Nestled in Greta Valley, Olivia’s fermentary is where she blends locally sourced ingredients producing small batches of sauerkraut.
Growing up in a foodie family, Olivia’s passion for food has always been ingrained in her. Every jar is made by hand on their family farm, following traditional methods of fermentation without pasteurization to preserve the natural flavours.
During her time living on a vineyard in Canada, Olivia’s tent neighbours introduced her to sauerkraut, kimchi, and water kefir. Their passion for fermenting almost anything and everything over a bonfire sparked Olivia’s interest into the world of fermentation.
After returning to New Zealand, Olivia now resides on a family farm in Greta Valley with her husband Tim and now their daughter. Olivia worked as a vineyard manager at Black Estate for five years and when Twyla came along she decided not to return to work. The thought of running her own fermentary was the perfect way to combine her creativity as an artist with her passion for health, and still have time for her family.
After years of recipe testing and refining, Olivia has perfected her formulas. She finds the transformative process of fermentation fascinating and delicious, describing it as a “rabbit hole” she happily explores. She uses local ingredients like organic cabbage and foraged items, adding an essence North Canterbury in her creations.
Wild Child Ferments was verified in July 2023 with the brand name “Wild Child” inspired by her daughter, Twyla. Beyond the Amberley Farmers’ Market and the Ohoka Market, Wild Child Ferments’ products are also available at Rangiora Produce Market and Merivale Fresh Choice.
Wild Child Ferments recently won Silver and Gold in the 2024 Outstanding Food Producer Awards for their products: Dilly Kraut, Krauitido, Naked Kimchi, and Wild Kraut.
Q&A with Olivia Barnes from Wild Child Ferments
Why North Canterbury? I love North Canterbury for its amazing community and the diversity of people I meet. There’s always the chance to meet new faces. I’m so lucky to be close to the sea, mountains, and rivers for plenty of outdoor adventures.
What’s your favourite thing to do in North Canterbury? Trail running in North Canterbury is pretty epic, especially at Mt. Grey. We love to hang out on the tractor and having farm picnics in Greta Valley. I like visiting Little Vintage in Amberley for their great café, we love to go to the Hanmer Springs hot pools, and ending the day with a beer and burger at Brew Moon.
Name your top three North Canterbury brands (other than your own!): Hard to say as there is too many to choose from but if I had to pick I would say Brew Moon brewery in Amberley, Waipara Honey and Wholey Dough.
Featured Products
Wild Child Ferments – Wild Kraut
