Innovation Rooted in Tradition: Tokara Winery, The Art of Crafting Exceptional Wines

Tokara, a family-owned vineyard, derives its name from the founders’ children, Thomas and Kara. Wherever you are in the world, sharing a bottle of Tokara wine evokes the mystery and majesty of the Simonsberg mountain, setting it apart from some of the world’s greatest wines. It’s not just about the winemaking process; it’s about the birthplace of the wine itself.

The farm rests on the Stellenbosch side of the Banghoek Valley, situated between 350m and 550m above sea level. This unique location forms the watershed between two picturesque valleys, with the majestic Simonsberg as its dramatic backdrop. The altitude, combined with the deep, rich, decomposed granite soils, contributes to the exciting variability between the vineyard sites and gives Tokara wines their distinct character.

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The soil profiles of weathered sandstone and decomposed granite lend structure, perfume, and longevity to Tokara wines. Years of dedication and expertise have allowed the winemakers to identify parcels of excellence within the vineyards, creating exceptional individual batches. These batches are carefully blended to produce the top-tier wines that Tokara is renowned for.

In addition to the vineyards in Stellenbosch, Tokara also has a Highlands vineyard located in Elgin, south of Stellenbosch. This cool-climate area, situated atop Sir Lowry’s Pass, features predominantly Table Mountain sandstone soils. These unique soil conditions impart an ethereal scent to Tokara’s Sauvignon Blanc and Cap Classique sparkling wine.

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At Tokara, tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. The winemaking process combines traditional methods with leading-edge technology, resulting in award-winning wines. Every wine is approached with care and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that it becomes a unique expression of Tokara’s winemaking style. The winemaker firmly believes that the terroir should take center stage, allowing each wine to tell its own distinctive story.

If you want to witness the winemaking process firsthand, Tokara invites you to visit during harvest time, which takes place from January to April. Observe as the grapes are delivered to the rooftop level, hand-sorted, crushed, and then make their way into the fermentation tanks suspended below. The journey continues as the wine trickles by gravity to the underground vaulted cellars, where it matures until it’s ready to be bottled and shared with the global market.

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For those who appreciate good company and excellent wine, Tokara offers exclusive wine tastings. Book a seat and be guided by knowledgeable and enthusiastic wine ambassadors through the different ranges of wines crafted at the estate. The wine tasting lounge, located in the architecturally designed winery, offers breathtaking views over False Bay to Table Mountain. As you savor the wines, you’ll also catch a glimpse of the fermentation cellar, a testament to Tokara’s commitment to excellence.

Tokara is more than just a vineyard; it’s a testament to the artistry of winemaking and the unique beauty of its surroundings. Through their dedication to the land and meticulous winemaking process, Tokara wines transport you to a world of green valleys, lofty mountainsides, and carefree days. Open a bottle of Tokara’s finest, and let the magic unfold.

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