Darling Olives: Olive Tasting, Farm Experience & What to Expect

If there’s one thing the charming town of Darling does well - besides its wildflowers and small-town hospitality, it’s creating a beautiful, kid-friendly atmosphere where you can relax and truly taste the fruit of the land. Nestled among the rolling hills and farmlands lies a true local gem: Darling Olives. My recent visit to their estate was nothing short of delightful, and let me just say, it’s so much more than olives. If you’re a foodie, a lover of natural products, or simply looking for a unique experience in the Western Cape, Darling Olives offers an authentic taste (and feel!) of what this beautiful region has to offer.

An Olive Lover’s Paradise – and Then Some!

I arrived at Darling Olives Estate on a sunny afternoon, greeted by the smell of fresh herbs and pressed olives wafting through the air. For just R65, I was treated to an extensive tasting of over 20 different olive products with wine tasting. Yes, you read that right!

Their tasting experience includes everything from:

• Hand-picked table olives in a variety of marinades and styles

• Rich and velvety cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils

• Flavored olive oils (think garlic, lemon, and rosemary infusions)

• Different flavored Olives Jams

• Tapenades and olive pastes that pack a punch

• Olive chocolate Salami (a sweet surprise that actually works!)

The tasting itself lasts between 30-45mins. Each product tells a story of the land it comes from - sustainably farmed, crafted with care, and deeply rooted in local tradition. The team is incredibly knowledgeable and warm, walking you through each tasting with pride and passion. It’s not just about sampling, you learn about olive varieties, curing processes, and how the Mediterranean climate of Darling creates olives that are rich in flavor and complexity.

More Than Just Edible: The Olive Spa Experience

As if my taste buds hadn’t been pampered enough, Darling Olives also offers a gorgeous line of natural olive-based bath and body products. Their shower and skincare range is gentle, hydrating, and free from nasties which is exactly what you’d expect from a farm-to-skin philosophy.

Some of my personal favorites included:

• Olive oil body butter – deeply moisturizing and silky smooth

• Olive oil soap bars – infused with essential oils like lavender and rosemary

• Lip balms and bath oils – perfect for a self-care ritual

• Olive-based exfoliating scrubs – gentle yet effective, leaving skin feeling fresh and revived

Everything is locally made and smells absolutely divine. It’s the kind of product line that makes you want to switch out your entire bathroom shelf!

What Makes Darling Olives Unique?

What stood out most to me is how holistic and heartfelt this family-run farm is. They’re not just selling olives, they’re offering an experience that celebrates sustainability, local agriculture, and healthy living.

Here’s what sets them apart:

• Affordable, generous tastings with expert guidance

• A wide variety of olive-based products all made on site

• A tranquil, farm-style setting perfect for slow travel days

• Kids Friendly, down-to-earth hospitality that makes you feel like part of the family

• Natural wellness products that go beyond food and into mindful self-care

  
  

Plan Your Visit

Darling Olives is one of those hidden gems that reminds you just how much richness lies in the simple things - good food, good people, and products made with purpose. From the smell of fresh bread to the first bite of their sun-dried olive pesto (which is one of my favorites) coupled with the refreshing scent of their olive oil, every part of my visit felt like a love letter to the land. If you're planning a trip to the West Coast or Darling Wine Route, add Darling Olives to your list. Even if your visit is for their remarkable olive tasting experience or looking to stock up on pantry and skincare essentials, this little farm delivers big on charm and quality.

Pro tip: Call ahead if you’re in a group or planning to do a tasting. They also offer packaged gift sets, which make for lovely souvenirs or gifts for foodies and wellness lovers.

So if you're heading to Darling, don’t leave without a stop at Darling Olives - your taste buds (and your skin) will thank you.

Have you been to Darling Olives? Share your experience and favorite product in the comments below or tag me on social media @theehungrychef in your next tasting adventure!