Overview

Located on the spectacular Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Tokara is one of South Africa’s premier wine destinations. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and indigenous fynbos, it offers breathtaking views over the Simonsberg Mountains, False Bay and, on clear days, Table Mountain.

Tokara is internationally recognised for its Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, as well as its award-winning olive oil. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, exceptional dining, contemporary sculpture, walking trails and one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape Winelands.

History

Tokara’s story began in 1994, when businessman GT Ferreira and his wife Anne-Marie bought a property on the slopes of the Simonsberg. The name combines their children’s names, Thomas and Kara. What began as a family home has grown into one of South Africa’s most respected estates, with vineyards reaching 550 metres above sea level.

Since releasing its first wines, Tokara has earned international recognition for an uncompromising focus on quality. The founding family’s vision transformed the estate into one of the Cape Winelands’ premier destinations, bringing together award-winning wines, acclaimed extra virgin olive oil, contemporary architecture and generous hospitality – all framed by one of Stellenbosch’s most spectacular mountain settings.

Elevation & Terroir

Tokara’s vineyards sit high on the upper slopes of the Simonsberg mountain, where altitude and cooling ocean breezes off False Bay slow ripening and preserve freshness. This elevated setting, combined with the estate’s soils and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings, creates ideal conditions for the elegant, structured Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends for which Tokara is known. It is this deep sense of place – not technique alone – that the estate credits for the character of every bottle.

Art, Dining & Olive Oil

Beyond its wines, Tokara offers a complete Winelands experience. A carefully curated collection of sculptures and artworks is dappled among plantings of Cape fynbos across the estate, while the entrance to the winery and restaurant houses an art gallery – curated by Julia Meintjes – celebrating African creativity. Visitors can pair tastings with the estate’s extra virgin olive oil, dine on contemporary cuisine at the Tokara Restaurant or browse the Tokara Delicatessen, then follow gentle walks between the olive groves and vineyards. With views stretching from Table Mountain to Cape Point, wandering the gardens and sculptures has become one of Tokara’s signature experiences.