Tierhoek Organic Farm

By Charl Hubner - 14/04/2025 - 0 comments
A Taste of Nature at Tierhoek Organic Farm
Tucked away in the peaceful Noree Valley near Robertson, Western Cape, Tierhoek Organic Farm is a place where nature, family, and good food come together in perfect harmony. Owned and run by Bruce and Alison Gilson, this farm isn’t just about growing organic produce—it’s about working with the land, preserving the wild beauty of the area, and making sure every bite of fruit is packed with pure, natural flavor.
And they’re not just saying it. Tierhoek is certified organic by WCF PGS (Western Cape Farmers’ Participatory Guarantee System), ensuring that everything grown and produced here meets the highest organic farming standards.
What started as a small organic orchard has grown into something much bigger: a thriving farm, a producer of all-natural jams and dried fruits, and even a weekend getaway destination where visitors can unwind in charming self-catering cottages.
The Stars of the Orchard
Wander through Tierhoek’s orchards, and you’ll find trees heavy with sun-ripened apricots, plums, lemons, quinces, and olives—all grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers.
Apricots – The Sungold, Imperial, and Bulida apricots are harvested in late spring and are juicy, sweet, and perfect for fresh eating or making into jam.
Plums – Laeticia and Songold plums, deep purple and bursting with flavor, come into season in early autumn.
Lemons – The farm’s Eureka lemons grow year-round, with the juiciest ones ready in midwinter.
Quinces – If you love homemade preserves, you’ll adore the golden Portuguesa quinces, picked in May and June.
Tomatoes – Italian Plum tomatoes, ideal for sauces and sun-drying, grow from January to March.
Olives – Pressed into a rich, golden olive oil, these olives bring a Mediterranean touch to the farm’s bounty.
Seasonal Veggies – Depending on the time of year, you’ll also find organic kale, chard, and chillies thriving in the fields.
From Farm to Jar
Bruce and Alison have always believed in keeping things natural. That’s why Tierhoek’s products are free from preservatives, sulphur, and artificial additives—just pure, sun-ripened goodness.
Jams & Marmalades – Whether it’s apricot jam, quince jam, or lemon marmalade, everything is made the old-fashioned way, with fruit, sugar, and a touch of love.
Dried Fruits – Unlike supermarket versions, Tierhoek’s dried apricots, bananas, grapes, and tomatoes are naturally dried — no chemicals, no nonsense, just intense, delicious flavor.
And they’re serious about sustainability, too. Everything is packaged in biodegradable, compostable materials, and glass jars are fully recyclable.
A Weekend Escape
Tierhoek isn’t just about farming—it’s also a place to slow down and soak in the beauty of the Robertson countryside. Their self-catering cottages are perfect for a romantic weekend away or a peaceful retreat from city life. Each cottage is nestled in the valley, surrounded by orchards and mountains, offering breathtaking views, private plunge pools, and cozy fireplaces for chilly evenings.
Whether you’re waking up to birdsong, sipping coffee on your veranda, or taking a sunset hike through the fynbos-covered hills, a stay at Tierhoek feels like a step back to a simpler, more peaceful way of life.
A Farm with Heart
For Bruce and Alison, Tierhoek is more than just a farm—it’s a passion project. It’s about creating food that’s good for the body and the planet, preserving the natural beauty of the valley, and sharing a little piece of their paradise with visitors.
So whether you’re tasting their homemade jams, snacking on sun-dried apricots, or spending a weekend under the big, open sky, you’re experiencing something special—a farm with heart, one delicious bite at a time.