The Olive Tree about to break into blossom
The olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven – Thomas Jefferson
Willow Creek Olives in the beautiful Nuy Valley is going through the most interesting time of the year. The estate is planted to the following classic varieties – Coratina, Frantoio, Leccino, Barnea, Koroneiki, Favoloza, Mission, Kalamata, Noccelara del Belice and Manzanilla and harvest is upon them and the pressing of the new season olives for their superb oils well under way.
Olive blossoms in three stages, not often seen
The season started way back in last year as the trees burst into flower and the road to the perfect golden oil begins. One does not think of olive flowers – ever. Yet they are the prettiest little things.
Olive tree in full fruit
Once ripe the harvesting takes place. This is done by hand for the table olives to protect the integrity of the fruit. Olives for oil are harvested mechanically with a ‘mop up’ team following to pick olives
Olives at Véraison – ripening to black
Olives for pickling and table use are harvested by hand with the pickers using bright yellow olive rakes to remove the olives from the trees.
Hand harvesting table olives with yellow rakes
Waiting to be picked up after hand harvesting
Automatic Harvester for oil olives
Herman Lensing – Sarie Food Editor
in amongst the olives before the washing process
Washing just before going into the press
The State of the Art Pieralisi Press pouring out Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The final product – Willow Creek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
in the 1 litre Gourmet Squeeze bottle
Directions to Willow Creek
The estate is easily accessible by turning off the N1 at Worcester and taking the R60 toward Robertson. After 14km, turn left into the Nuy Valley at the sign. Continue for 4km and turn left at the ochre coloured Willow Creek entrance wall. After passing through a lane of willows to the right and the first olive grove planted on the farm to the left, you will be welcomed at the Tasting Room and Olive Deli where you can taste the range of internationally acclaimed extra virgin olive oil and olive products.
Please call (023) 342 5793 should you have any queries or problems locating us.
Regular Hours
Mondays to Saturdays – including Public Holidays – during the following hours
Monday – Friday 09h00 – 16h30
Saturday – 09h30 – 14h00
Please note that the Estate is closed on Sundays, New Year, Good Friday, Christmas Day and 26 December.
Visit their website – CLICK HERE
Willow Creek Oil of Origin
is our
Website Partner
