Tokara: A World-Class Wine + Food Experience in Stellenbosch

High above Stellenbosch, on the breathtaking Helshoogte Pass, Tokara lures visitors with a smattering of wonderful experiences, from exceptional wines and multi-faceted food offerings to beautiful, art-filled surroundings.

Celebrating 25 years of wine-making, this family-owned wine farm welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the sense of place and the magic of Winelands life.

Raise a glass

The winery, cellar and tasting lounge – in a modern building with an enviable, view-drenched terrace and an interior filled with owners GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira’s contemporary art collection – takes centrestage. Tokara is especially lauded for its cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc, but you’ll find other varieties such as chardonnay and shiraz in its three ranges – Tokara Premium, Tokara Reserve and flagship Directors Reserve.

Most of the grapes are grown here, on the slopes of the Simonsberg, while the vibrant Reserve sauvignon blanc comes from the cool-climate Elgin area. Other gems include a limited-release chardonnay cap classique, a beautiful XO potstill brandy, a sweet straw wine (from chenin blanc) and pinnacle Telos cabernet. Tasting options are by range or by white or red wines. Cheese platters can be enjoyed with your tasting, and there’s a fireplace indoors for the colder months.
Cost From R95
Times Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm (last tasting)
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Picture perfect

Tokara was a pioneer of Winelands dining, opening one of the very first winery restaurants in the region. Whether you opt for lunch or stay for dinner, it comes with a side serving of dramatic views. Inside, the sophisticated white interior has walls dressed in William Kentridge tapestries; outside lies a sea of vineyards with False Bay in the distance.

Chef Carolize Coetzee’s menu could be nothing but inspired by this idyllic setting. She draws on the estate’s own fresh, organic produce, and hyper-local suppliers, to create her beautiful plates – where traditional culinary techniques are given a fresh, modern spin.

Dishes might include pork belly, fish of the day, risotto or springbok loin; with starters of tempura prawns or Angus beef tartare; and dessert of panna cotta, cheesecake or olive-oil cake. For vegetarians, there’s Asian-style cauliflower, aubergine tortellini and olive-oil pap with mushroom mousse, among other delights. Tokara’s wines are all available by the glass or bottle to enjoy with your meal. Dinner is a sublime five-course set menu with optional wine pairing.
Cost R950 (chef’s dinner); R650 (optional wine pairing)
R160 add-on for oyster welcoming course
Times Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: Tuesday – Sunday, 6pm – 9pm
Book through DinePlan

Delicious delights

For a more casual, family-friendly vibe, there’s Tokara’s Delicatessen, the domain of chef Stephanie de Wet. Nestled beside the olive groves, the glass walls of the dining area ensure you don’t miss out on the views. (There’s also a cosy fireplace for the colder months.)

Come early for breakfast/brunch (with the option of a set menu with eggs Benedict and bubbly); enjoy classic seasonal bistro fare for lunch, or just a pizza, platter or coffee and pastry in between. Before you leave, forage in the Deli for artisanal breads, pastries, local cheeses and preserves, olive products and gourmet ingredients to take home.

There is a kids menu, and the fantastical playground outside will be the highlight for most youngsters, with its nest-like treehouses, rope tunnels, bird and tree sculptures and lawns to run on.
Times Daily, 9am – 5pm (kitchen closes 3.30pm)
Book through DinePlan

Liquid gold

In addition to wines, Tokara is also renowned for its olive oil, produced in the boutique olive press on site. Various Tuscan varieties are grown, and you can discover the nuances of this ancient fruit with a guided “olive oil odyssey” at the Deli. Each oil is paired with a bruschetta canapé (ciabatta, sourdough, focaccia, seedloaf) topped with anything from Black Forest ham, manchego cheese, ostrich carpaccio to kale-parsley pesto. And to end, a sweet slice of olive oil and polenta nut cake.
Cost R110
Times Daily, 9am – 5pm
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Nature’s finest

You’re not quite done yet. Meander along gentle walking paths past a collection of outdoor sculptures, through landscaped gardens where you might spot a peacock or two, and between the olive groves and vines and swathes of fynbos. It’s your chance to truly soak up this incredible setting.
Contact 021 808 5900, [email protected]
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Stellenbosch

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