“Your Story Matters”
De Rustica Olive Estate: South Africa’s Finest Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shines on the World Stage
De Rustica Olive Estate, nestled in the pristine Oudemuragie Valley near the Klein Karoo’s Swartberg Mountains, has earned its reputation as home to some of the finest Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO) in the world. While countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece have long been the traditional homes of olive oil, South Africa has now emerged as a global leader in producing award-winning, premium-quality EVOO, with De Rustica Olive Estate at the forefront. This is evidenced by its inclusion in the 2024 Absa Top Ten awards too.
Founded in 2006 by South African mining entrepreneur Rob Still, De Rustica Olive Estate was born from a passion for producing high-quality olive oil and a commitment to sustainability, community development, and environmental responsibility. Despite being an unfamiliar product in the region at the time, Rob saw the potential of the estate’s terroir and climate, and began planting olive trees in the rich, elevated soil near the Nel’s River. With ideal growing conditions and a vision to contribute to the land’s well-being, De Rustica Olive Estate began its journey.
Left to right Kallie Frey (Olive Manager), Dawie Durand (General Manager) and Rob Still (owner).
Today, De Rustica Olive Estate is home to 77,000 olive trees, with over 7,000 of those being planted in the last few years. This substantial expansion reflects the estate’s growth and its commitment to producing only the best oils. The trees are planted across various microclimates within the estate’s 135 hectares of olive groves, ensuring a diverse and high-quality harvest.
De Rustica Olive Estate’s dedication to quality was clear from the outset. By 2012, De Rustica Olive Estate pressed its first batch of EVOO, setting the stage for its international success. In 2018, De Rustica Olive Estate was named the Southern Hemisphere’s top olive oil producer, and in 2023, its Coratina EVOO was named the world’s best at the EVOLEUM competition in Spain, scoring an impressive 97 points out of 100.
De Rustica Olive Estate’s EVOO has continued to win accolades on the world stage, including Gold at the 2024 Dubai Olive Oil Competition and multiple gold medals at the New York International Olive Oil Competition. Locally, the estate has claimed 29 gold medals at the SA Olive Awards over the past decade, demonstrating its consistent excellence and dedication to its craft.
Most recently, De Rustica has once again achieved a remarkable milestone on the global stage, with De Rustica Estate Collection CORATINA winning second place overall in the prestigious EVOOLEUM 2025 international competition, scoring 96 points out of a possible 100, and standing as the only olive oil outside of Spain and Italy to rank in the Top 10. This recognition follows De Rustica Olive Estate’s triumph as the “EVOOLEUM Absolute Best” olive oil in 2023, confirming an exceptional level of consistency that only four estates globally, two Spanish, one Italian, and De Rustica, have achieved in the last three years.
But the story of De Rustica Olive Estate’s success is not just about olive oil. The estate has also become a hub of community development, employing hundreds of local workers, many of whom have grown alongside the estate’s growth. One such story is that of Gaylen Stuurman, a farmworker who joined De Rustica Olive Estate in 2009 and has since become an expert in EVOO production. His journey from orchard worker to integral part of the olive oil team is a testament to the farm’s commitment to empowering and nurturing its people.
Similarly, Izak Damons, a local who grew up working with ostriches and sheep on De Rustica Olive Estate, now manages the farm’s on-site abattoir. His dedication to learning and hard work earned him a leadership role, showcasing the estate’s ability to promote talent from within and provide opportunities for career advancement.
De Rustica Olive Estate also highlights sustainability in every aspect of its operation. From water conservation techniques to regenerative farming practices, the estate strives to protect the environment while ensuring long-term success. The estate’s no-till farming methods, organic land enrichment, and biodiversity efforts – including the reintroduction of wildlife and support for local beehives – serve as a model for environmentally responsible farming.
De Rustica Olive Estate has restored a region once plagued by unemployment and economic decline, offering stable employment, infrastructure development, and opportunities for growth. De Rustica Olive Estate’s commitment to community empowerment and its focus on excellence in both product and people have made the farm a perfect example for sustainable, responsible farming in South Africa and beyond.
Additionally, De Rustica Olive Estate takes pride in offering hormone-free, humanely raised lambs from their Dohne sheep, delivered directly to the public through their private abattoir. In addition to their premium lamb, De Rustica Olive Estate provides an exceptional EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) tasting experience, available through their fully equipped tasting room. Visitors can enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu, featuring products from local artisans and the surrounding community. For those wishing to extend their stay, De Rustica Olive Estate offers comfortable self-catering accommodation, providing a relaxing and authentic experience. For more information, visit their website at De Rustica.co.za.
