MARDOUW COUNTRY HOUSE
Accommodation Services in Swellendam

Mediterranean climate and soil conditions at the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains in the Breede River Valley in the Western Cape of South Africa, and blending of the best cultivars, gentle hand harvesting at optimal ripeness and careful cold extraction within 24 hours after harvest, ensure the unique, fruity characteristics of Mardouw Olive Estate’s premium olive products. Mardouw Olive Estate took the first step in 2002, and now with many moments gone by our products are an ode to our history, a tribute to our heritage, a memento of our progress. The Verder family bought the 1000ha land from the Van Eeden brothers, and with the expertise of the Agricultural Department at the University of Stellenbosch, planted 50.000 trees to replace old vines, taking advantage of the much treasured water that comes down from the mountains to fill the Mardouw’s wells and dams. Previously the land was made up of vineyards and various other fruits, but is now home to the most beautiful olive trees. The main house at Mardouw was built over 100 years ago and was tastefully transformed by the Verder family. One of South Africa’s Agricultural Research Council’s olive research specialists confirmed that the soil on Mardouw was excellent for growing olives. The soil together with the Mediterranean-like climate conditions made for perfect growing conditions for premium quality olives, especially Kalamata and Mission. The olive trees of Mardouw are planted using the latest technology in olive tree planting. The trees are planted to be no more than 2 meters in height, therefore providing easy entry for sunlight onto the blossoms and small olives on the branches ensuring excellent results. There are more than 50 000 trees on 43ha of land currently in full production. Mardouw Olive Estate is proud to produce excellent quality olive oil and table olives. The processing of our oil and table olives are done with the latest technology and our products are continuously checked by outside laboratories, ensuring only the best quality. At the time, the land consisted of vineyards, and a variety of fruit trees. The Verder family decided that because of the fertility of the soil, something other than vines should be planted there. It was confirmed by one of South Africa’s top Agricultural Research Councils research specialists that the soil was excellent for the growing of olives. The processing of our oil and table olives is done with the latest technology and the products are continuously checked by outside laboratories, ensuring exceptionally high quality products. Olive oil is only Extra Virgin when the acid content is below 0.8. Mardouw Olive Estate is proud to guarantee that our olive oil’s acid is lower than 0.6%. A new oil mill was added to our operation in 2015, and we started making our own Extra Virgin Olive Oil since that year. We have also just expanded our product line to include the following: 2016 Extra Virgin Olive Oil (250ml)