O for Olive

Originally the property of the Bothma family and still managed by Cobus Bothma, Swartrivier Farm is now owned by O for Olive (Pty) Ltd, with a 100% shareholding held by The Metallica Trust. The 668-hectare farm has a proud tradition of growing delicious olives and producing its own premium extra virgin olive oil, sold under the O for Olive brand. The olive trees were planted 27 years ago, with 3 300 mature trees today and 20 hectares of olive groves. The vast majority of trees comprise Mission and Manzanilla (50% and 45% respectively), complemented by Nocerella and Leccino for blending. Manzanilla is known as the queen of Spanish olives. O for Olive olives are a classical Mediterranean-style olive – firm and pure in taste. The trees are individually watered by drip irrigation (as per the Israeli technology) and the olives are picked and brined in the traditional, conventional way. Picking starts in March and continues to May. The oil is pressed on site and once ready bottled for market. Olive products including oil, olives, tapenades and chutney are available directly from the farm shop or through selected retailers. O for olive also supplies a number of top Johannesburg restaurants. Recently refurbished inside and out, Café O displays all our delicious products for sale, as well as offering tea, cakes, fresh breads, light lunches, tapas and tasting sessions. The newly added patio and outdoor area, complete with manicured garden and water features, is complemented by a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. Besides being the perfect place to end (or indeed, begin) a visit to Swartrivier Farm, Café O is also the ideal setting for special functions. Take a tour Our friendly staff members will happily take you on a guided tour to show you the whole process. It begins with a walk through the olive groves, moves on to our sorting tables, brining room and olive press, and ends with a light lunch platter in Café O.