How health properties of olive oil gave rise to Rio Largo
When Nick Wilkinson’s doctor advised him to incorporate more olive oil into his diet to lower cholesterol and manage blood pressure, he and his wife Brenda then delved into the health benefits of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).
Having studied olive farming as far back as 1997, Nick saw an opportunity to transform a health-conscious lifestyle choice into their entire way of life as well as a thriving business whereby they crafted exceptional olive oil while uplifting local agriculture and communities.
In 2010, the Wilkinsons purchased Rio Largo Olive Estate from Carlos Raposa, a proud Portuguese man. He had named the estate Rio Largo, which means ‘wide river’ in Portuguese in honour of the Breede River that flows through the Scherpenheuwel Valley and is a vital source of irrigation for the region. His surname Raposa means ‘fox’ in Portuguese and inspired the estate’s iconic red fox logo, symbolising his roots and a deep connection to nature.
Before this new chapter, Nick and Brenda spent two decades in Central Africa under contract with large-scale international corporate agribusinesses. Nick, a chartered accountant (CA), headed up change management teams to restructure and repurpose large-scale agricultural operations involving production and processing tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, broad acre grain, livestock, tobacco and cotton in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Brenda, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur, shared his passion for community development and innovation.
Their move into olive oil, however, was deeply personal. From the start, Nick and Brenda envisioned Rio Largo as more than just a farm – it was to be a family. This ethos shines through in the story of Jonathan Prins.
Starting as a farmworker, Jonathan’s talent and dedication saw him rise to production foreman. Known for his calm demeanour, meticulous standards and mechanical expertise, he plays a pivotal role in maintaining Rio Largo’s quality, particularly during the critical harvest season. Nick and Jonathan work seamlessly together, with Nick directing operations and Jonathan as his greatest support.
The estate’s people are truly at the heart of its success. Every team member is valued for their role in the production process, from soil to table. Rio Largo prioritises worker well-being with initiatives like mental health support, regular dental and vision care, and wellness programmes.
One heartwarming story is that of Sam, who briefly left the estate in 2014 to support her husband in a new venture. She later returned to Rio Largo, drawn back by the excitement and camaraderie she missed. Today, Sam is the glue that holds the team together, embodying the spirit of celebration that defines Rio Largo.
The results of this dedication speak for themselves. Rio Largo’s EVOO consistently garners local and international acclaim: from the prestigious Absa Top 10 Olive Awards and SA Olive Awards to global recognition in New York, Japan, Italy, Amsterdam and the UAE. As one of South Africa’s most consistent award winners, the estate set the standard in 2010 with a double gold award – and hasn’t looked back since.
Each bottle of Rio Largo tells a story of care, passion and excellence. So, the next time you buy a bottle of Rio Largo EVOO, savour its rich, delicious flavour and remember the incredible team behind it because their story truly matters.
While not an obvious emblem for an olive estate, the fox that adorns every bottle of Rio Largo olive oil reflects the brand’s unique character and is a proud hallmark of its heritage and excellence. Rio Largo is also known for its colourful and distinctive labels on its on-tap decanters, each of which is crafted with care.
And while many estates now imitate this concept, as Brenda says: “If there’s no fox on the label, it’s not Rio Largo.”
