The Olive Oil Oasis of Franschhoek: Terre Paisible’s Golden Touch Keeps Shining Bright

Tucked away in the postcard-perfect Franschhoek Valley, Terre Paisible is quietly doing something extraordinary — and the world is starting to take notice. Known for its serene luxury spa and status as one of the Western Cape’s top tourist gems, this estate is also producing some of South Africa’s most celebrated Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), and it’s not by chance. It’s the result of heart, hustle, and a little bit of magic from nature herself.

Since opening its gates in 2015, Terre Paisible has been on a mission — not just to produce olive oil, but to craft liquid gold that reflects the purity of its terroir. And judging by the awards on its shelf — including the highly coveted ABSA Top 10 EVOO Award — they’re doing just that. But behind the shiny bottles and international nods is a team that’s deeply rooted in the land, driven by passion, and totally undaunted by the challenges of farming.

Let’s rewind to the soil — wild, untouched, and teeming with possibility. Terre Paisible benefits from pristine water sources and a climate that’s kind to olives. This rare combination allows the estate to grow five Italian olive varieties that flourish under just the right touch of sun and shade. The result? A silky, rich olive oil that’s bold, balanced, and bursting with character.

But the real heroes of the story? The people.

Waldo Kellerman, the farm manager with over two decades of experience under his boots, watches over the groves like a proud parent. He’s walked through droughts, storms, and perfect summer days, and still, every harvest feels like a miracle. With a watchful eye on the weather and a deep understanding of the land, Waldo ensures every olive is picked at peak perfection.

Alongside him is Desmond Beukes, the heart of the harvest. As Foreman, Desmond is as precise as he is passionate. Under his leadership, the team works like a well-oiled machine — every tree treated with care, every fruit picked with purpose. Even when baboons decide to pay a cheeky visit, Desmond remains calm, keeping both morale and standards high.

And this isn’t just a job for the crew — it’s a community. The workers live nearby, forming strong bonds that carry into the fields. Terre Paisible supports them not just with employment, but with training, healthcare, and personal development. It’s not just about olives — it’s about people growing alongside the trees.

“We believe in producing world-class olive oil, yes — but more importantly, we believe in empowering our people,” says Waldo. “We’re proud to be part of South Africa’s olive oil success story, and we know this industry is only going to shine brighter.”

So, the next time you drizzle olive oil on your salad or dip crusty bread into its golden glow, take a moment to appreciate where it might have come from. Because at Terre Paisible, every bottle is more than a product — it’s a story of nature, nurture, and a team that simply won’t settle for anything less than excellence.