De Rustica Olive Estate
De Rustica Olive Estate, established in 2012 in the Klein Karoo region of South Africa, produces extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) and pasture-fed Klein Karoo Lamb. Located in the Oudemuragie Valley, the estate employs regenerative agricultural practices to enhance soil health, manage water resources, and restore local ecosystems. Olive cultivation prioritises hand-picking, cold extraction, and optimal harvest timing to preserve nutritional and sensory qualities, yielding oils with fresh leafy notes, green fruit characteristics, and a peppery finish. The estate's EVOOs, including award-winning single-cultivar varieties like Coratina and Favolosa, have garnered international acclaim.
The estate has achieved remarkable recognition on the global stage. In 2018, De Rustica was named the Southern Hemisphere's top olive oil producer. Their Estate Collection Coratina won the prestigious EVOOLEUM Absolute Best award in 2023 with a 97-point rating, and secured second place at the EVOOLEUM 2025 international competition. Additional international accolades include gold medals at the 2024 New York International Olive Oil Competition and the Dubai Olive Oil Competition. Domestically, the estate has achieved an exceptional run of five consecutive gold awards at the annual SA Olive Awards from 2023 to 2025, and was included in the 2024 Absa Top Ten awards.
Sustainability and community engagement are central to operations. The estate holds SA Olive's Commitment to Compliance (CTC) seal, guaranteeing 100% pure South African extra virgin olive oil. The business emerged following the decline of the local ostrich industry, providing employment opportunities during a period of economic hardship. De Rustica supports local employment, skills development, and community initiatives, including sponsoring De Rustica FC United soccer team since 2011. The estate also offers tasting tours and accommodation at De Rustica Stables and The Farmhouse.
