The Story of RIO LARGO
RIO LARGO is the story of Nick and Brenda Wilkinson and their passion for producing world-class extra virgin olive oil in South Africa.
After spending more than 20 years living and working throughout Central Africa, Nick and Brenda returned to South Africa in search of a new chapter. Having built extensive experience in agriculture and business, they were ready for a new challenge — one that would combine their entrepreneurial spirit with a love for farming and the outdoors.
That opportunity came in the form of an olive estate nestled on the banks of the Breede River in the beautiful Scherpenheuwel Valley near Worcester.
What began as a new venture soon became a passion. Inspired by the potential of the estate and determined to produce olive oil of exceptional quality, Nick immersed himself in the world of olive cultivation and olive oil production. He trained under leading Italian olive oil specialists and furthered his studies through internationally recognised programmes, including training at UC Davis in California.
Together, Nick and Brenda set out with a clear vision: to produce premium extra virgin olive oil that could stand alongside the finest in the world.
Their commitment to excellence was rewarded from the very first harvest, which earned international recognition and established RIO LARGO as a producer of exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
Today, RIO LARGO is recognised both locally and internationally for its award-winning oils, while remaining true to the values on which it was built: quality, authenticity, innovation, and family.
The Estate & Mill
Nestled in the picturesque Scherpenheuwel Valley, RIO LARGO Olive Estate is home to approximately 18,000 olive trees and some of South Africa’s finest extra virgin olive oils. The estate’s fertile soils, abundant sunshine, and favourable climate create ideal conditions for producing olives of exceptional quality and character.
RIO LARGO cultivates carefully selected Italian olive varieties, including Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina, and FS-17, each contributing unique flavours and characteristics to the oils produced on the estate. Our olives are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and cold-extracted on-site within hours of picking, preserving their natural flavour, aroma, and nutritional benefits.
At the heart of our operation is a state-of-the-art olive press and processing facility, combining modern technology with traditional olive-growing principles. This allows us to maintain complete control over every stage of production, ensuring consistency, freshness, traceability, and exceptional quality in every bottle bearing the RIO LARGO name.
By controlling every step of the process — from grove to bottle — we ensure complete traceability, consistency, and uncompromising quality.
Our Products
Every RIO LARGO product reflects our commitment to quality, freshness, and innovation.
Our award-winning extra virgin olive oil is available in a range of beautifully presented formats, including 500ml bottles, 500ml decanters, 1 litre decanters, and 2 litre decanters.
One of the unique features of the RIO LARGO range is the variety of decorative label designs available across our bottles and decanters. From elegant florals and wildlife-inspired artwork to contemporary designs, customers can select a label that reflects their personal style while enjoying the same premium quality RIO LARGO extra virgin olive oil inside.
Whether purchased for everyday enjoyment, gifting, or special occasions, every product is crafted to deliver exceptional flavour, freshness, and quality.
The RIO LARGO Difference
From grove to bottle, every stage of production takes place under our watchful care. Our olives are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and cold-pressed within hours of picking using our state-of-the-art olive mill and processing equipment. This commitment to quality, freshness, and traceability has earned RIO LARGO recognition as one of South Africa’s most awarded extra virgin olive oil producers.
Packaging Pioneering
RIO LARGO was one of the first olive oil producers in South Africa to introduce premium bag-in-box packaging. Designed to protect olive oil from its greatest enemies — light, heat, and oxygen — the system helps preserve freshness, flavour, and nutritional integrity for longer. By pioneering this innovative packaging solution, RIO LARGO continues to set new standards for quality and product care.
Eco-friendly Revolution
Our refillable decanter system combines beautiful design with practical sustainability. Customers can enjoy an elegant reusable decanter while replenishing it with convenient refill pouches, reducing packaging waste without compromising quality. Together with our bag-in-box innovation, this environmentally conscious approach helps protect both our olive oil and the environment.
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Experience RIO LARGO
Discover our collection of award-winning extra virgin olive oils, premium balsamic vinegars, refillable decanter systems, and speciality products.
