river!) RIO LARGO cultivates carefully selected olive varieties and follows a philosophy that quality begins in the soil. Olives are harvested at optimum ripeness and pressed shortly after picking to preserve freshness, flavour, and nutritional value.
Environmental stewardship is central to RIO LARGO's approach. The estate employs responsible farming practices designed to protect soil health, conserve water resources, and support biodiversity. By working in harmony with nature, RIO LARGO strives to leave a positive legacy for future generations while producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
RIO LARGO has earned numerous national and international awards since that first Double Gold in 2010, reflecting its commitment to quality and excellence. These accolades have helped position South African extra virgin olive oil on the global stage and demonstrate the potential of the country's agricultural sector.
Beyond agriculture, RIO LARGO is deeply connected to the local community and culture of the Western Cape. The estate welcomes visitors seeking an authentic farm experience and shares a passion for food, family, hospitality, and the Mediterranean lifestyle that olive oil represents.
Today, RIO LARGO remains proudly family-owned and hands-on. Every bottle reflects the care, expertise, and dedication of the people behind the brand, from the orchard to the mill and ultimately to the consumer's table. The result is a premium South African extra virgin olive oil that embodies quality, sustainability, and a true sense of place.
Nick who studied Master Milling at UC DAVIS in 2015, oversees the agricultural and production side of the business, bringing years of dedication to sustainable farming, orchard management, and olive oil craftsmanship. Brenda leads the brand, marketing, hospitality, and business development aspects of RIO LARGO, sharing the estate's story with customers and olive oil enthusiasts both locally and internationally. Together, they have built RIO LARGO into one of South Africa's most respected olive oil producers.
The olive groves thrive in a Mediterranean-style climate with warm summers, cool winters, and fertile soils nourished by the Breede River which gave rise to the name RIO LARGO (wide river!) RIO LARGO cultivates carefully selected olive varieties and follows a philosophy that quality begins in the soil. Olives are harvested at optimum ripeness and pressed shortly after picking to preserve freshness, flavour, and nutritional value.
Environmental stewardship is central to RIO LARGO's approach. The estate employs responsible farming practices designed to protect soil health, conserve water resources, and support biodiversity. By working in harmony with nature, RIO LARGO strives to leave a positive legacy for future generations while producing exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
RIO LARGO has earned numerous national and international awards since that first Double Gold in 2010, reflecting its commitment to quality and excellence. These accolades have helped position South African extra virgin olive oil on the global stage and demonstrate the potential of the country's agricultural sector.
Beyond agriculture, RIO LARGO is deeply connected to the local community and culture of the Western Cape. The estate welcomes visitors seeking an authentic farm experience and shares a passion for food, family, hospitality, and the Mediterranean lifestyle that olive oil represents.
Today, RIO LARGO remains proudly family-owned and hands-on. Every bottle reflects the care, expertise, and dedication of the people behind the brand, from the orchard to the mill and ultimately to the consumer's table. The result is a premium South African extra virgin olive oil that embodies quality, sustainability, and a true sense of place.
Rio Largo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Intensity:
Proper Storage
Use of inert gas blankets storage tanks / bottles and other methods for protecting quality (e.g. temperature controls in production, storage and/or shipping)
Tasting Notes
Label and/or website descriptions of the positive attributes—bitterness, pungency and the range of fruity flavors—and serving suggestions
Traceability
Offering consumers access to traceability information (e.g., QR Codes, blockchain, etc.) Special recognition given to third-party verification
Cultivars
Declaration on the label and/or the website of olive cultivar(s) used to produce the oil
Estate Produced
Grown & milled on a single estate
Certified origin
Certification of origin/denomination as indicated by official EU-listed regional production areas
Biodiverse Groves
Hedgerows, insectary planting, owl boxes, cover cropping, interplanting and other practices to bring more diversity to the plant, animal and microbial communities in the grove; recognition for certification programs
Sustainable
Sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, including water conservation, organic material and mill by-product recycling/composting, cover cropping, soil building, renewable energy, etc
Family Owned & Operated
Brand is owned and operated by a family company
Community Programs
Involvement in community projects and philanthropyHarvest:
March-August
Cultivar(s):
Coratina, Leccino, Frantoio and Favalosa
Tasting notes:
RIO LARGO Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers vibrant aromas of fresh-cut grass, green tomato, and herbs. The palate is beautifully balanced, with fruity olive flavours, hints of artichoke and almond, a peppery finish, and a clean, lingering freshness.
Serving suggestions:
Drizzle with delight on salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, and artisan breads. Its vibrant fruitiness and peppery finish elevate simple dishes and complement Mediterranean cuisine beautifully. Ideal for dipping, drizzling, and dressing.
The North American Olive Oil Association is committed to supplying North American consumers with quality products in a fair and competitive environment; to fostering a clear understanding of the different grades of olive oil; and to expounding the benefits of olive oil in nutrition, health, and the culinary arts. | © North American Olive Oil Association. All Rights Reserved.