Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Perched high on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, Tokara Wine Estate has earned its place among the country’s most respected producers. Established in the mid-1990s by GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira, Tokara was born from a vision to craft world-class wines rooted in site expression, sustainability, and innovation. Over more than two decades, the estate has combined family-driven passion with cutting-edge winemaking to become a benchmark for modern South African wine.
The Ferreira family purchased the property in 1994, recognizing its potential for premium viticulture. Named after their children—Thomas, Kara, and their son’s middle name—the estate saw its first vineyards planted shortly thereafter. By 1999, a contemporary gravity-flow cellar had been built, setting the stage for a new era of precision winemaking in Stellenbosch.
Vineyards and Viticulture
Tokara’s vineyards benefit from diverse terroirs. Its primary site sits at elevations between 350 and 550 meters above sea level, with rocky, decomposed granite soils and a cooler microclimate influenced by Atlantic breezes. The estate also manages vineyards in the cooler Elgin region, ideal for Sauvignon Blanc. Sustainability is central to Tokara’s viticultural philosophy. Organic and biodynamic practices—including cover cropping, composting, and natural pest control—support soil health and biodiversity. Low-yielding vines and precision farming techniques help ensure that every berry expresses the character of its origin.
Wines and Winemaking
In the cellar, minimal intervention meets technical mastery. Grapes are harvested by hand, sorted meticulously, and fermented in small lots to preserve vineyard identity. Tokara’s winemaking blends old-world principles with modern technology—resulting in wines of structure, finesse, and age-worthiness.
The portfolio is structured around three tiers. The Premium Range offers approachable expressions of Stellenbosch terroir, while the Reserve Collection focuses on single-origin wines such as Elgin Sauvignon Blanc and Stellenbosch Syrah. At the top, the Director’s Reserve showcases the estate’s flagship blends: a Cabernet Sauvignon–led Bordeaux-style red, and a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc–Semillon white.
Accolades and Critical Acclaim:
- Platter’s South African Wine Guide 2022: Five wines received Five-Star ratings (95+ points), including both Director’s Reserve Red and White.
- Concours Mondial du Sauvignon 2021: Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc named Best Sauvignon Blanc in the World.
- Tim Atkin MW 2023 South Africa Report:
- Director’s Reserve Red 2020: 95 points – praised for its restraint, depth, and aging potential.
- Telos 2018 (flagship Cabernet-based blend): 95 points – called “the epitome of precision.”
- Director’s Reserve White 2021: 94 points – a benchmark white Bordeaux blend.
- Decanter World Wine Awards: Director’s Reserve White awarded 95 points (Gold).
- Consistent 90+ ratings across the portfolio from international critics and wine competitions.
After more than 25 years, Tokara continues to lead by example in South African wine. With a deep respect for its land, a commitment to sustainable excellence, and a relentless focus on quality, the estate delivers wines that speak eloquently of place—powerful yet poised, modern yet timeless. For trade buyers and enthusiasts seeking wines with pedigree, consistency, and a sense of origin, Tokara remains a name to know.
